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

 

UN DAILY NEWS from the
UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE
21 June, 2016
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UN AGENCIES WARN OF ALLEGED RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, FUNDING SHORTFALL IN EMBATTLED FALLUJAH

Amid ongoing fighting in the embattled Iraqi city of Fallujah, the United Nations human rights office today warned of continuing allegations of serious rights violations, as the Organization's refugee agency reported a funding crunch to meet the immediate needs of the thousands of civilians who continue to flee the area.

At the regular bi-weekly press briefing in Geneva earlier today, Cécile Pouilly, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said her Office is "deeply concerned" about continuing allegations of serious human rights violations and abuses against civilians fleeing Fallujah by armed groups operating in support of Iraqi security forces.

"We've received shocking footage showing the body of a man being dragged at speed by a military truck while a man wearing a military uniform hits his disfigured and bloodied head," Ms. Pouilly said.

"Another video shows people being struck with a rifle and kicked in the head by men wearing military uniforms while they exit a truck. Although we are not in a position to authenticate these videos, they depict violations which have been reported to us by several sources and which we've previously condemned," she added.

The spokesperson said that on 12 June, a committee set up by the Anbar Governor to investigate violations perpetrated against civilians during the military operations in Anbar stated that 49 people had been killed and that at least 600 men had disappeared after being taken into custody by armed groups operating in support of Iraqi security forces.

It also found that the people taken into custody by these groups were ill-treated and/or tortured. These violations allegedly occurred from 2 to 4 June near a cemetery in the Saqlawiya area, northwest of Fallujah, and in the al-Mazra'ah area, east of Fallujah, Ms. Pouilly said.

"We welcome these initial findings and hope that the committee's investigations will be pursued rigorously and extended to cover all such alleged violations. Following the announcement by the Iraqi Defence Minister that four army members have been arrested, we call on the Iraqi authorities to ensure that there is no impunity for the very grave violations and abuses that have been reported," the spokesperson said.

"While we acknowledge the measures taken by the Government of Iraq, including the establishment of another committee by the Iraqi Prime Minister on 6 June, we wish to emphasize the urgent need for Iraqi leaders – across political and sectarian divides – to articulate and publicly commit to a shared, concrete, deliverable road map towards building a truly inclusive, prosperous and peaceful society," she added.

In other news, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that with tens of thousands of civilians pouring out of Fallujah in recent days, $17.5 million is urgently needed to meet their immediate needs.

"The funds are desperately needed to expand the number of camps and to provide urgently needed relief supplies for displaced people who have already endured months of deprivation and hardship without enough food or medicine," UNHCR Spokesperson Ariane Rummery said in another news briefing in Geneva. "We also need funds to provide psycho-social and other support to this exhausted and deeply traumatized population."

More than 85,000 people have fled Fallujah and the surrounding area since a Government military offensive to retake the city from extremists began a month ago, on May 23.

About 60,000 of those people fled over a period of just three days last week, between 15 to 18 June, and thousands more could still be planning to leave the city, the spokesperson said.

UNHCR and its partners have been providing tents and relief aid to displaced families in Amiriyat al Falluja, Al Khalidiya and Habbaniyah Tourist City – all within 20 to 30 kilometres of Fallujah. But with last week's surge in arrivals the overcrowding is growing, Ms. Rummery said.

"Two and sometimes three families have to share tents in many cases, while others sleep in the open, without hygiene facilities. Rising temperatures, the absence of shade and insufficient clean drinking water are compounding an already desperate situation," she said.

These escalating needs have pushed UNHCR funding into crisis levels. Almost half-way through the year, UNHCR has received only 21 per cent of funds needed for Iraq and the surrounding region, according to the spokesperson.

Only $127.7 million has been received against the projected needs of $584 million in 2016, and UNHCR is exhausting available resources in Iraq to deal with the rapid developments in Fallujah, the spokesperson said.

Six camps have already been established in Amiriyat and Fallujah. Three more are being built in Khalidya and Habbaniya Tourist City, while two others are being expanded. UNHCR expects that 20 more will be needed over the coming weeks to house 30,000 people. Ms. Rummery added that funds are also urgently needed for blankets, mattresses and jerry cans, as well as other support.

In addition to Fallujah, UNHCR is responding to the displacement over the past three months of more than 20,000 people from Mosul and surrounding districts due to renewed offensives there.

In the past few days, close to 3,000 people arrived in the already crowded Debaga camp in Erbil Governorate, pushing the population there and in a nearby stadium to 10,000, Ms. Rummery said. The new arrivals are staying in a severely overcrowded reception centre, now seven times above its capacity.

* * *

'CREDIBILITY OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AT RISK' AS SYRIA WAR GRINDS ON – SENIOR UN OFFICIALS

With the conflict in Syria now well into its fifth year, and the country dealing with a grinding crisis that has brought death, displacement and regional instability, the international community must not lose momentum in attaining a comprehensive and concrete political solution, senior United Nations officials emphasized today.

At an informal meeting at UN Headquarters in New York today, the General Assembly was briefed by Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, who spoke via video conference; and the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ivan Šimonović.

Opening the meeting, the President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, recalled that in December 2015, the global community was encouraged to hear that a new diplomatic effort launched in Vienna was providing a "glimmer of hope" for a solution to the crisis in Syria, but that since then, there has been "progress alongside setbacks."

"The momentum to achieve these goals and others, including those on humanitarian access, must not be lost," he said. "We must not fail the people of Syria any longer."

Noting that the international community had marked World Refugee Day, Mr. Lykketoft said it is worth bearing in mind that the crisis in Syria accounts for almost 17 per cent of those displaced across the globe today.

"In this context and given the role which the General Assembly has played on this crisis as far back as 2012, I believe it is critical that this Assembly remains fully abreast of the most recent developments in Syria," he stressed.

'We must show the people of Syria the world has not forgotten them'

In that vein, Mr. O'Brien underscored that while the UN remains committed and ready to deliver humanitarian aid for civilians in need, such action cannot be a substitute for political action.

"We must show the people of Syria that the world has not forgotten them or their plight and indeed of their country. Not through more words of solidarity, but through immediate and concrete political action that brings an end to this futile cycle of violence and misery. And hard cash for meeting immediate needs – humanitarian needs – is now needed," he said.

"The future of this and coming generations is on the line. The credibility of the international community is at stake," he added.

As such, Mr. O'Brien highlighted that the international community must demonstrate its collective leadership in ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and in bringing an end to the sieges and ensuring freedom of movement for civilians.

He said that the international community must also ensure that the parties to the conflict abide by their international legal obligations and Security Council resolutions to facilitate humanitarian access to all people in need without discrimination, as well as consider all possible avenues to ensure accountability to show perpetrators of violence that such action in Syria or elsewhere will not be tolerated.

In addition, the global community must step up financial support to the humanitarian response, and respect the non-political nature of humanitarian aid, Mr. O'Brien said.

"We remain committed and ready to deliver humanitarian aid – through any possible modality – for civilians in desperate need. However, let me be clear that humanitarian action cannot be a substitute for political action: only a negotiated political settlement will and can resolve this crisis," he said.

Mr. O'Brien said that the civil unrest that began in Syria in March 2011 has since transformed into an "ugly and brutal war" characterized by extreme levels of violence committed against civilians in a climate devoid of protection in many parts of the country.

"In the Syria crisis, the facts speak for themselves: hundreds of thousands killed; and well over a million injured. Life expectancy in Syria has dropped by wait for it – imagine this – 20 years," he said.

Noting that about half of the population has been forcibly displaced, 6.5 million of them inside the country, in addition to the half-million Palestinian refugees, Mr. O'Brien said that, overall, 13.5 million people are left in urgent need of humanitarian and protection assistance.

"The conflict in Syria has destroyed the country's social and economic fabric, eroding development gains made over several generations: 80 per cent of Syrians now live in poverty, nearly nine million Syrians are food insecure amidst rising prices and food shortages, and two million children have been forced out of school altogether," he said.

"We should never lose sight of the immeasurable human impact of this crisis; the trauma and emotional toll on civilians, particularly young people, too long exposed to living in a climate of violence and fear. A generation lost to the normalcy of violence and hatred, and no access to education which is the only route out and to hope," he added.

Highlighting that aid agencies are doing all they can to assist millions of Syrians affected by the conflict, Mr. O'Brien said that up to 5.8 million people had been reached with food assistance per month during this year alone. However, he urged donors and others to step up their financial support to the humanitarian response.

"Pledges are one thing – but frankly it's your cash that matters," he said. "It's that which buys the programmes and services that actually save and protect innocent lives; and following London we're heavy on pledges and promised words, but frankly light on cash, hard real cash i.e. we need your pledges to convert to cash now," he stressed.

A crisis 'rooted in human rights violations'

For his part, Mr. Šimonović underscored that the crisis in Syria is rooted in human rights violations, with parties to the conflict blatantly disregarding such rights by launching indiscriminate attacks, using disproportionate force, and destroying protected sites and medical units.

"This is the sixth year of horror for Syrians. So many have suffered torture, destruction and death, their story is no longer 'news'. It may be difficult to grasp the effect of millions of rights violations in the Syrian conflict – but it is plain to see they must be stopped," he said.

Mr. Šimonović said that across Syria, many people are being subjected to arbitrary detention and the deprivation of liberty in the "most appalling conditions." Many are tortured and many die while in detention, while the fate of several thousand missing persons must be clarified.

"These descriptions are the living nightmare of Syria's people today," he said. "The only way to instil hope for tomorrow is to insist on full respect for human rights as we press for a political solution."

The release of hostages and unlawfully detained persons, including women and children, would open new avenues of trust, as would the exchange of information on missing persons, Mr. Šimonović said.

Indeed, such processes could provide a sound framework for an incremental approach to concession-making.

"To be sustainable, peace in Syria must deliver tangible benefits for all communities. It must provide a democratic, dignified and peaceful framework for managing Syria's multicultural and multi-religious diversity," Mr. Šimonović said.

"Human rights should never, ever be seen as an obstacle to a successful negotiation. The opposite is true: human rights are a key enabler of a successful negotiation. And they are a safeguard for sustainable peace," he added.

* * *

DESPITE POSITIVE TALKS, DELAYS OVER PEACE ROADMAP 'NEEDLESSLY EXTENDING YEMEN'S AGONY'– UN ENVOY

The United Nations–supported Yemeni peace talks under way in Kuwait have progressed "slowly, yet constructively," over the last two months, with agreement still to be reached on the sequencing of the various steps proposed, including the timing of establishing a national unity government, the UN envoy for the country said today.

"In short, the general atmosphere continues to be positive although difficulties remain which need to be addressed," Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told the Security Council via video link.

Over the previous period of the talks, the parties unanimously agreed on the necessity of reaching a peaceful solution to put an end to the conflict in Yemen, he noted. A number of prisoners and detainees, including children, have been released. The cessation of hostilities has allowed humanitarian aid to reach areas that were previously not accessible.

The participants have discussed the most delicate issues, including military withdrawals, security arrangements and the handover of weapons, sensitive political issues and ways to improve the economic and humanitarian situation, as well as the release of prisoners and detainees, he said.

After intense talks with both parties, the envoy has presented a roadmap outlining a practical plan to end the conflict in Yemen. It provides for implementation of the security arrangements specified in Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) and the establishment of a national unity government that would ensure the delivery of basic services and address the recovery of the Yemeni economy.

According to the proposed roadmap, the national unity government would also be responsible for preparing a political dialogue to define the remaining steps for a comprehensive political solution, including the electoral law, the mandate of the institutions, which would oversee the transition period and the completion of the draft constitution.

The delegations have responded positively to the proposals, but have not yet reached agreement on the sequencing of the different steps provided for in the roadmap. Questions need to be answered as to when the unity government would be created and what to do if particular provisions of the roadmap are implemented and others are not.

The cessation of hostilities declared on 10 April has continued to provide relief from violence in many parts of Yemen, but unfortunately, serious violations have occurred, such as the shelling of a popular market in Taiz on 4 June, which resulted in 18 civilian deaths and tens of injuries, he said. In addition, there were violations of the truce in Marib, al Jawf, Taiz and in the border areas with Saudi Arabia.

The failure to provide basic services over the last year has had a devastating impact, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed noted. High temperatures and the lack of electricity in Aden, Hodayda and elsewhere have exacerbated the health crisis in these areas and caused a number of preventable deaths.

Since the beginning of 2016, Yemen's gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by more than 30 per cent. To address this alarming situation, the Central Bank has continued to ensure the import of basic commodities such as rice, wheat and medicines.

Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed welcomed the release of prisoners that took place since the beginning of Ramadan, but tragically, that positive step had still been accompanied by continued and systematic persecution of civilians, including journalists and civil society activists in Yemen. These acts of intimidation and harassment are a clear violation of the international instruments on Human Rights, he said.

"Yemen is on the path to an agreement and each day of delay needlessly extends the country's agony," he said, stressing that the unwavering unity of this Council has been a key factor supporting progress in the talks.


* * *

NIGER: UNICEF REPORTS MORE THAN 240,000 UPROOTED FROM HOMES IN DIFFA REGION

More than 240,000 people, or a third of the population, in Niger's Diffa region have been uprooted from their homes since 3 June attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, the single largest displacement since 2013, a senior United Nations official said today.

According to Viviane Van Steirteghem, representative of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Niger, many have been settling along Route Nationale 01, the main road crossing the region.

After 3 June, the sites along that road had received an additional 60,000 to 70,000 people, resulting in increased pressure on water resources, she said. The newcomers, settling in three of the main sites, had arrived with their families and with their cattle. Those sites had initially been quite homogeneous in terms of linguistic groups and occupations of the inhabitants, but it was no longer the case. There are additional tensions now.

Ms. Van Steirteghem, who visited Diffa twice in the past 14 days, said UNICEF's assistance focused on the coordination of the water response, initially water trucking, and now drilling, as people were expected to settle on the sites for quite some time.

In Bosso, women and children make up the majority at the displaced persons' sites. There had been cases of measles reported, despite a massive vaccination campaign in December 2015. Since they lived in temporary housing, they were extremely vulnerable when the rainy season arrived, she said.

An increase in diarrheal diseases and respiratory tract diseases was feared, as well as cases of importation of cholera, for which preparedness was difficult to operationalize in the current conditions, she warned. Malaria was also a corollary of the rainy season, and with the Ministry of Health and the support of a number of non-governmental organization partners, UNICEF was planning a massive distribution of mosquito nets to help families protect themselves.

Women and children on the sites are highly vulnerable. Some children had come unaccompanied. Many of them had been traumatized. Protection services were being offered to allow children to express what they felt and relieve some of their stress. Women going to get water at night were very vulnerable to gender-based violence and UNICEF was preparing messaging to help them strategize and go in groups to avoid being targeted.

The school year had just finished and all the children would be able to take their examinations in the neighbouring town. UNICEF was preparing for the next school year, taking into account the increase in the number of children.

Ms. Van Steirteghem said that the appeal for the Diffa crisis was 25 per cent funded out of the required $74 million.


* * *

ON INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY, BAN SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY LIVING IN REALIZING GLOBAL GOALS

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged everyone to embrace healthier choices and lifestyles and to commit to unity with other human beings, regardless of ethnicity, faith, age, gender identity or sexual orientation.

"Practicing yoga can also help raise awareness of our role as consumers of the planet's resources and as individuals with a duty to respect and live in peace with our neighbours," Mr. Ban said, marking the second International Day of Yoga, since the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution last year dedicating 21 June to the practice. "All these elements are essential to building a sustainable future of dignity and opportunity for all," he added.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

This year's observance of the International Day highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted last year by all UN Member States.

Noting the benefits of yoga, the Secretary-General explained: "Physical inactivity is linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. By improving fitness, teaching us how to breathe correctly, and working to diminish stress, yoga can help to cultivate healthier lifestyles."

The ancient practice of yoga represents the "breath of the eternal," according to one of the world's oldest practitioners, 97-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch, who began learning yoga in India at age eight.

Speaking to UN Radio as part of a yoga session at Headquarters today, Ms. Porchon-Lynch said she was pleased to see more and more people participating in yoga an she wanted to teach that "when you take a breath, you're tuning in to the life force inside of you and you're tuning in to the very spirit of life." She said people are always telling her what she could not do, but she had no interest in that. "I know that within me is the possibility to go out and do it!" she said.

As for the United Nations, Ms. Porchon-Lynch said the world body was most necessary. "We need to be able to sit down and talk to each other; we don't need to [search for] what is wrong in life. Whatever you put in your mind, you materialize, so let's materialize peace and beauty and [the knowledge] that each one of us has something good to offer." Asked what a world where everyone practiced yoga would look like, she said; "It would be a beautiful springtime; a world where everything flourishes. I don't believe in hatred. I believe on the smiles on peoples' faces.

Yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation said two billion people around the world practice yoga, fundamentally, "because it works." Every human being can have a pleasant and peaceful life experience if they "fix" themselves from the inside. And while it is true that one might not be able to teach yoga lessons in a war zone, war itself is a manifestation of what is happening in human minds. "So we can't start with the outside, we have to start inside," he said.

Among the worldwide events taking place to mark the Day, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in association with the UN Department of Public Information, are gathering people in the UN Secretariat Circle at UN Headquarters, New York.

Participants at the event will include:

the President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft;
the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Cristina Gallach;
Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent Representative of India to the UN;
and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a renowned spiritual leader who will lead a simple yoga practice.
The event will also include a musical incantation on yoga.

* * *

SOUTH SUDAN: UN COMPLETES SPECIAL INVESTIGATION INTO MALAKAL EVENTS

A United Nations independent high-level board of inquiry has completed a special in-depth investigation into how the UN responded this past February to deadly violence in a protection of civilians site in the town of Malakal, in northern South Sudan.

In a note to correspondents, the Office of the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that a special investigation and a UN Headquarters board of inquiry were convened to review the circumstances of the violence that erupted in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) protection of civilians site in Malakal from 17 to 18 February, in which at least 30 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were killed, 123 others were wounded, and a significant portion of the camp was destroyed.

The special investigation, which was tasked with examining the external factors that led to the incident, has identified several factors as having contributed to the attacks, including deep-rooted historical land disputes, the '28 States' Order and the Eastern Nile State Administrative order of 1 February, which dismissed all Shilluk and Nuer civil servants, according to the note.

The investigation determined that the immediate trigger for the attacks was an attempt by two Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers to smuggle ammunition into the site on 16 February.

The investigation also concluded that external armed elements, some in SPLA uniforms, entered the protection of civilians site during the period and took part in the violence and destruction of parts of the site.

The investigation team requested that the Transitional Government of National Unity hold the individuals responsible accountable for the violence. The team also provided a number of recommendations to the Government, regional and international actors – including the UN – aimed at preventing such attacks in the future, the note said.

A UN Headquarters-led board of inquiry, which was tasked to look into the Mission's response to the incident, is being finalized. The preliminary report of the board mentions, inter alia, that a number of issues contributed to the incident, according to the note.

On the UNMISS response, in particular, there was confusion with respect to command and control and rules of engagement, and a lack of coordination among the various civilian and uniformed peacekeepers in Malakal at the time of the crisis, the note said.

Further to the note, the board also mentioned that there were unrealistic expectations as to the level of protection that UNMISS could feasibly provide to the 48,000 internally displaced persons in Malakal at the time of the incident.

UN Headquarters is reviewing a number of recommendations made by the board in order to minimize the recurrence of such incidents, including a review of the concept of protection of civilians sites and the performance of troop- and police-contributing countries.

The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations is engaging on the way forward with concerned troop-contributing countries, the note said.

The spokesperson's office added that the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, and the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Atul Khare, will brief the Security Council in this regard tomorrow.


* * *

'SEARCHLIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL SCRUTINY' MUST FOCUS ON CRIMES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT – UN DEPUTY CHIEF

Addressing an event commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson today stressed the importance of prevention and early response efforts, as well as the need to shift shame and stigma from victims to perpetrators.

In conflicts around the world, women and girls, men and boys, are subjected to horrendous acts of sexual violence. These acts, rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and sexual torture, constitute abhorrent violations of human rights and human dignity.

A critical aspect of prevention is to hold the perpetrators accountable for their acts, he said. "Accountability is a powerful deterrent, as well as a moral duty to those afflicted. No one should think that that they can come out of this without accountability," he added.

Mr. Eliasson's observations came at the official commemoration of the International Day. The programme included Zainab Bangura, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, UN Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, and Martín García Moritán, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the UN.

In 2015, Argentina, together with the Offices of the Special Representatives on Sexual Violence in Conflict and on Children and Armed Conflict, presented an initiative of a General Assembly resolution establishing 19 June as the International Day.

The aim of the Day is to raise awareness amongst the international community in order to prevent, combat and put an end to all forms of conflict-related sexual violence, especially against women, children, the poor, ethnic and religious minorities and other vulnerable groups, as well as assisting its victims and promoting accountability and fighting impunity of the perpetrators of those crimes.

Mr. Eliasson said sexual violence is unique in often stigmatizing the victim, rather than the perpetrator of the crime, underscoring the need to shift the shame and stigma from the victims to those who command, those who commit, or those who condone these crimes.

Social and economic reintegration support is imperative, and children born of rape need particular attention. Men and boys who have suffered sexual violence and live with life-long traumas need support as well.

"And our preventive action must pay attention to the vulnerability of refugees and displaced people, who may be trafficked for sexual exploitation," he said.

Noting that 19 June, 2008, the international community decided to take action to elevate conflict-related sexual violence to the international peace and security agenda. This was done through the adoption of Security Council resolution 1820.

"We must meet the new challenges on the horizon and keep the searchlight of international scrutiny on these crimes, which have been ignored for far too long," he said.


* * *

MORE THAN HALF OF YEMEN'S POPULATION NOW FOOD INSECURE – UN

Vast swathes of war-torn Yemen – 19 out of 22 governorates – are facing severe food insecurity, and the situation within affected areas is likely to deteriorate if conflict persists, according to a new assessment by the United Nations and partners.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis confirms that over half the country's population is living in 'emergency' or 'crisis' levels of food insecurity, with some governorates seeing as much as 70 per cent of their population struggling to feed themselves.

At least seven million people, a quarter of the population, are living under 'emergency' levels of food insecurity, or phase 4 on the five-tier IPC scale. This reflects a 15-per cent increase since June 2015. Another 7.1 million people are in a state of 'crisis,' or phase 3.

"The IPC results clearly show the huge magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen," said Jamie McGoldrick, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen. "This is one of the worst crises in the world and is continuing to get worse."

Drivers of food insecurity

Fuel shortages and import restrictions have reduced availability of essential food commodities in the country, which imports some 90 per cent of its staple foods. Food and fuel imports in March 2016 were the lowest since October 2015. Fuel imports satisfied only 12 per cent of the country's needs.

Shortages of seeds and fertilizers have crippled crop production across Yemen, where around 50 per cent of the labour force earns their living from the agriculture sector and related activities.

Two cyclones in November 2015, plus flash floods and locust swarms in April 2016 further plagued already struggling communities, limiting their ability to produce and access food.

"Ongoing conflict, displacement and limited access to farmland and fishing sites continue to cause significant losses to agriculture and threaten farmers' livelihoods," said Salah El Hajj Hassan, Yemen Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stressing that it is now essential to help communities feed themselves through back-yard farming and small poultry production, among other interventions.

"With the fluidity of the situation and until a political solution is in place, we will continue to see an increase in the number of people struggling to feed themselves and their families and further deterioration in food security across Yemen," said Purnima Kashyap, Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), urging parties to ensure unrestricted access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected people.

Malnutrition

Some three million children under the age of five, and pregnant or nursing women, require services to treat or prevent acute malnutrition, the report said, citing data from the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) is at an alarming stage in most of the country's governorates, reaching levels of 25.1 per cent in Taiz Lowland and 21.7 in Al Hodeidah.

The same areas have seen a significant decrease in traditional fishing – by about 75 per cent in Taiz and Al Hodeidah. In other governorates fishing operations have halved compared with 2014.

Under these circumstances, both food and agricultural assistance are critical to saving lives and livelihoods across Yemen.

"From January to 30 April 2016, about 3.6 million people received emergency food assistance, but the overall response is significantly underfunded," said Mr. McGoldrick, urging donors to increase humanitarian funding.

* * *

ICC SENTENCES FORMER CONGOLESE VICE-PRESIDENT BEMBA TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR WAR CRIMES

The International Criminal Court (ICC) today sentenced the former Congolese Vice-President, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, to 18 years of imprisonment for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic between October 2002 and March 2003.

In a ruling issued in March, the United Nations-backed ICC had found Mr. Bemba guilty beyond reasonable doubt as a military commander responsible for two counts of crimes against humanity (murder and rape) and three counts of war crimes (murder, rape and pillaging) committed in the Central African Republic in 2002-2003.

Mr. Bemba had been the commander-in-chief of the former Congolese rebel group, the Movement for the Liberation of Congo, as well as a vice-president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 2003-2006 transition.

ICC Trial Chamber III delivered the sentence today in an open hearing, where Presiding Judge Sylvia Steiner read a summary of the decision.

Ms. Steiner indicated that the Chamber found the crimes of murder, rape, and pillaging to be of "serious gravity," the ICC said in a press release.

The Chamber also found that two aggravating circumstances applied to the crime of rape: it was committed against particularly defenceless victims, and with particular cruelty.

In addition, the Chamber found that one aggravating circumstance applied to the crime of pillaging, which the majority of the Chamber considered to be the particular cruelty with which the crime was committed.

The Chamber further found that Mr. Bemba's culpable conduct was of serious gravity. Lastly, the Chamber was satisfied that no mitigating circumstances existed in the case, the ICC said.

In light of his conviction, Mr. Bemba was sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment: 16 years of imprisonment for murder as a war crime; 16 years of imprisonment for murder as a crime against humanity; 18 years of imprisonment for rape as a war crime; 18 years of imprisonment for rape as a crime against humanity; and 16 years of imprisonment for pillaging as a war crime.

The Chamber considered that the highest sentence imposed, namely, 18 years for rape, reflected the totality of Mr. Bemba's culpability, and decided that the sentences imposed shall run concurrently.

The entire time Mr. Bemba has spent in detention in accordance with an order of the ICC, since 24 May 2008, will be deducted from his sentence.

The ICC also noted that the prosecution and the defence may appeal the sentence on the grounds of disproportion between the crime and the sentence.

Further, the ICC said that the issue of reparations to victims under article 75 of the Rome Statute will be addressed in due course.

The ICC Trial Chamber III is composed of Ms. Steiner (Brazil), Judge Joyce Aluoch (Kenya) and Judge Kuniko Ozaki (Japan).

* * *

BAN CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK AGAINST JORDANIAN GUARD POST AT SYRIAN BORDER

Condemning today's terrorist attack against a Jordanian border guard post at the north-eastern border with Syria, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered his condolences to the families of the victims and reiterates his solidarity with the Government and people of Jordan.

"The Secretary-General is particularly concerned that the attack took place opposite an encampment where Syrian asylum seekers await entry into Jordan," said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesman in which the UN chief commended Jordan for its continued commitment and efforts to uphold humanitarian principles.

Further to the statement, the Secretary-General urged all Governments to strengthen their efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism, and to support the Government of Jordan in this context.


* * *

AS UN TAKES STOCK OF LANDMARK RESOLUTION ON WEAPONS PROLIFERATION, BAN URGES GREATER PREVENTION EFFORTS

While Governments around the world have been working decidedly and collectively to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and nuclear weapons, the international community must intensify efforts in that regard in order to keep up with and effectively address global challenges, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

"I count on the international community to urgently step up its efforts on disarmament and non-proliferation of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction," the Secretary-General said at formal open consultations at UN Headquarters in New York on the '2016 Comprehensive Review of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004),' which aims to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors.

"Let us redouble our efforts to create a safer and more secure world," he added.

The three-day meeting, which began yesterday, is being hosted by the Security Council's so-called 1540 Committee, which was established to facilitate implementation of the resolution by all States. The meeting, which opened yesterday and will conclude tomorrow, will include the participation of UN Member States, as well as international, regional and sub-regional organizations and non-governmental organizations.

By the terms of resolution 1540, the Council decided that all States shall refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery.

The resolution requires all States to adopt and enforce appropriate effective laws to that end. It also requires them to develop and maintain effective border controls and law-enforcement efforts to detect, deter, prevent and combat, including through international cooperation when necessary, the illicit trafficking and brokering in such items in accordance with their national legal authorities and legislation, and consistent with international law.

Resolution 1540 'fine example' of cooperation

In his remarks, Mr. Ban said that throughout his tenure as Secretary-General, resolution 1540 (2004) has been an important tool to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

"For twelve years, it has functioned as a fine example of international cooperation," he said.

The UN chief noted that the alliances forged between the Committee and regional and sub-regional organizations such as the Organization of American States, the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the League of Arab States and the African Union, have greatly benefitted the States of those regions, and the world as a whole.

Praising the 1540 Committee for the partnerships it has established with civil society, academia and the private sector, the Secretary-General noted that a collective approach is critical for a "robust and adaptable resolution."

In addition, Mr. Ban expressed gratitude to those Member States that have provided funds or in-kind assistance, including to the Office of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and its regional centres, to support implementation of the resolution since 2004.

He said, however, that it is necessary to acknowledge that the world has changed since 2004.

"Sadly, this has not always been for the better," Mr. Ban emphasized, noting that the use of poison gas in Syria was an alarming reminder of the continuing threat of WMD.

"Dangerous non-state actors have demonstrated global reach. They have actively sought the full range of WMD capabilities. They often operate on the territory of states that unfortunately lack the capacity to address these dangerous activities," the Secretary-General said.

"These non-state actors take advantage of the open borders and technologies that define the modern world and our global society. They seek to misuse the broad diffusion of technology, for their own evil ends," he added.

Review process

As such, the UN chief stressed that the review process, which was mandated by Security Council resolution 1977 (2011), is an opportunity to ensure that resolution 1540 can continue to be "fit for purpose in this dynamic environment."

Noting concern about the increasing danger of malicious use by terrorists of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material against a population centre, the Secretary-General said that resolution 1540 should and can play a greater role in ensuring that the international community has the appropriate mechanisms to prevent such an incident.

Member States must also endow resolution 1540 with the means to guard against the misuse of technological advances, he said.

"Resolution 1540 needs to be adaptable if it is to continue protecting us against easier, cheaper and more accessible means of production, and methods of delivery," Mr. Ban said.

"Narrowing these gaps in the 1540 regime clearly requires the universal and full implementation of resolution 1540," he added.

Urging all Member States to make sure they are properly equipped to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, the Secretary-General also said that while good progress has been made in prevention, it is also necessary to think about what to do if, despite all efforts, prevention fails.

"Resolution 1540 has become an important component of the global security architecture. It is a pillar of the UN strategy to confront the global challenge of non-state actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction. It must be strengthened to keep up with the times," he said.

Preventing proliferation

In that regard, he urged members of the Security Council to take responsibility for improving preparedness in response to the possible use of a WMD by a non-state actor.

In addition, the Secretary-General stressed that the best way to prevent non-state actors from using WMD is by eliminating all such weapons, completely and irreversibly.

Along those lines, the President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, highlighted that resolution 1540 is an important tool in global non-proliferation efforts, noting that its relevance remains as strong today as it was in 2004.

"Around the world, terrorist acts are already causing great damage and suffering. The prospect of terrorists gaining access to nuclear weapons or dangerous chemical or biological substances, however, is even more worrying," he said.

"We must not underestimate the risk of this occurring, particularly given that in some cases, those actors have managed to seize considerable military and financial means, or take control over territories, thus improving their chances of accessing facilities related to weapons of mass destruction," he added.

In that regard, it is important that countries continue to build their legal frameworks and adopt effective measures to prevent the proliferation of WMD and their delivery means, including by non-state actors, Mr. Lykketoft said.

The adopted laws, however, must also be enforced, and Governments must be able to lean on effective national export control systems as well as trained and qualified experts, he said.

"I was pleased to learn that since the adoption of this resolution, many countries have recognized this necessity as well as the importance of national action and international cooperation in this area," he said.

"The fact that more than 90 per cent of United Nations Member States have reported on the measures that they have undertaken to implement the resolution also deserves our acknowledgment," he added.

Comprehensive review

Mr. Lykketoft also highlighted that the comprehensive review to be concluded by December is an opportunity to analyse and evaluate implementation, identify best practices and gaps, and, based on that, determine what further action is needed to achieve full and universal implementation of resolution 1540.

"Together we can find more effective ways to help member states in building and training capacities for prevention, particularly in today's rapidly changing scientific, technological and commercial environment," he emphasized.

"In a context where emerging actors including in the private sector now have access to sensitive weapons technologies and operate in dual-use industries, it is critical that due attention is given to partnerships and cross-sectoral engagement including with research, industry, academia, parliamentarians, civil society and other relevant stakeholders," Mr. Lykketoft said.

* * *

PROGRESS ON ECONOMY, IMPROVING SECURITY IS IMPERATIVE FOR AFGHANISTAN, UN ENVOY REPORTS

Progress on the economy and improving security is imperative so that Afghans have confidence in their Government, the United Nations envoy in Afghanistan said today.

In a briefing to the Security Council, Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, said that on the security front, there has been a "deliberate response" by the Afghan security forces to the lessons learned from the dynamics and developments of the past year.

"The battlefield in many areas is in a state of flux, with gains and reversals but with neither side effecting clear dominance," said Mr. Haysom, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"The security forces continue to face serious challenges, including in addressing questions of morale, leadership, attrition and logistics. For now, though, they are holding their ground," he added.

Mr. Haysom said he remains deeply concerned about the impact that the high level of violence is having on the civilian population.

"There has been no let-up during Ramadan, during which period there have been some reports of disturbing brutality, including attacks on worshippers," he said.

The envoy emphasized that only yesterday, an incident in Badakhshan had caused the death of 10 civilians, among them several children.

"Civilian casualty levels remain high and conflict-related displacement continues. I am especially concerned about the trend of targeted attacks on civilians working in the judicial sector, and on journalists," Mr. Haysom said.

Yesterday, an improvised explosive device in a market area killed and injured dozens of civilians, including children, in the Kishem district of Badakhshan province, while in Kabul, a suicide attack in a crowded area killed and injured a number of Nepalese contractors, including diplomatic security guards, as well as Afghan civilians.

In another attack yesterday, several civilians, including a provincial council member, were injured. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attacks and called on those responsible to be brought to justice.

Mr. Haysom also told the Council that, in his view, there is a risk that the conflict in Afghanistan may enter a new phase that could see retaliatory acts of vengeance and an escalating spiral of violence.

On the economic front, Mr. Haysom noted there has been progress in revenue collection and in developing thoughtful medium-term plans for reform. The UN envoy praised the establishment by President Ghani of the High Council of Governance, Justice and Anti-Corruption, among other initiatives, as a positive step towards demonstrating results in the everyday lives of Afghans.

Regarding the establishment of a viable peace process, with the failure so far of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group to midwife such a process, and the recent death of Taliban leader Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, the UN envoy said such a process "seems unlikely" in the short term.

"We believe, however, that there are elements within the Taliban movement who are questioning whether they can win militarily, at least in the short term, and wonder whether a purely military goal is desirable," Mr. Haysom said, stressing that peace is not a luxury, but a necessity, without which Afghanistan is not sustainable.

"I am disappointed that there has been not yet any traction on peace efforts, but remain optimistic that such a process will eventually emerge," he said.

Looking forward, Mr. Haysom said he remains optimistic that Afghans can meet the challenges that confront them.

"It is possible for Afghanistan not only to survive in 2016, but to grow stronger as a result," he said.


* * *

UN HUMANITARIAN WING AND PARTNERS RESPOND TO UNPRECEDENTED SUFFERING IN 2015

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released its 2015 annual report, articulating its response to the humanitarian challenges and human suffering, in all corners of the world that have overstretched the UN relief arm.

The report recalls the humanitarian response and the work undertaken by OCHA in five level-three emergencies in the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, as well as in two sudden onset natural disasters in Nepal and Vanuatu, many protracted crises, including the complex mixture of violence and environmental degradation in the Lake Chad Basin that continued to require intensive advocacy, coordination and resource mobilisation.

It also recaps the work undertaken in the wake of the 2015 El Niño, one of the most powerful to date and marked by severe droughts in parts of Central America, the Pacific, and Southern and Eastern Africa. The complex climate system contributed to devastating food insecurity, particularly in Ethiopia, Haiti, Malawi and Zimbabwe, catalyzing OCHA to mobilize funding and raise an alert.

The report further looks back at the work in preparation to the World Humanitarian Summit through regional and business consultations in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, the Pacific, and South and Central Asia. The consultations channelled the views of affected people, civil society and non-governmental organizations, Governments, UN agencies, academia, and analysts into the core responsibilities for action that will shape the Summit and humanitarian action for years to come.

OCHA also discusses the management and administration role in guiding and supporting the work on the ground, and on the support and contributions from donors as well as challenges brought on by some of the worst exchange rate and market fluctuations in recent years.

In his foreword to the report, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O' Brien applauded the efforts of OCHA staff and thanked them for their committed work at a time when the office is "grappling with unprecedented scales of need and some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity."


* * *

'PERMISSION-BASED' PUBLIC LIFE REGIME HAS NEARLY PARALYZED CIVIC FREEDOMS IN BELARUS – UN EXPERT

A senior United Nations expert on human rights in Belarus warned today that several generations have grown up in the country "with no experience of what the words 'pluralism,' 'labour rights,' 'free enterprise,' 'free artistic creation' or 'free media' mean in reality."

As such, Miklós Haraszti told the Geneva-based UN human Rights Council that the current level of international scrutiny of compliance with international human rights obligations must remain.

While welcoming the absence of law enforcement violence during the presidential election of October 2015, as well as the release of political prisoners, he stressed that since then, these "openings" have not led to any systemic change in the "permission-based" regime of public life that has been the main cause of the practically complete paralysis of civic freedoms in the country.

He also said that any public activity remains subject to prior authorization through an arbitrary registration process and media associations, or gatherings are not only forbidden but criminalized if not preliminarily authorized by the government.

In his report, the Special Rapporteur also highlighted the continuing use of capital punishment in Belarus, the only State in Europe where it is still applied. He said that despite the President having the authority to put an end to this denial of right to life, no death penalties have been commuted to prison sentences, due to lack of political will.

In view of the upcoming parliamentary elections of September 2016, Mr. Haraszti expressed worries that only two out of 30 of the recommendations made by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) after the presidential election of October 2015 would be taken on board.

The expert also drew attention to the lack of economic and labour rights. He noted that a recently adopted decree on "parasitism" introduces punishments for the unemployed, in fact servicing forced labour obliged by the government.

The report also assesses Belarus's level of compliance with recommendations of the UN human rights mechanisms. It noted no significant co-operation since the mandate of the Special Rapporteur was established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2012.

"I reiterate my call towards the authorities to engage with the mandate, even in an incremental way," Mr. Haraszti said. "I am ready to assist the Government towards a dialogue with the rights defenders inside the country who do their work under often forbidding difficulties."

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.


* * *

BAHRAIN: UN RIGHTS OFFICE CONCERNED AT CRACKDOWN ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL OPPOSITION GROUPS

Concerned at the intensification of a crackdown on free expression and association, and the right to a nationality in Bahrain, the United Nations human rights office today urged the Government to ensure those rights are protected in line with the country's obligations under international law and that civil society activists do not face undue pressure, intimidation or reprisals for their work.

This call comes after the 16 June statement issued by a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, expressing concerns at the situation in Bahrain and noting that such actions by the State authorities could potentially damage the human rights situation in the country as well as undermine the reforms undertaken by King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa.

Briefing to reporters in Geneva today, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said Bahraini authorities have in recent weeks detained a prominent human rights defender and subjected several others to travel bans, deprived individuals of their nationality, and dissolved three organisations.

Noting recent incidents in the country, Ms. Shamdasani said that yesterday, Sheikh Issa Qassem, the highest Shia authority in Bahrain, was stripped of his citizenship. He is the latest of at least 250 people who have had their nationalities revoked since July 2014, when an amendment to the citizenship law gave powers to the Interior Ministry to revoke the citizenship of an individual who "aids or is involved in the services of a hostile State" or "causes harm to the interests of the Kingdom or acts in a way that contravenes his duty of loyalty to it."

She also said that last week, five Shia clerics were interrogated, and Friday prayers by Shia mosques were suspended until further notice, as mosque leaders said they felt "unsafe." This followed the sentencing of Sheikh Ali Salman, the leader of al-Wefaq, the country's largest opposition political grouping, to nine years' imprisonment on 30 May. Two other non-profit associations were also suspended on claims of illegal fundraising and money-laundering.

She further said that on 13 June, a prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab was arrested for "spreading false news and rumours about the internal situation in a bid to discredit Bahrain," adding that prior to his latest arrest, Rajab had been subject to a travel ban since at least January 2015.

Ms. Shamdasani further noted that there appears to be a "media campaign against human rights defenders" in the country and that travel bans have been also issued against other rights defenders, including five who were reportedly planning to attend the current session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Protests have also taken place against some of these actions. For instance, since last night, a mass protest has been taking place outside the house of Sheikh Issa Qassem in the northwest port village of Diraz.

The human rights office has called on the protesters to exercise their rights peacefully and refrain from any violent acts.

"It is unfortunate that instead of pressing forward with the recommendations made by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, which was appointed by the King in 2011, the Government has instead sought to undermine the enjoyment of civil and political rights in the country," said Ms. Shamdasani. "We call on the Government to take immediate confidence-building measures, including the release of all those who have been detained for the exercise of their human rights," she added.


* * *


 







       __________________________________________________________________

Click here for a PDF version of the UN Daily News

Follow us on Social media:  

For more details go to UN News Centre

Listen to news and in-depth programmes from UN Radio

__._,_.___

---

Posted by: Afrika Watch <afrikawatch@yahoo.com>

---

Reply via web post

•

Reply to sender

•

Reply to group

•

Start a New Topic

•

Messages in this topic (7)

---

Have you tried the highest rated email app?

With 4.5 stars in iTunes, the Yahoo Mail app is the highest rated email app on the market. What are you waiting for? Now you can access all your inboxes (Gmail, Outlook, AOL and more) in one place. Never delete an email again with 1000GB of free cloud storage.

---

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.
The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
When the white man came we had the land and they had the bibles; now they have the land and we have the bibles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Post message:  afrocarpus@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: afrocarpus-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: afrocarpus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: afrocarpus-owner@yahoogroups.com
__________________________________________________________________

Please consider the environment before printing this email or any attachments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find  Friends in Africa:
http://www.datinginafrica.com/

Visit Your Group

• Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use

.

__,_._,___