[afrocarpus] UN DAILY NEWS from the UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE

 

UN DAILY NEWS from the
UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE
15 June, 2016
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AT SECURITY COUNCIL, UN ENVOY WARNS LRA SHIFTING FOCUS TO MORE HIGH-PROFILE TARGETS IN CENTRAL AFRICA

The United Nations is concerned about the impact of Uganda's potential withdrawal from military operations against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in the Central African Republic, the Secretary-General's envoy for the region said today, stressing that a departure of Ugandan troops must be well-coordinated.

"The LRA continues to threaten the security of the population in its operating area and has notably increased its alleged attacks in the Central African Republic (CAR) during the reporting period, reportedly extending into areas that had previously seen little to no LRA movement," said Abdoulaye Bathily, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN Regional Office For Central Africa (UNOCA), in his briefing to the Security Council.

Group elements have also persisted in attacking the civilian population in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), he added.

UNOCA has continued its active engagement to fill coordination gaps on the LRA issue over the past six month, convening the bi-annual meeting of LRA focal points in April and also, together with the AU and other UN partners, organizing a workshop in March to identify more clearly the respective roles and responsibilities of different actors in LRA-affected countries that are assisting LRA members who have defected or escaped from the group, Mr. Bathily said.

Although the successful holding of presidential and legislative elections in CAR has put the country back on the path of sustainable peace, development and longer-term peacebuilding, challenges remain immense, in the context of ongoing, serious protection and humanitarian needs, crushing poverty and urgent requirements in the areas of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation as well as on security sector reform, he noted.

"Armed groups still control large parts of the country, and the Government is in need of the full political, programmatic and financial support of the international community to ensure the re-establishment of state authority throughout the country," Mr. Bathily explained.

On Boko Haram insurgents, he said that the collective efforts of the Lake Chad Basin countries have reduced the terrorist group's capacity to undertake frequent attacks, as the cross-border operations by the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have captured Boko Haram fighters, freed captives and reclaimed territory from the group.

Boko Haram, however, continues to pose a serious threat to regional stability, he said. While humanitarian assistance has been mobilized for the populations affected by Boko Haram, the number of internally displaced persons and refugees fleeing from Boko Haram violence continues to rise, with limited funding received thus far to address the growing humanitarian needs.

"For these reasons, it is crucial that international partners maintain their support to the region to end the threat posed by the group and stress the need for a holistic regional approach, as emphasized during the Second Regional Security Summit, held in Abuja on 14 May," he said, urging the global community to support MNJTF through the mobilization of requisite political, logistical and financial support in a flexible manner.

In all of UNOCA's work, he noted, principal partner remains the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and during the reporting period, the two institutions have focused on the further strengthening of their relationship.


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IN BRUSSELS, BAN URGES EU MEMBER STATES TO MEET DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE TARGETS

On the second day of his visit to Brussels, Belgium, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the opening ceremony of the European Development Days forum and participated in a commemoration for the victims of the March airport bombing attacks in the city.

Speaking at the European Development Days – an annual two-day forum organized by the European Commission bringing together the development community to share ideas and experiences – the Secretary-General emphasized that the focus of this year's meeting on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was timely and influential, given that the meetings have fostered partnership and innovation for a better future for the past 10 years.

"National borders do not defend against climate change, emerging diseases or economic shocks," Mr. Ban said. "Our challenges are global, and it is only as a global family that we can overcome them."

For that reason, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are universal, addressing existing and emerging global challenges, and recognizing that such challenges are faced by developing and developed countries alike, the UN chief said.

Acknowledging that developing countries need special attention, Mr. Ban underscored that all countries have inequality and youth unemployment, are vulnerable to economic instability, and need to promote gender equality.

"The goals set out a path for the future of our planet, and all who inhabit it. Everyone, including and especially those who live in the most developed nations, has a role to play in ensuring that our planet can support the people of coming generations," the Secretary-General said.

"The 2030 Agenda represents a paradigm shift. It challenges us to rethink how we do development," he added.

In that vein, Mr. Ban stressed that "every effort" should be made to meet official development assistance (ODA) targets. Commending those countries that have met the 0.7 target, he urged all European Union (EU) Member States to do so.

"The quality of ODA also needs to improve. And we need better links between development and humanitarian relief," the Secretary-General said.

In addition, he emphasized that the World Humanitarian Summit convened in Istanbul, Turkey, this past month, along with the Agenda for Humanity outlining five priorities that complement the goals of the 2030 Agenda, clearly outlined that leaders must assume their responsibility to prevent and end conflict.

Moreover, States must affirm their responsibility to uphold the norms that safeguard humanity, and leave no one behind, as well as change people's lives by moving from delivering aid to ending need and investing in humanity.
"Now we must take those commitments forward, through intergovernmental and inter-agency processes, with regular progress reviews," the Secretary-General said.

"The United Nations counts on your ideas and your partnership to build a better future for all of humanity – for people, planet, peace and prosperity," he concluded.

Also today, Mr. Ban laid a wreath at Brussels Airport, in the presence of senior Belgian officials and first responders, to commemorate the terrorist bombings in Brussels.

The attacks, which occurred on 22 March, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and many more injuries.

"This was a heinous attack not only on Belgium, but on all of humanity. The attack, here at the airport and at the metro station, symbolizes this: the one place where all different nationalities congregate," Mr. Ban said.

The Secretary-General also met with the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and discussed the decision by the Government to close refugee camps, encouraging the Government to work with the Government of Somalia and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the context of the Tripartite Agreement.

In addition, Mr. Ban received the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold from King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. He also attended an Asia Society Dialogue meeting and participated in an Advisory Board meeting of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative.


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UN HEALTH AGENCY GROUP FINDS COFFEE POSES NO CANCER RISK; ISSUES WARNING ON 'VERY HOT' DRINKS

An international working group of scientists convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that coffee should no longer be considered a carcinogen, although it found limited evidence that drinking very hot beverages can cause oesophageal cancer.

A summary of the final evaluations by the working group – which was convened by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer agency of WHO – was published today in The Lancet Oncology, and focused on the carcinogenicity of drinking coffee, maté and very hot beverages.

"These results suggest that drinking very hot beverages is one probable cause of oesophageal cancer and that it is the temperature, rather than the drinks themselves, that appears to be responsible," said Dr. Christopher Wild, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The working group found no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect of drinking coffee. However, the experts did find that drinking very hot beverages probably causes cancer of the oesophagus in humans. No conclusive evidence was found for drinking maté at temperatures that are not very hot.

Specifically, drinking very hot beverages was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans. This was based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies that showed positive associations between cancer of the oesophagus and drinking very hot beverages.

Studies in places such as China, Iran, Turkey and South America, where tea or maté is traditionally drunk very hot (at about 70 °C), found that the risk of oesophageal cancer increased with the temperature at which the beverage was drunk.

In experiments involving animals, there was also limited evidence for the carcinogenicity of very hot water.

"Smoking and alcohol drinking are major causes of oesophageal cancer, particularly in many high-income countries," Dr. Wild emphasized. "However, the majority of oesophageal cancers occur in parts of Asia, South America, and East Africa, where regularly drinking very hot beverages is common and where the reasons for the high incidence of this cancer are not as well understood."

Oesophageal cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer worldwide and one of the main causes of cancer death, with approximately 400,000 deaths – or five per cent of all cancer deaths – recorded in 2012. The proportion of oesophageal cancer cases that may be linked to drinking very hot beverages is not known.
The working group also found that cold maté did not have carcinogenic effects in experiments on animals or in epidemiological studies. Therefore, drinking maté at temperatures that are not very hot was not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.

That finding was based on inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of drinking cold or warm maté and inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of cold maté as a drinking liquid.

In addition, the group found that drinking coffee was not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. The large body of evidence currently available led to the re-evaluation of the carcinogenicity of coffee drinking, previously classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1991.

After reviewing more than 1,000 studies in humans and animals, the working group found that there was inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of coffee drinking overall. Many epidemiological studies showed that coffee drinking had no carcinogenic effects for cancers of the pancreas, female breast and prostate, and reduced risks were seen for cancers of the liver and uterine endometrium.

For more than 20 other cancers, the evidence was inconclusive, according to the working group.

The working group's evaluation is in line with the WHO Technical Report Series 916 on Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, which states that people should not consume drinks when they are at a scalding hot temperature.


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ON WORLD DAY, BAN CALLS FOR ENDING ELDER ABUSE AS A PATHWAY TOWARDS GLOBAL GOALS

Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today emphasized that ending neglect, abuse and violence against older people is crucial as the international community continues to work together towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and fulfil their underlying pledge to leave no one behind.

"Abuse and violence directed at older people take many forms, including partner and stranger violence, psychological and emotional abuse and financial exploitation," Mr. Ban said in his message to mark the Day.

"On this Day, I call upon Member States and civil society to strengthen their resolve and redouble their efforts to eliminate all forms of violence and abuse against older people," he added, highlighting that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to end poverty and build a more sustainable world for all.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – observed annually on 15 June since it was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2011 – aims to spotlight the global social issues affecting elderly people. The commemoration also brings the attention of the international community on the safeguarding of older human beings from mistreatment and suffering.

Elder abuse can be defined as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person." Such abuse can take various forms, including physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse, and can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.

Empowering Older Women - The forgotten half-billion

Noting that older women suffer from age and gender discrimination and are more vulnerable than men, Mr. Ban pointed out that World Health Organization (WHO) estimates show that up to 10 per cent of older people may be affected in some countries.

"Abuse of older women often follows a lifetime of discrimination, violence and oppression. I am particularly alarmed by growing reports of older women who are accused of witchcraft, making them targets of abuse from their own families and communities," Mr. Ban said.

Along those lines, the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, Rosa Kornfeld-Matte, warned that insufficient action is being taken to stop elder abuse around the world, and called on anyone who suspects such a case to immediately report it.

"One in ten older persons experience abuse every month. So, tomorrow it may well be you," Ms. Kornfeld-Matte said in a statement released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The Independent Expert noted that elder abuse occurs anywhere in institutional settings, but often also at home, and it affects older persons across all socio-economic groups. Manifestations include physical violence, sexual or emotional abuse, abandonment, and neglect, as well as financial or material exploitation.

"One of the reasons for lack of action is that most people would rather not think of themselves as frail and dependent and, therefore, do not feel concerned. For others, it may be inconceivable that those who are closest to them today – their beloved ones – may be the perpetrators of tomorrow," she said.

"Those concerned – the older persons who are physically restrained, left in soiled clothes, overmedicated or emotionally neglected – may not speak up for fear of reprisals or to protect relatives from criminal prosecution," she added.

Ms. Kornfeld-Matte emphasized that most cases of elder abuse go undetected and prevalence rates are likely to be underestimated. It is therefore essential to continue to raise awareness to help prevent some abuse cases and to ensure that those that take place are immediately reported, she said.

Warning signs can include unexplained bruises, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration, unexplained changes of alertness and sudden changes in finances and accounts.

"On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I urge everyone who suspects a case of elder abuse: report your concerns," the Independent Expert said.

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SOUTH SUDAN: UN RELIEF WING REPORTS INCREASE IN VIOLENCE AGAINST AID WORKERS

While thousands of vulnerable people in South Sudan have been reached with assistance and protection in recent months, violent incidents against aid workers increased during the month of May, the United Nations humanitarian wing reported today.

According to a humanitarian update for South Sudan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) found that 78 humanitarian access incidents were reported by partners in May, 73 per cent of which involved violence against aid personnel or their properties. The figure was higher than in April, when 48 incidents were reported, and also higher than the monthly average of 63 incidents reported from January to March.

"Road and river travel for humanitarians continues to be hazardous," OCHA said in the update.

The violent incidents – including shooting, ambushes, assaults, harassment and robberies – increased during May, and included the killing of three humanitarian workers, bringing the reported number of aid workers killed in South Sudan to 55 since the conflict began in December 2013.

Since January, there have been 29 incidents of robberies of vehicles while traveling to assess, deliver and pre-position vital supplies, 13 of them in the month of May. In Upper Nile, humanitarian partners were shot at while attempting to cross the River Nile to deliver humanitarian assistance between Malakal and Wau Shilluk on 26 and 30 May, OCHA said.

In the update, OCHA also reported that nearly 4,500 internally displaced people departed the Bentiu Protection of Civilians site in May, bringing the population in the site to about 95,000 at the end of the month.

Most of those departing – mainly adult men and women – reported that they planned on engaging in farming activities in Rubkona, Guit and Koch counties.

In addition, OCHA said that thousands of people have received humanitarian assistance in Guit, Koch, Mayom and Rubkona counties in recent months, as partners based in Bentiu took advantage of the dry season to extend aid to parts of Unity previously inaccessible by road.

About 103,400 people have been reached with food rations distributed outside the Bentiu Protection of Civilians site – including in Bentiu Town, Ding Ding, Kuach, Nhialdiu, Nimni, Bil, Kadet and Jazeera – since February, while seeds and fishing kits have been provided to about 7,400 households in Guit County and 10,000 in Koch County, OCHA said.

Nutrition surveys have been conducted in Guit and Rubkona in May, and support for acutely malnourished children and pregnant and lactating mothers is ongoing.

OCHA also highlighted that more than one year following the start of the offensive in south and central Unity in April 2015, which displaced hundreds of thousands of people, more than 310,000 people – including displaced, returnees and vulnerable host community members – are receiving humanitarian assistance and protection in southern Unity.

However, humanitarian partners have reported that their activities are increasingly impeded by under-funding. Ganyiel hospital, the only functioning referral theatre in southern Unity, has shortages of regular primary health-care commodities due to logistical constraints and road insecurities. In mid-April, health cluster partners from Bentiu had to send surgical and anaesthetic kits to the hospital, OCHA said.

In addition, OCHA reported that since August 2015, ongoing insecurity and four major outbreaks of fighting have affected Yambio and Gangura. As a result, civilians were displaced multiple times, including to the surrounding jungle areas and other payams.

Moreover, health partners are investigating an outbreak of haemorrhagic fever syndrome that has affected Aweil North and West counties since December 2015. The latest case was detected on 3 June, although no new deaths have been reported since 28 February, OCHA said.

As the rainy season begins, humanitarian partners are also working closely with relevant authorities to avert an outbreak of cholera.


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HAITI: UN AND PARTNERS WARN AGAINST 'INSTITUTIONAL VACUUM,' CALL FOR RETURN TO CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER

The United Nations and its partners in Haiti have today expressed concern that as the provisional president's agreed 120-day mandate has come to end, "no measures have been taken to ensure institutional continuity" in the island nation, where several key deadlines regarding the political transition process have been missed.

In a joint press statement he Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Sandra Honoré, and the other members of the international community in Haiti represented in the "Core Group" (the Ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, the United States and the European Union, and the Special Representative of the Organization of American States) took note of the opening of the second ordinary session of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.

"The Core Group expresses concern that no measures have been taken to ensure institutional continuity beyond 13 June as provided for in the 5 February Agreement," said the press statement.

On 14 February, the Haitian National Assembly elected Jocelerme Privert as the island nation's interim President, one week after former President Michel Martelly departed without a successor. Mr. Privert served as interim President for 120 days, and an election had been scheduled for 24 April, following an agreement – known as the 5 February Agreement – between Haitian stakeholders to preserve institutional continuity and further the electoral process.

Subsequently, on 25 April, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson issued a statement underlining the UN chief's deep concern that that the agreed upon date for holding elections in Haiti was not met and that no alternate electoral calendar was announced.

As Mr. Privert's 120-day interim period has come to an end, the Core Group statement today called on the National Assembly to take action and reach a solution which avoids an "institutional vacuum," and facilitate the return to constitutional order through the holding of elections without further delay.

The Group urged all actors, political parties, candidates and their supporters and others to maintain calm and to refrain from violence.


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UN HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR REPORTS MORE THAN 26,000 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MYANMAR FLOODS

Heavy monsoon rains since the beginning of June have caused flooding in five states and regions of Myanmar, resulting in 14 deaths and affecting at least 26,000 people, a United Nations humanitarian coordinator reported today.

The states and regions that are now affected by floods are the same as those that were severely impacted by floods and landslides between July and August 2015, said Janet Jackson, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator on Floods in Myanmar, in a press release issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Initial reports from the Government Relief and Resettlement Department indicate that at least 26,000 people are affected in Ayeyarwady, Bago and Sagaing regions, as well as Chin and Rakhine states. A total of 14 deaths have been reported from the union-level Relief and Resettlement Department, media sources and the Rakhine State Government.

Preliminary figures indicate that more than 5,000 houses have been inundated, with more than 280 destroyed in flood-affected areas.

In some areas, people were evacuated to safer locations by authorities. In areas where the water level receded, people were reportedly able to return to their homes, while others whose houses were destroyed continue staying in temporary locations, where they receive support from the local authorities.

Floods caused damages to infrastructure facilities, including roads, bridges, wells and communal buildings, although the extent of the damages is still being analyzed by authorities, the humanitarian coordinator said.

Ms. Jackson noted that the State and Regional Governments are leading the response by conducting initial assessments and providing assistance, including food and other relief materials, to affected people in flooded areas.

However, preliminary assessment reports indicate that urgent needs include food, non-food items, tarpaulins, medicines and cash. Humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation across the country and are working closely with local authorities to support them as needed, she said.

Ms. Jackson highlighted that the UN and humanitarian partners have offered their support and are already working closely with the Myanmar authorities at local, state, and union levels to assess urgent needs and support the humanitarian response.


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UN FOOD RELIEF AGENCY TO DOUBLE AID TO NIGER'S CONFLICT-TORN DIFFA REGION

Faced with a new wave of displacement following recent Boko Haram attacks in Niger's south-eastern Diffa region and with needs on the rise, the United Nations food relief agency plans to double its food and nutrition assistance, aiming to gradually increase its life-saving support to more than 250,000 people in Niger's embattled southern region.

In recent days, the World Food Programme (WFP) distributed 15-day emergency food rations to more than 1,400 newly displaced people finding refuge in Diffa town. This week, food assistance is on its way for thousands more newly displaced people at sites between Diffa and Bosso towns, with 157 metric tonnes on the move.

"Tens of thousands of people have been uprooted this past week following what was the deadliest attack since April 2015," said Belkacem Machane, WFP Niger Deputy Country Director. "More than half of them are women and children. These are people who have already been displaced several times due to the violence spilling across the border with Nigeria. They have now reached the end of their rope."

"Many have walked from 10 to 40 kilometres. They are arriving in a state of shock, and urgently need food, shelter, water – assistance with their most basic needs," added Machane.

As the situation of the newly displaced people becomes clearer, WFP plans to continue reaching those most in need in Diffa town and at displaced people's sites at Ngagam, Kintchandi and Garim Wazam.

More than 240,000 people have been displaced in Diffa region. A total of 450,000 people in the region – nearly 70 percent of the population – face hunger. With the onset of the lean season, WFP is concerned that hunger can only deepen.

To date, WFP provided food and nutrition assistance to some 136,000 refugees, displaced people and vulnerable host communities.

Where markets are functioning and food is available, WFP provides cash assistance so that people can buy the food that they need for their families, and also support the local economy. About 40,000 people have been reached with cash assistance. Each family receives 32,500 CFA, or about $54 per month.

"Many displaced people live outside of formal sites in an extremely difficult situation – both they and the local population taking them in need support. A lack of funding has been forcing us to make tough choices as we cannot fully meet their needs," said Machane.

"We are now facing not only the most difficult period of the year – the lean season when food stocks are low – but also the challenges of responding to a significant number of newly displaced people who need urgent life-saving assistance. Current shortfalls have prevented us these past days from providing a full month food ration to the newly displaced people," added Machane.

WFP urgently requires $20 million for the next six months to assist people affected by the Lake Chad crisis.


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UN WOMEN ANNOUNCES ANNE HATHAWAY AS GOODWILL AMBASSADOR

The United Nations entity tasked with promoting gender equality today announced the appointment of Academy Award-winning American actor Anne Hathaway as global Goodwill Ambassador.

A long-standing supporter of women's and girls' rights, Ms. Hathaway will shine light on the issue of the unequal burden of care work in the home as one of the key barriers to gender equality, UN Women said in a news release.

"I feel honoured and inspired by this opportunity to aid in advancing gender equality. Significant progress has already been made but it is time that we collectively intensify our efforts and ensure that true equality is finally realized," said Ms. Hathaway.

She will advocate for the adoption and implementation of policies worldwide that will bring measurable change, including affordable childcare services and shared parental leave at both government and corporate levels.

"The appointment of Anne is timely because this year UN Women is driving hard to foster more positive mindsets and practical arrangements around workplaces that build and support equality for women," stated UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

The 'motherhood penalty'– which means that when they become mothers, women's pay and opportunities at work suffer – is a particularly insidious demonstration of gender inequality in the workplace. For too long it has been difficult or impossible to view raising a child as being truly an equal responsibility for both parents, she noted.

"Stereotypes that make it hard for fathers to take time away from work to care for a child are outdated leftovers from the 'male breadwinner' model and have no place in today's mixed workforce," said Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka, adding that well-implemented parental leave is just one way for employers to demonstrate that they understand the value of their staff—both male and female.

Ms. Hathaway is a committed voice for change. She previously served as an advocate for Nike Foundation and travelled to Kenya and Ethiopia to raise awareness on child marriage. In 2013, Ms. Hathaway provided the narration on Girl Rising, a CNN documentary film, which focused on the power of female education as it followed seven girls around the world who sought to overcome obstacles and follow their dreams.


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SECURITY COUNCIL URGES POLITICAL SOLUTION TO GUINEA-BISSAU CRISIS

Following a briefing yesterday by the head of the United Nations peacebuilding office in Guinea-Bissau, the Security Council has encouraged national actors to abide by the constitution and rule of law, while striving to find a political solution to the crisis in the country.

Yesterday, the 15-member body heard from Modibo Touré, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), who warned that the longer the country's political crisis continues, the more likely the country could see setbacks to its development and economic gains.

In a press statement released today, the members of the Council commended the security forces of Guinea-Bissau for their "non-interference in the political situation and the restraint shown in this regard," and reminded the security and defense services of the need to continue abiding by civilian control.

Expressing serious concern over the latest political developments, the Council also commended the peaceful way in which Guinea-Bissau's population is following the political situation in the country.

In its statement, the Council welcomed the decision taken by the 49th Ordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Dakar to designate a presidential mission comprising the Heads of State of Guinea, Senegal and Sierra Leone to meet and conduct discussions with those involved in the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau.

The Council encouraged those regional leaders to further engage in addressing the country's current political situation. They also welcomed the decision to extend for one year the mandate of the ECOWAS security mission in Guinea-Bissau and, in that respect, commended the decision of the European Union (EU) to provide financial support to the mission.

The members of the Council also encouraged ECOWAS to continue extending its political support to the authorities and political leaders of Guinea-Bissau through the use of good offices and mediation.

Stressing the importance of national reconciliation, inclusive dialogue and good governance, the Council highlighted the need for the Government of Guinea-Bissau to continue to take concrete steps towards peace, security and stability in the country, by effectively reforming the security sector and tackling corruption.

They urged relevant Bissau-Guinean actors to "uphold and proceed with continuous and constructive dialogue, within the established constitutional parameters and with respect for the separation of powers, in order to strengthen democratic governance and work towards consensus on key political issues, particularly with regards to the urgent implementation of necessary reforms," according to the statement.

The members of the Council recalled their full commitment to support the consolidation of peace and stability Guinea-Bissau and noted that the pledges made at the Brussels International Donor Conference of March 2015 required a stable political environment in order to materialize.

Further, the Council noted that "courageous and inclusive political steps are needed to help fulfil these pledged commitments, in the best interests of all the people of Guinea-Bissau," the statement said.

In addition, the members of the Council welcomed the joint efforts by international partners, in particular the UN, African Union (AU), ECOWAS, EU and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), to enhance cooperation in support of the Government in Guinea-Bissau. The Council encouraged them to continue to work together towards the country's stabilization in accordance with the key structural reforms established by the Government.

Moreover, the Council encouraged ECOWAS and the CPLP to take the necessary steps towards organizing a meeting of the international contact Group on Guinea-Bissau, in consultation with the UN, EU and all concerned stakeholders.


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CONFLICT PREVENTION EFFORTS MORE EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE WHEN WOMEN PARTICIPATE – SECURITY COUNCIL

Despite commitments of the international community, inconsistent levels of political will, resourcing, accountability and gender expertise often hinder the full and meaningful inclusion of women in efforts to prevent conflict, the Security Council said today.

Adopting a Presidential Statement during a formal meeting this morning, the 15-nation body welcomed the adoption of regional frameworks to implement resolution 1325 (2000) on 'women, peace and security,' including the African Union's Gender, Peace and Security Programme 2015-2020. It also welcomed the efforts of Member States in developing national action plans.

The Council also emphasized the importance of undertaking a comprehensive approach, and reaffirmed the substantial link between women's meaningful involvement in efforts to prevent, resolve and rebuild from conflict and the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of those efforts.

It also reiterated its call to increase the equal participation, representation and full involvement of women in preventive diplomacy and all related decision-making processes.

By the text, the Council acknowledged the positive impact that the economic empowerment of women could have on their full participation in political decision-making and peace and security efforts, and called upon Member States to provide better occupational skills training and greater funding for entrepreneurships for African women.

It encouraged Member States to increase their funding on women, peace and security, particularly for conflict and post-conflict situations, and to provide further support to civil society.


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COLOMBIA: UN EXPERTS URGE PROTECTION OF AFRO-COLOMBIAN COMMUNITIES AGAINST ELEVATING VIOLENCE

Distressed over reports of violence against people of African descent in Colombia, a United Nations expert panel has called on the authorities to take concrete and urgent measures to protect the country's Afro-Colombian communities.

"We are concerned that many Afro-Colombians community leaders have faced repeated death threats following their call for their ancestral land rights and to prevent the exploitation of their territories by outside mining interests, including multinational mining companies," said human rights expert Ricardo A. Sunga III, who currently heads the Working Group of Experts of People of African Descent.

The call came at a time when several Afro-descendant leaders are being subjected to intimidation, including death threats, as they campaign for territorial rights.

"We ask for protection of Afro-Colombians, especially those engaged in active campaign for land restitution including in the Cauca Department. The communities' territorial rights must also be respected," Mr. Sunga stressed earlier in the week. "We urge the Colombian authorities to put an end to criminalisation and threats against human rights defenders and members of their families," he added.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the Government, the human rights expert emphasized that much more work is required to address the situation. "The Colombian Government must take effective action to guarantee the safety of their communities, undertake full and impartial investigations into the threats and bring all those responsible to justice," Mr. Sunga underlined.

Recalling the Working Group's request for an official invitation in December 2014, the expert reiterated their willingness to visit the country to investigate the Afro-Colombian community's human rights situation.

The Working Group's appeal to the Colombian Government has also been endorsed by the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns; and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Mutuma Ruteere.


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BAN URGES 'MAXIMUM RESTRAINT' IN WAKE OF REPORTED FIGHTING AT BORDER BETWEEN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

Deeply concerned by reports of fighting on 12 and 13 June on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is on an official visit to Belgium, met in Brussels today with top officials from both the African countries, with the parties calling for maximum restraint.

A statement issued by his spokesperson confirmed that Mr. Ban discussed the issue in his meeting in Brussels today with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, while the Deputy Secretary-General called the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea.

"They urged both Governments to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any act or statement that could exacerbate the situation," said the statement, which added that they also called on both Governments to resolve their differences through peaceful means, including by ensuring the full implementation of the peace agreement they signed in 2000.

The United Nations, according to the statement, remains available to assist the two countries in this endeavour.


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STATES MUST DO MORE TO SAFEGUARD ADOLESCENT HEALTH RIGHTS – UN EXPERT

A United Nations human rights expert today called on States to remove all legal barriers to access health facilities, goods and services interfering with the rights of adolescents to be heard and taken seriously, and that limit their right to make autonomous decisions.

"Governments must strike a balance between adolescents' emerging autonomy and their right to protection in particular when it comes to mental health, the rights to sexual and reproductive health, and substance use and drug control, given the specific challenges these issues pose," said Dainius Puras, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, in a statement released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) after the presentation of his latest report to the UN Human Rights Council.

"The foundations laid down during adolescence have profound implications for the social, economic and political development of society as a whole. Hence, the costs of failing adolescents are simply too high," he added.

In his report, the human rights expert highlights that health-care services should ensure respect for adolescents' rights to privacy and confidentiality, address their different cultural needs and expectations, and comply with ethical standards.

"This is particularly important when it comes to providing mental health services for adolescents," the Special Rapporteur said. "Psychosocial interventions should be provided at the community level in a manner that is ethical and consistent with adolescents' rights, and on the basis of available evidence, with a view to avoid institutionalization and the excessive use of psychotropic medications."

Moreover, Mr. Puras emphasized that States should adopt or integrate a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health policy for all adolescents into national strategies and programmes to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.

In that regard, he makes a number of recommendations in his report, including that abortion should not be criminalized, as this only leads to higher number of maternal deaths, and poor mental and physical health outcomes; all adolescents should have access to confidential, adolescent-responsive and non-discriminatory sexual and reproductive health information, services and goods; and age-appropriate, comprehensive and inclusive sexuality education, based on scientific evidence and human rights, should be part of the school curriculum.

The Special Rapporteur also called on States to seek alternatives to punitive or repressive drug control policies, including decriminalization and legal regulation and control, and foster the international debate on these issues with the right to health at the core.

"All drug detention centres for adolescents should be closed, and the provision of prevention, harm reduction and dependence treatment services, without discrimination, should be ensured," he said.

The Special Rapporteur noted that adolescents should be protected from violence and neglect, including in family settings, by the upholding of their right to confidential services and counselling without parental consent. He also called on States to support families to increase the abilities of parents to raise children and adolescents in a competent and confident manner, and reinforce skills to manage situations in a non-violent way.

"Policies designed to protect families and family values should avoid measures that undermine the human rights of individual family members, including women, adolescents and younger children," Mr. Puras said.

"Such approaches can be detrimental as they may, in the name of traditional values, condone violence, reinforce unequal power relations within family settings and, therefore, deprive adolescents from the opportunity to exercise their basic rights," he added.

The Special Rapporteur also urged States to meet their core obligation to recognize adolescents as rights holders by respecting their evolving capacities and their right to participate in the design, delivery and evaluation of policies and services that affect their health and well-being.


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FIRST-EVER UN FORUM ON ALBINISM IN AFRICA TO FOCUS ON 'LESS TALK, MORE ACTION'

The first-ever United Nations-sponsored regional forum for Action on Albinism in Africa will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 17 to 19 June to develop specific measures to tackle the attacks and discrimination faced by persons with albinism in several countries in the region.

Persons with albinism in the region of Sub Saharan Africa are facing some of the most extreme forms of human rights violations. They face physical attacks fuelled by erroneous beliefs that their body parts can be used in potions and in other witchcraft practices. A majority of victims are women and children. They also face entrenched discrimination and stigma extending to their family members particularly mothers of children with albinism.

Confronted by these challenges, many civil society organisations, persons with albinism, and states wish to design new ways of dealing with the issues while adopting those that have been tested and true.

"There are a lot of specific, practical, simple and effective measures that some countries have successfully used to tackle the issues faced by persons with albinism including having a dedicated office and budget on the issue, creating a telephone hotline to report crimes and threats, regulating 'witchcraft' and traditional medicine practitioners among others," said the United Nations independent expert on albinism, Ikponwosa Ero.

"But these ideas have to be shared as best practices and developed into a continental roadmap to successfully tackle the issue," she added.

This is why on the heels of international albinism awareness day which just concluded on 13 June, over 150 people from 28 countries in the region will gather this week in Dar es Salaam to lay down a roadmap of specific measures aimed at dealing with the human rights issues faced by persons with albinism.

Half of the participants are from civil society, about 20 percent from government, 10 percent from national human rights institutions and there will also be human rights specialists from within and outside the African Union and UN as well as academics.

"As the continent of Africa celebrates the decade of human rights, and the UN launches the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which pledges to leave no one behind, we have a good context in which to plant this forum," Ms. Ero said.

"It is not going to be easy to come up with specific measures for all the issues arising out of the problems faced by persons with albinism, but the best practices of some States and civil society to date will represent a key step forward in promoting and protecting their human rights," the expert stressed.


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