BAN SADDENED BY DEATH OF CORAZON AQUINO, FORMER FILIPINO PRESIDENT

BAN SADDENED BY DEATH OF CORAZON AQUINO, FORMER FILIPINO PRESIDENT
New York, Aug 1 2009 7:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his deep sadness today over the news of the passing of former Filipino President, Corazon Aquino, the first woman to lead her country.

Mr. Ban paid tribute to the former President for her "exceptional courage and pivotal role in the restoration and consolidation of democracy in the Philippines," which she governed from 1986 to 1992.

"Mrs. Aquino will be remembered as a beacon of democracy not only in the Philippines but also around the world," Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

According to media reports, Mrs. Aquino, 76, had been diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer last year and confined to hospital for over a month.

The Secretary-General extended his "sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late President and to the Government and people of the Philippines."
Aug 1 2009 7:10PM
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BREASTFEEDING SAVES LIVES IN EMERGENCIES, SAYS UN HEALTH AGENCY

BREASTFEEDING SAVES LIVES IN EMERGENCIES, SAYS UN HEALTH AGENCY
New York, Aug 1 2009 5:10PM
Breastfeeding offers babies a lifeline during emergencies, the head of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has stressed as World Breastfeeding Week kicks off today.

This year's week focuses on the critical part played by breastfeeding during emergencies, including wars and natural disasters, with small children being hit especially hard by emergencies, facing a triple risk of death from diarrhea, pneumonia and undernutrition.

"The life-saving role during emergencies is firmly supported by evidence and guidance," WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said in a statement.

According to a WHO <"http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/global_strategy/en/index.html">publication, breastfeeding must begin within one hour of birth to prevent malnutrition and mortality. The agency recommends that babies are breastfed exclusively until they reach the age of six months, and then continue to b
e breastfed, and receive complementary food, until two years or beyond.

During crises, breastfeeding must be protected and supported through, among other measures, setting up safe corners for mothers and infants, counseling and mother-to-mother support, the agency said.

"As part of emergency preparedness, hospitals and other health care services should have trained health workers who can help mothers establish breastfeeding and overcome difficulties," Dr. Chan said.

Together with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), WHO has set up a breastfeeding training course to be included in emergency preparedness plans.

This year's breastfeeding week rounds out the theme -- making hospitals safer in emergencies -- of World Health Day 2009, the agency's chief said.

"Emergencies amplify the risk of infant and young child mortality," she emphasized. "With appropriate action, we can protect these precious lives through one of the most 'natural' of all life-saving interventions."
Aug 1 2009 5:10PM

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FORMER SOMALI OFFICERS ATTEND UN-BACKED MEETING TO HELP BEEF UP SECURITY

FORMER SOMALI OFFICERS ATTEND UN-BACKED MEETING TO HELP BEEF UP SECURITY
New York, Aug 1 2009 5:10PM
A United Nations-backed meeting of former high-ranking officials from Somalia's military, police, prison system and intelligence services kicked off today in the latest bid at bolstering the war-wracked country's security institutions.

"In keeping with the spirit of the Djibouti process, this is an opportunity for the former Somali military leaders to contribute to the rebuilding of their nation," said Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, UN Special Representative for Somalia, referring to internationally backed reconciliation efforts that started last year in neighbouring Djibouti.

The former senior officers of the Somali security forces are expected to share its knowledge of and know-how with the current leadership during the five-day workshop, convened by the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and led by the Somali Ministry of Defence, in Washington DC.

In-depth discussions are slate
d to focus on both the historical background of the Somali security forces, and the re-establishment and strengthening of the security sector, with the intention of producing a document outlining strategies to address short-term security challenges and long-term capacity building measures.

"History has a lot to teach us if we're willing to learn from past experiences -- failures and successes," said Mr. Ould-Abdallah. "These former senior military officials will have an opportunity to serve their country in another capacity."

Despite the signing of peace agreements, the formation of a new Government and election of a new president, the Horn of Africa nation has seen a resurgence of violence in recent months.

Fighting between Government forces and the Al-Shabaab and Hisb-ul-Islam militant groups in Mogadishu since early May have forced over 200,000 people from their homes, many of them for the second time over the course of the past year.
Aug 1 2009 5:10PM
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