GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT STRESSES ROLE OF UN IN PROBLEM SOLVING

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT STRESSES ROLE OF UN IN PROBLEM SOLVING
New York, Feb 13 2012 7:10PM
The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser today underlined the United Nations' central role in building world peace through dialogue and consensus by bringing countries together to find common solutions for problems that face humanity.

"The United Nations may, at times, appear to be considering issues that seem unrelated to our daily lives," said Mr. Al-Nasser in a lecture at New York University (NYU) on the theme of 'The United Nations General Assembly and the Business of Universality.'

"In fact, we are tackling those matters that define the lives of all of us. More often than not, the UN is at the forefront of developing a vision for the future," he said.

He gave the example of the gathering of world leaders at the General Assembly in September to deliberate on the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) epidemic – heart disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes.

"We agreed to act. The international community committed itself to develop national capacities for addressing NCDs, and to strengthen national NCDs policies and plans," said Mr. Al-Nasser.

"There is power in these collective commitments. They offer support to governments in developing policies. They also create space for sharing ideas and best practices."

He also made reference to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), a commitment made by world leaders at the UN World Summit in 2005 for States to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

The commitment also obligates the international community, through the UN, to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means, to help protect populations from mass atrocity.

"We have just seen in Libya the critical role of R2P," said Mr. Al-Nassir. "We have seen the Security Council's timely and resolute response in the face of an imminent threat of mass atrocities. And we have seen the UN's central role as a moral authority."

He pointed out that while it would be intellectually and morally dishonest to pretend that the ideals of the UN Charter and of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been fully realized, the two documents offer the world a chance to achieve shared values.

He praised NYU's role in promoting international education, exposing humanity to different cultures and ways of life.

In an apparent response to the often heard criticism that the UN appears slow in its actions, Mr. Al-Nasser reminded his audience of the General Assembly mission to seek the consensus of the 193 Member States.

"Because universality is not a given. 193 countries implies 193 governments. 193 national economies. And how many cultures! And how many historical experiences! And how many national interests! Yet, this is our business everyday," he said.
Feb 13 2012 7:10PM
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ARRIVING IN MYANMAR, UN ENVOY FOCUSES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

ARRIVING IN MYANMAR, UN ENVOY FOCUSES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
New York, Feb 13 2012 6:10PM
The Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Myanmar arrived in the country today for a five-day visit in which he will meet with Government authorities, political parties and civil society representatives, as the Asian nation moves ahead with planned reforms.

The United Nations recently welcomed the decision by Myanmar's President Thein Sein to grant amnesty and set free a significant number of prisoners of conscience, and acknowledged other reform measures, including dialogue between the Government and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Special Adviser Vijay Nambiar told participants at a conference on development and policy options in Naypyitaw, the capital, that this is a crucial time for the country as it has the opportunity to address many development issues that will shape its future.

"Since the launch of the reform agenda, we have seen progress in various areas," Mr. Nambiar said. "The challenges ahead are many and complex. The reform agenda might be ambitious, but it is achievable," he said, adding that participation, partnerships and solidarity – not only between Myanmar's various sectors but also with other countries – would be key factors for success.

Mr. Nambiar also stressed the importance of Myanmar focusing on achieving the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as implementing measures that facilitate sustainable development in the country.

"Development is not sustainable unless it is equitable. In Myanmar, this entails equal access for all peoples in both central and border regions," he said. "Investment in development is also the best prevention against social strife. Both State and society therefore have a stake in improving living standards as necessary conditions for the country's unity and progress," Mr. Nambiar added.

He reiterated the UN's commitment to support Myanmar in implementing new measures and helping it "catch up with the changing world," as stated by Mr. Sein.

"As the country builds on the steps taken so far, Myanmar should not be denied any longer the support and opportunity to serve its people better and build the economic conditions for durable peace and stability," Mr. Nambiar said.

Ajay Chhibber, Assistant Administrator for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) echoed Mr. Nambiar's remarks, citing the country's recent progress in various development indicators such as health and education, and adding that these advances must be built on to keep the momentum of recent reforms.
Feb 13 2012 6:10PM
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SECURITY COUNCIL AMBASSADORS BEGIN OFFICIAL VISIT TO HAITI

SECURITY COUNCIL AMBASSADORS BEGIN OFFICIAL VISIT TO HAITI
New York, Feb 13 2012 6:10PM
A Security Council delegation kicked off its mission to Haiti today as the country begins its painstaking transition towards reconstruction, job creation and capacity building following the devastating earthquake two years ago.

The Council delegation began its four-day visit in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, where they had an afternoon meeting with Prime Minister Gary Conille.

Tomorrow, the members of the Council will confer with the newly-elected President Michel Martelly and then travel to the towns of Miragoâne and Léogâne – the latter being the epicentre of the January 2010 earthquake which flattened the country and claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people.

Many Haitians remain in need of international assistance after the quake and a subsequent outbreak of cholera, which has turned out to be one of the largest epidemics of the disease in modern history to affect a single country. As of mid-December last year, Haiti had reported more than 520,000 cases and nearly 7,000 deaths.

During their four-day visit to the Caribbean country, the Security Council will assess the implementation of relevant resolutions concerning MINUSTAH, the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, and to discuss the situation in the country with local government officials and civil society representatives.

The Council members will also visit a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and a cholera treatment centre before returning to New York on Thursday.
Feb 13 2012 6:10PM
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UN ENVOY URGES UNIVERSAL RATIFICATION OF TREATY TO END USE OF CHILDREN IN CONFLICT

UN ENVOY URGES UNIVERSAL RATIFICATION OF TREATY TO END USE OF CHILDREN IN CONFLICT
New York, Feb 13 2012 5:10PM
The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict today called for universal ratification of a treaty protocol that outlaws the use of minors to fight wars and encourages States to set 18 years as the minimum age for recruitment.

"So far, almost three fourths of the world has ratified this important treaty, but for a true universal moral consensus, we need the remaining 49 States to ratify," said Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, in a <"http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/pr/2012-02-13279.html">statement to mark the 10th anniversary of the coming into force of the protocol.

The Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict of the Convention on the Rights of the Child also requires that States prevent individuals under the age of 18 from taking part directly in hostilities, and raises awareness of the obligation to criminalize recruitment and use of under-age girls and boys.

"Every country, big or small, with or without a standing army, at peace or in conflict, has a role to play in abolishing the inhumane practice of recruiting and using children in war," said Ms. Coomaraswamy.

In an effort to strengthen international norms against child recruitment, Ms. Coomaraswamy jointly with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Special Representative on Violence against Children, and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2010 launched the universal ratification campaign of the Optional Protocol.

Since the launch of the 'Zero under 18 campaign,' 16 signatures and ratifications have been made, with Grenada becoming the most recent party to the treaty.
Feb 13 2012 5:10PM
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UN FORUM SEEKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO ORGANIC PRODUCTS FROM DEVELOPING WORLD

UN FORUM SEEKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO ORGANIC PRODUCTS FROM DEVELOPING WORLD
New York, Feb 13 2012 5:10PM
A United Nations-backed conference addressing the future of access to markets for organic products began today with delegates and experts gathered to examine the impact that trade standards are having on organic farmers in the developing world.

The two-day <"http://www.goma-organic.org/conference/">forum, held in the German city of Nuremberg, will examine issues related to organic agriculture in emerging economies as well as the possible barriers that international organic standards pose to their development.

In 2002, a partnership between the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) first established a joint effort to promote access to the global organic market.

Over the next two days, delegates will discuss the progress made in helping developing-country farmers expand their international market reach and the practical means for overcoming technical barriers to the marketing of organic products.

Once products are certified as organic, they can typically fetch higher prices than their conventional counterparts and be traded internationally in robust markets. Already, the organic product sector accounts for sales of $60 billion annually.

Minor differences in organic standards, however, can often hinder this trade.

According to UNCTAD, there are currently an estimated two million certified organic farmers worldwide, 80 per cent of which are in developing countries. In addition, developing countries account for 73 per cent of land certified for organic beekeeping and the collection of plant products grown in the wild.

In a nod to sustainable agriculture, organic farming relies on healthy soils and active agro-ecological management rather than the use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers, which can often have adverse effects on the environment, agricultural workers, and consumers.

The benefits include higher incomes for agricultural workers, more stable and nutritious diets for consumers, and environmental improvements such as higher soil fertility, reduced soil erosion, and better resilience to climate extremes such as drought and heavy rainfall.
Feb 13 2012 5:10PM
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CALLING FOR END TO PROVOCATIONS, BAN SAYS ISRAEL AND PALESTINIANS MUST RESTORE TRUST

CALLING FOR END TO PROVOCATIONS, BAN SAYS ISRAEL AND PALESTINIANS MUST RESTORE TRUST
New York, Feb 13 2012 5:10PM
Israel and the Palestinians must cease provocations and take concrete steps to restore trust and create a conducive environment for direct talks, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed today, pledging to do everything in his power to help the parties advance the peace process.

"The status quo is unsustainable. All efforts must be made towards a positive change," Mr. Ban said in <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=5856">remarks to the 2012 session of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

"The parties should do their utmost to resolve all permanent status issues, end the conflict, and establish an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace with a secure Israel," he added.

The committee was set up in 1975 by the General Assembly to enable the Palestinians to exercise their rights to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty and to return to their homes and property from which they were displaced.

"It is time to realize the legitimate rights and aspirations of the people of Palestine and the people of Israel," said Mr. Ban, who recently returned from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, where he encouraged the parties to re-engage in earnest towards the resumption of permanent status negotiations.

He cited the need for concrete steps on the ground to restore confidence and trust. The parties have a particular responsibility to cease provocations and create a conducive environment for direct talks, he said.

"Israel's continued settlement activity is a major obstacle and prejudices final status issues," said the Secretary-General. "It must cease."

He added that unilateral actions on the ground will not be accepted by the international community.

For its part, the Palestinian Authority should also find ways to de-escalate the situation, improve the divisive climate, including by combating incitement, and engage directly in the search for a negotiated solution, said Mr. Ban.

He also renewed his call for immediate steps towards lifting the closure of the Gaza Strip and the full opening of legitimate crossings for the import of construction materials critical for the area's economic recovery – changes that can be implemented "with due consideration for Israel's legitimate security concerns, while making a significant difference in the lives of ordinary Gazans."
Feb 13 2012 5:10PM
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UN WELCOMES OFFICIAL START OF OPERATIONS FOR LIBYAN ELECTORAL AUTHORITIES

UN WELCOMES OFFICIAL START OF OPERATIONS FOR LIBYAN ELECTORAL AUTHORITIES
New York, Feb 13 2012 4:10PM
The United Nations today welcomed the official start of operations for Libya's new electoral authorities, but urged that the framework for staging the first free elections in the North African country in four decades be implemented as quickly as possible.

The members of Libya's Higher National Electoral Commission were sworn in yesterday, days after Libya's interim authorities – the National Transitional Council (NTC) – adopted electoral laws that set out details on the holding of polls later this year to choose members of the National Congress.

The National Congress will be tasked with drafting a new constitution for Libya, where Muammar al-Qadhafi ruled for more than 40 years until a pro-democracy uprising last year led to civil war and the deposing of his regime.

In a <"http://unsmil.unmissions.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=GOdAKcfTzes%3d&tabid=3543&mid=6187&language=en-US">statement issued today in Tripoli, the capital, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said the swearing-in of commission members means that the commission can now begin operational electoral preparations in earnest.

It voiced hope that the electoral authorities will be able to set up a functional administration in the days ahead to advance practical preparations for the polls.

"UNSMIL appreciates that the process of developing an electoral law took longer than envisaged in the constitutional declaration [of 3 August 2011] given the political sensitivities involved when deciding the basic modalities for the first election in the country for over 40 years," the statement said.

"Despite difficult conditions and a limited time frame, it is encouraging that the NTC electoral committee did their best to respect the deadlines established in the constitutional declaration and that the delay in the adoption of the legal framework was only a limited one."

The mission underscored that the tight time frame for the elections – due to be held by late June – meant "implementation of the framework will require swift and immediate preparation."

The statement also acknowledged that while the NTC electoral committee addressed many comments from stakeholders during the period of public consultation before the laws were adopted, some stakeholders felt that the process of dialogue regarding the legal framework for the elections was limited.

"Overall, it is our belief that the adopted legal framework is a reasonable foundation for the election of the National Congress, although some gaps and shortcomings are still present and will need to be addressed during the implementation process.

"For example, the provision regarding the restriction of the right to vote to the armed forces needs to be clarified, and the absence of measures to ensure the participation of internally displaced populations is a source of concern."

The statement also noted that the legal and institutional electoral framework will not be entirely finalized until there is a decision on the determination of constituencies, expected within two weeks.
Feb 13 2012 4:10PM
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UN CONVENES MEETING OF AID GROUPS TO DISCUSS HOW TO TACKLE HUNGER IN SAHEL

UN CONVENES MEETING OF AID GROUPS TO DISCUSS HOW TO TACKLE HUNGER IN SAHEL
New York, Feb 13 2012 4:10PM
The leaders of United Nations aid agencies, humanitarian organizations and donor governments will meet on Wednesday in Rome to discuss how to urgently scale up assistance in Africa's Sahel region, where drought and food shortages are threatening millions of lives.

"The needs of the millions affected by drought in the Sahel are enormous, and the time to act is now," <"http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-host-joint-meeting-humanitarian-agencies-deteriorating-situation-sahel-region-">said Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which will host the meeting at its headquarters.

"This gathering comes at a critical moment as humanitarian agencies are gearing up their response in an effort to prevent a crisis becoming a disaster."

The Sahel is a regional belt spanning West and Central Africa immediately south of the Sahara Desert and it includes a number of countries which have been regularly afflicted by food insecurity.

Last year, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that several areas of the Sahel had been affected by irregular rains during the 2011 cropping season and that an early end to the rains would lead to a significant drop in production and increased food insecurity.

Participants at the meeting, which will hosted at WFP's headquarters, are expected to include the heads of FAO; the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), as well as the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos and top officials from the European Union and the United States.
Feb 13 2012 4:10PM
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BAN WELCOMES SIGNING OF NON-AGGRESSION PACT BETWEEN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN

BAN WELCOMES SIGNING OF NON-AGGRESSION PACT BETWEEN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN
New York, Feb 13 2012 4:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the signing of a non-aggression and cooperation pact between the governments of Sudan and South Sudan and urged both countries to maintain the positive spirit that led to the agreement and abide by its provisions.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Aggression and Cooperation signed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Friday calls for the respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs and rejects the use of force in relations between the two countries.

Mr. Ban also encouraged both countries to reach agreement on all other outstanding issues, according to a <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=5855">statement issued by his spokesperson.

South Sudan became an independent State last July, six months after its people voted overwhelmingly to secede from Sudan.

Tensions between the two countries over unresolved border disagreements have simmered since, with a dispute over tariffs charged by Sudan on South Sudan for the use of a pipeline and port to export oil recently further straining relations.

On Friday, Mr. Ban voiced concern over the lack of progress in talks to resolve post-independence issues, as well as the possibility of an escalation in tensions after unilateral decisions taken by the two governments over the oil dispute.
Feb 13 2012 4:10PM
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MIGIRO URGES GREATER ROLE FOR EMERGING ECONOMIES IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

MIGIRO URGES GREATER ROLE FOR EMERGING ECONOMIES IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
New York, Feb 13 2012 1:10PM
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today called for the wider inclusion of emerging economies in global governance mechanisms, noting that powerful decision-making bodies do not sufficiently reflect the growing impact of developing and new markets on the world economy.

"We need to ensure both greater synergies among, as well as participation of, all stakeholders," Ms. Migiro said in an address to the conference marking 10 years since the launch of the Helsinki Process on Globalization and Democracy, a joint initiative of Finland and Tanzania aiming to establish a set of commonly agreed rules to better manage globalization.

"We all need to work together to make our institutions more effective, fair and accountable. The name of the game is 'delivering for people,'" Ms. Migiro to the Helsinki Process+10 conference in the Finnish capital.

The gap between old structures and new realities is causing divisions among groups of countries at different stages of development, she pointed out, stressing the need to strengthen ties among governments, civil society groups, the private sector and other international institutions.

She said that the United Nations is striving to achieve those objectives through a number of initiatives, including the Every Woman, Every Child campaign to promote global health, as well as the Sustainable Energy for All that is focused on energy security and sustainability.

The UN Global Compact has long been a platform for cooperation with partners in the private sector, she added.

"We are working to address the interlinked challenges of the global economic crisis, environmental degradation, poverty and social tensions," said Ms. Migiro.

She noted that the UN too needed to have greater policy coherence given its great legitimacy thanks to its universal nature. "We need to be more efficient. And we need to move with the times."

Ms. Migiro pointed out that the UN is focused on making sure that global policy-making reflects the needs of the world's poor and most vulnerable, adding that the best way to do that is to close the gap between decision-makers and the people they represent.

"That is where multi-stakeholder cooperation comes in. When we engage our partners at all levels of society, we turn resentment into responsibility – and we turn up new ideas for progress," she said.

"The United Nations can bring together different players from around the world. We can link them to both formal and informal negotiations on the most important issues of our day. We have decades of experience in helping partners to gather and interact with official government negotiations."
Feb 13 2012 1:10PM
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