[AfricaRealities.com] Fwd: UN DAILY NEWS DIGEST - 21 August

 

UN DAILY NEWS from the
UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE
21 August, 2015
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UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES END TO 'ENDEMIC IMPUNITY' FOR VIOLATIONS IN DARFUR

A new United Nations report paints a grim picture of "systemic failure, or outright refusal" by authorities in Darfur to take human rights violations seriously and points to the failure of initiatives taken so far by the Government to combat "endemic impunity."

"Most victims have not received justice or any remedies for the wrongs that they suffered," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said on the report's findings.

"The casual manner in which inquiries by UN human rights staff have been dismissed by local police is deeply disturbing and indicates the extent to which State officials feel they are above the law," he said. "The authorities must bring an end to the endemic impunity in Darfur."

The report, based on information provided by the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), details cases of human rights violations and reveals widespread impunity.

The report details incidents where Sudanese police and security forces were allegedly involved in physical attacks against civilians, including shooting and killing, as well as abductions, robberies and extortion. Such cases, the report said, are underreported due to fears of reprisals and a general lack of trust in the authorities.

"Of the 411 cases documented by UNAMID of alleged violations and abuses of the right to physical integrity, by all parties to the conflict, very few were investigated or resulted in arrests," according to the report. "Of these, 127 involved the use of sexual violence. These 411 cases are illustrative of a much broader pattern of violence."

"It describes the failure of initiatives taken so far by the Government to combat impunity in Darfur, including the creation of the Special Court for Crimes in Darfur (SCCD), amendment of Sudan's Criminal Code of 1991 to make provisions for crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes pertaining to the conduct of hostilities, as well as related provisions in Sudan's Armed Forces Act 2007," the report said.

"The report paints a very grim picture of the systemic failure, or outright refusal, by the authorities to take human rights violations seriously," the top UN human rights officials said.

It also "documents violations of international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict, including indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilian areas resulting in deaths and injuries, burning of villages, and destruction of other civilian property and means of sustaining livelihood."

High Commissioner Zeid said the UN stands ready to continue to assist the Government to ensure accountability and victims' rights to redress, but that it was ultimately a question of political will.

"I urge both the Government and opposition movements to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution of violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law, including with the International Criminal Court," he said, also urging the Sudanese Government and armed opposition groups to take the findings of this report very seriously and to prioritize the fight against impunity.

The report provides recommendations to the Government and the armed opposition movements to strengthen accountability mechanisms to combat impunity and enhance access to justice in Darfur.


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BAN CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AS VIOLATIONS JEOPARDIZE THE CEASEFIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND SYRIA

Deeply concerned over the serious violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, United Nations Secretary-General ban Ki-moon today called on all involved to exercise maximum restraint to prevent any further escalation in an already tense regional environment.

"The Secretary-General condemns all violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and calls on all concerned to refrain from any action that jeopardizes the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and undermines the stability of the area," reads a statement issued by the UN spokesperson.

Reportedly, rockets were fired yesterday across the ceasefire line into northern Israel, landing in the vicinity of Qiryat Shmona, in response to which the Israel Defence Forces fired across the ceasefire line, with projectiles impacting in the vicinity of Syrian Arab Armed Forces positions near Al Baath and Khan Arnabeh.

The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) immediately liaised with the Israel Defence Forces and the Syrian Arab Armed Forces to de-escalate the situation, "which is currently quiet," adds the statement.

UNDOF was established by the Security Council to monitor the ceasefire between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. Since then, the Observer Force has remained in the area to maintain the ceasefire and to supervise the implementation of the disengagement agreement.


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UN REFUGEE AGENCY CONCERNED BY VIOLENCE AT BORDER OF FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AND GREECE

The United Nations refugee agency is concerned about the increasingly precarious situation at the border between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), where force was used earlier today to prevent people from crossing.

"The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is particularly worried about the thousands of vulnerable refugees and migrants, especially women and children, now massed on the Greek side of the border amid deteriorating conditions," says a press release.

Speaking today with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Foreign Minister, Nikola Poposki, High Commissioner António Guterres received assurances that the border will not be closed in the future.

"While understanding the pressures [his country] is facing, as well as legitimate security concerns, UNHCR appeals to the Government to put in place mechanisms necessary to establish an orderly and protection-sensitive management of its borders. In particular, we encourage the Government to work with [us] to establish sufficient reception capacity in the country as well as organized registration and identification," adds the statement.

The Greek authorities were urged to enhance registration and reception arrangements for people in need of international protection and to provide urgent assistance to people stranded on their side of the border and help them move towards reception facilities away from it.

Standing ready to provide assistance to both governments with these "challenging tasks," the agency also reiterated earlier calls on the European Union (EU) to step up support for countries affected and impacted by the movement of refugees in south-east Europe, including through the robust implementation of the EU Agenda on Migration and increased legal pathways of admission to Europe.

"Europe must act together in response to this growing crisis and help overstretched countries like Greece, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia," UNHCR concluded.


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TOP UN RELIEF OFFICIAL IN SOMALIA APPEALS FOR SCALED-UP ASSISTANCE IN NEWLY OPENED AREAS

Just back from an assessment mission in southern regions of Somalia, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the country has underscored that while relief supplies are reaching the areas "after years of isolation," much work lay ahead for people to rebuild their lives in the towns of Baardheere and Diinsoor, in the Gedo and Bay regions, respectively.

"I was pleased to meet with people on the ground and see how medical and other humanitarian supplies are now going to these areas, after years of isolation," said Peter de Clercq press release, noting that he was particularly encouraged by the resilience and determination of the people living in the towns he and his team had visited.

At the same time, much work remains to help people rebuild their future. Particularly concerning were the displaced people returning home, many of whom needed immediate support, he said. Due mainly to insecurity, only limited humanitarian assistance had been provided in either location for many years. Further, during recent military operations, hospitals were looted or burnt, leaving civilians in dire need of assistance.

"As I visited hospitals and schools in the two towns, I spoke to people who had suffered enormously," said Mr. de Clercq.

On 5 August, humanitarian actors helped to meet the town's critical and urgent need for medication by facilitating the transport of 1.2 metric tonnes of medical supplies into Diinsoor, located in Bay's south-western region.

"A woman told me she hasn't been able to leave Diinsoor for the last eight years," recounted the Humanitarian Coordinator. A mother of two, the woman feared for the lives of her children, as the town had neither health nor educational services.

Although food, clean water and basic services remained scarce in both towns, schools were due to re-open soon – albeit with damaged infrastructure and too few teachers.

Over the past months, most livelihoods had been destroyed – leading to serious food insecurity and high malnutrition. For nearly a decade, farmers had been unable to access quality seeds and irrigation systems laid shattered. Additionally, livestock had not been vaccinated.

The Humanitarian Coordinator explained that providing support to agricultural and livestock production was crucial, including urgent assistance so the local population may produce more and faster, gradually allowing them to stand on their feet and look to a brighter future.

Mr. de Clercq and the assessment teams discussed response activities with the authorities and humanitarian colleagues. During a meeting with community elders in Diinsoor, the Humanitarian Coordinator praised their positive spirit of cooperation, courage and sacrifice to assist humanitarian actors in their efforts to deliver.

"The expectations are very high, and we must work hard so that we do not let down the people of Diinsoor and other areas that recently opened up," he said.

Currently, more than 14 humanitarian organizations work in the two towns and, as the situation improves, more are expected to begin activities.


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UN HEALTH WORKERS VACCINATE MILLIONS OF CHILDREN AGAINST POLIO AND MEASLES IN WAR-RAVAGED YEMEN

Nearly a quarter of all health facilities in Yemen are no longer operating fully – with more expected to close down in the coming weeks – resulting in "catastrophic consequences" for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure who are dependent on life-saving support, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

"The departure of health professionals fleeing violence has led to shortages of qualified health workers, creating a gap in the provision of primary health care, trauma and surgical care, as well as obstetric care," WHO said in a press release issued Thursday in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital. "Further exacerbating the situation are shortages of power and fuel which have resulted in the closure of intensive care units and operation rooms in almost all hospitals across the country."

Against this backdrop, however, WHO announced it has managed to vaccinate more than 3.9 million children under 5 years against polio in a national wide campaign launched on 15 August and an more than 860,000 other children aged 6 month to 15 years against measles in high-risk areas.

"Despite these achievements, we are only touching the tip of the iceberg in terms of our response," said Dr. Ahmed Shadoul, WHO Representative for Yemen. "Millions of people are in urgent need of health care services and thousands more could lose their lives – not as a result of the violence, but as a result of limited funding impeding our ability to reach affected populations."

More than15.2 million people are in need of health services life-saving assistance in Yemen, according to the agency, and the 1.4 million on the move, the "massive" population movement has overstretched functioning health facilities in areas hosting the displaced, increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable and waterborne diseases. More than 2.6 million children under 15 years of age are at risk of measles and another 2.5 million under 5 at risk of diarrhoeal disease and acute respiratory infections, WHO said.

"Almost 23 per cent of all health facilities in Yemen are currently non-functional or partially functional as a direct result of ongoing violence, and additional facilities continue to close down week by week," the agency said.

Most recently, the renal dialysis centre in Haradh governorate was forced to close due to increased violence and insecurity in the area preventing staff and patients from accessing the facility.

'The centre's closure could have catastrophic consequences for chronic renal failure patients who are dependent on its live-saving support," according to WHO.

WHO has also trained and deployed over 50 mobile medical teams and 20 fixed medical teams in 11 governorates to provide an integrated primary health care package, and provided fuel to support the operation of 72 health facilities.

To reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, WHO has provided safe drinking water, hygiene supplies and cleaning materials to displaced populations in all affected governorates.

Out of $151 million required to meet the health needs of internally displaced persons in Yemen until the end of 2015, only $23 million has been received, leaving a funding gap of 85 per cent.

"If WHO does not receive much needed funds in the next coming months, more critical health care services will be forced to shut down," the agency warned.

The top UN humanitarian official told the Security Council on Thursday that the scale of human suffering is nearly incomprehensible, and that unless stakeholders get the parties to stop the fighting and return to the negotiating table, soon "there will be nothing left to fight for."

"The civilian population is bearing the brunt of the conflict – a shocking four out of five Yemenis require humanitarian assistance and nearly 1.5 million people are internally displaced. More than 1,000 children have been killed or injured and the number of young people recruited or used as fighters is increasing," Under-Secretary-General for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O'Brien, told the 15-member body.


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KOSOVO: PROGRESS MADE THUS FAR DEMANDS 'CONTINUING COMMITMENT' FROM PARTIES, SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD

The enormous strides already taken by Kosovo and Serbia through the European Union-facilitated dialogue demand continuing commitment from both the parties and the international community, the United Nations Security Council was told today.

"Reaching equitable compromises, those which overcome legacies from the conflict and produce tangible benefit to both sides, is not limited only to the terms of the First Agreement reached on 19 April 2013," said Farid Zarif, addressing the 15-member Council for the last time in his capacity as head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

On 25 August, the top leaders from each side will meet once again, seeking accord on issues where differences, while narrowed, still remain.

"During the coming days, it is my hope that the dialogue will expand to include other difficult issues, which continue to burden relations," he explained, citing the fate of missing persons and compensations for their families; the revitalisation of transport and commercial links; the complex issues surrounding property; and the return and settlement of refugees and internally displaced persons; as well as the status of the Orthodox Church.

Briefing the Council about the situation in Kosovo over the last three months, Mr. Zarif started by commending the critically important step taken its institutions in August, when the Assembly passed the requisite constitutional amendment and the laws on the establishment of the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office. Marking progress on the judiciary, these legislative acts fully accord with Kosovo and the European Union's agreement, he noted.

If delays in finalizing the required framework had become a subject of serious concern, stressed the Special Representative, "the passage of the necessary normative acts and their promulgation yesterday by President Jahjaga, stands as a sign of Kosovo's increasing determination to meet its fundamental obligations and commitments, which imply full respect for the rule of law and impartial justice; as well as accountability and equality before the law."

One of the challenges Kosovo is facing is the legal protection of cultural and religious heritage sites. "Respect, protection and preservation of the Serbian Orthodox cultural heritage in Kosovo are fundamental duties, and also test of the responsibility of Kosovo's governing institutions," underlined Mr. Zarif.

Should these fail, he warned, many other important functions and responsibilities may equally fall into question. "It is, therefore, a matter of the utmost importance that the legal framework of protection, enshrined in the constitution of Kosovo, is adhered to with conscientious rigor."

In that regard, Mr. Zarif, who is also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, commended the firm assurances given to him by Prime Minister Isa Mustafa that a revised version of the draft Law on Cultural Heritage will not be approved by the Cabinet and submitted to the Assembly unless it fully conforms with the relevant provisions of the Constitution.

"When I arrived to Kosovo, soon after the events of July 2011, tension was extremely high on the ground. Four years on from that time, the situation differs dramatically," Mr. Zarif reflected.

"No progress is irreversible, of course. I do not wish to suggest that the efforts made to date are yet sufficient to guarantee headway. I do, however, firmly believe that there is objective justification for cautious optimism that this process will continue and produce more tangible results in the interest of all."


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IN SYRIA, UN AGENCY REPORTS JUMP IN TYPHOID CASES AMONG PALESTINIAN REFUGEES FROM YARMOUK CAMP

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) today said it has now identified 23 cases of typhoid among the civilian population from the Yarmouk refugee camp, more than threefold increase in the number of six cases first identified on 18 August.

"We are gravely concerned that this is the tip of the iceberg and that the increase in figures reflects an appalling public health crisis inside Yarmouk camp itself. As heat continues to affect Damascus, with temperatures topping 41°C (105°F), and with frequent cuts in water supplies, the risk of epidemics is extremely worrying in Yarmouk, Yalda and other adjacent areas such as Babila and Beit Saham, said UNRWA Spokesman, Chris Gunness.

The agency based its assessments on data collected this week from over 500 hundred medical examinations in the Yalda district of Damascus, near Yarmouk. UNRWA has been treating civilians mainly from the refugee camp which was taken over by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) on 1 April.

Access to healthcare in these places remains heavily limited, pointed out Mr. Gunness. UNRWA, he added, will continue to treat individual cases to which it has access, administering antibiotics, distributing water purifying tablets and giving appropriate health education guidance.

"However, the situation demands a major public health intervention to improve the water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure of the camp."

UNRWA's priority indeed remains the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians within Yarmouk itself, explained Chris Gunness, who reiterated the call for respect and compliance with obligations to protect civilians and to establish secure conditions under which life-saving humanitarian assistance can be delivered.

"The vulnerability of civilians in Yarmouk remains of the highest severity. This is a fight against time. We are concerned that unless we see a rapid improvement in the public health situation, the number of typhoid patients could increase to the level of a public health emergency," the Spokesman insisted.

As violence continues to threaten the lives and safety of Palestine refugees throughout Syria, he appealed for donors to increase their support to the Agency's $415 million Syria Crisis Appeal, which has received only 30.8 per cent of the funds needed for 2015.

"More than 95 per cent of Palestine refugees in Syria now rely on UNRWA to meet their daily needs of food, water and healthcare. Priority interventions include cash assistance which enables UNRWA to serve up to 470,000 Palestine refugees in need. Additional funding is also required for critical non-food items including blankets, mattresses and hygiene kits for displaced Palestine refugee families throughout the country," concluded Mr. Gunness.


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SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN LEBANON FOR ANOTHER YEAR

Determining that the situation in Lebanon continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security, the Security Council today decided to extend the present mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for one year, until 31 August 2016.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member body "strongly" called upon all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities, to prevent any violation of the Blue Line and to respect it "in its entirety."

They urged further international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, in areas where they are most critically in need of support, including counter-terrorism and border protection.

Recognizing that UNIFIL deployment, together with the Lebanese Armed Forces, has helped to establish a "new strategic environment" in southern Lebanon, the Security Council calls for further cooperation between them, in particular regarding coordinated and adjacent patrols.

The resolution adopted today also urged all parties to abide "scrupulously" by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and to ensure that the Mission's freedom of movement is "fully respected and unimpeded."

The Government of Israel is urged to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar "without further delay" in coordination with UNIFIL.

In the resolution, the Security Council expresses "deep concern" at all violations in connection with resolution 1701, in particular the "serious disruption" of the cessation of hostilities that took place on 28 January 2015. The incident is still under investigation by UNIFIL.

The peacekeeping force, which was first established in 1978, is tasked with ensuring that the area between the so-called Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon and the Litani River is free of unauthorized weapons, personnel and assets. It also cooperates with the Lebanese armed forces so they can fulfil their security responsibilities, and continues to monitor and report on ground and air violations.


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MAURITANIA: UN EXPERT WELCOMES NEW ANTI-SLAVERY LAW, SAYS EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT IS KEY

While applauding the adoption of a new anti-slavery law in Mauritania that doubles, from 10 to 20 years, the maximum prison sentence for slavery crimes and creates special prosecution tribunals for slavery-like practices, a United Nations expert today cautioned that "this welcome development needs to be followed by its full implementation."

Special Rapporteur Urmila Bhoola, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, said today in a press release that slavery and slavery-like practices can be eradicated only if the existing laws, policies and programmes are implemented fully and effectively.

The Special Rapporteur commended the Mauritanian Government for taking this important step towards replacing the 2007 anti-slavery law, which proved to be ineffective in terms of prosecution.

Commenting on the new anti-slavery legislation adopted by the Mauritanian National Assembly last week, Ms. Bhoola hailed it for giving civil society organizations the right to lodge legal complaints on behalf of the victims – but noted that legal requirements might impede some from doing so. While the law also foresees free legal assistance and refers to victims' right to reparation, it does not elaborate on modalities.

The rights expert noted that, despite some shortcomings, the new legislation exhibited the Government's commitment to implement the road map adopted by the Council of Ministers in March 2014 to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery.

"It is necessary that the implementing legislation regarding special tribunals adopts a rights-based approach, including by ensuring the right to an effective access to justice for all victims," emphasized the Special Rapporteur.

Ms. Bhoola highlighted the need for "a holistic approach to eradicating slavery, combining the criminal law approach with measures aimed at addressing root causes of contemporary forms of slavery and programmes for victim protection, assistance and socio-economic integration with a view of providing them with alternative livelihoods."

The expert called on Mauritania to step up its efforts to implement the road map and its national action plan – drawing on recommendations made by the previous Special Rapporteur following her official 2009 country visit.

Ms. Bhoola offered technical assistance to the country and called for resources to tackle slavery and slavery-like practices, including by the international community.


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UN RIGHTS EXPERTS CONDEMN LATEST PRISON SENTENCING OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN AZERBAIJAN

Condemning the recent prison sentencing of two prominent Azerbaijani human rights defenders, United Nations human rights experts today expressed concern about the activists' health during their pre-trial detention and called on the Government to immediately halt any persecution against human rights advocates.

"The authorities of Azerbaijan must put an end immediately to all forms of persecution against human rights activists in the country," said the human rights experts in a news release from The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stressing that "criminalization of those working for the promotion and protection of human rights in the country is deeply disconcerting."

Leyla and Arif Yunus, like other activists such as Anar Mammadli, Rasul Jafarov and Intigam Aliyev, have been targeted because of their legitimate human rights work in Azerbaijan, say the UN experts.

The two rights defenders were sentenced to eight and a half and seven years' imprisonment respectively on charges of fraud, tax evasion, illegal entrepreneurship, as well as treason.

"Silencing these prominent voices is having a devastating impact on the Azerbaijani civil society as a whole," warned the experts, reiterating their call on the authorities to reverse the trend of repression, criminalization and prosecution of human rights work in the country.

They were not only concerned about the serious health deterioration of the two human rights activists, but also about their trial failing to meet the international norms.

"We are troubled at the lack of examination of the evidence provided and the refusal to allow international independent observers into the courtroom during the trial proceedings," noted the experts, while reminding the Government of its legal obligations under international human rights law that ensure every Azerbaijani the rights to freedom of speech, a fair trial and the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

"The State has the primary responsibility to protect human rights defenders from any form of harassment, intimidation and retaliation arising as a result of their legitimate and peaceful human rights activities," they stressed.

The experts include Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Maina Kiai, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression; Mónica Pinto, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Dainius Pûras, Special Rapporteur on the right to health; and Seong-Phil Hong, Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

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.


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