SYRIAN CRISIS REACHING STAGE OF CIVIL WAR, UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF SAYS

SYRIAN CRISIS REACHING STAGE OF CIVIL WAR, UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF SAYS
New York, Dec 1 2011 7:10PM
The deteriorating situation in Syria is now close to a civil war and the death toll from the nine-month crackdown by the country's security forces against protesters has passed at least 4,000, the United Nations human rights chief said today.

Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told journalists in Geneva that 4,000 was a conservative estimate, with "the reliable information coming to us… that it's much more than that."

Ms. Pillay will address a special session tomorrow of the UN Human Rights Council, which is meeting in Geneva to discuss this week's release of an independent international commission of inquiry into the crackdown.

That three-member commission, established by the Council, found evidence that Syria's military and security forces have committed crimes against humanity since March, when a public uprising began across Syria, in line with similar movements across North Africa and the Middle East.

The commission's report is based on interviews with more than 200 victims and witnesses of human rights violations, including civilians and defectors from the military and security forces.

Aside from its findings, the commission called on the Syrian Government to immediately end the ongoing rights violations, to initiate investigations of these incidents and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Speaking today, Ms. Pillay warned that as more defectors threatened to take up arms, there is an increasing threat of "a civil war and at the moment that is how I am characterizing this."
Dec 1 2011 7:10PM
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DR CONGO: UN ENVOY ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT WELCOMES SANCTIONING OF MILITIA LEADER

DR CONGO: UN ENVOY ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT WELCOMES SANCTIONING OF MILITIA LEADER
New York, Dec 1 2011 7:10PM
The United Nations official leading efforts to combat sexual violence in conflict today welcomed the decision by a Security Council committee to place a militia leader in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under sanctions for instigating acts of sexual assault, including mass rape, in the east of the country.

Margot Wallström, the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, said Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, a political leader of one of DRC's Mayi Mayi militia groups, planned and the ordered mass rapes in Walikale territory the country's North Kivu province last year.

She said the decision by the Council's sanctions committee concerning DRC "sends a clear and resounding signal that impunity for such crimes will not be tolerated and that the international community is prepared to use all means at its disposal to go after the perpetrators.

"The worldwide travel ban and assets freeze imposed by Security Council resolution 1533 will limit the room for manoeuvre for Sheka and other commanders responsible for human rights violations."

Ms. Wallström said her office will continue to monitor sexual violence in the DRC and other areas and to stand in solidarity with survivors.

The Council's sanctions committee concerning DRC added Mr. Sheka to its travel ban and assets freeze list on Monday, saying he had also committed serious violations of international law involving the targeting of children.

"Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka planned and ordered a series of attacks in Walikale territory from July 30 to August 2, 2010 to punish local populations accused of collaborating with Congolese Government forces," the committee said in a press release.

"In the course of the attacks, children were raped and were abducted, subjected to forced labour, and subjected to cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. The Mayi Mayi Sheka militia group also forcibly recruits boys and holds children in their ranks from recruitment drives," it added.
Dec 1 2011 7:10PM
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BAN WELCOMES LEBANON’S INCREASED SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL TRIBUNAL

BAN WELCOMES LEBANON'S INCREASED SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL TRIBUNAL
New York, Dec 1 2011 6:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today Lebanon's decision to increase its financial support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), which was set up to try those alleged to be responsible for the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri.

During a phone call with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2107">expressed his gratitude for the Government's decision to take on 49 per cent of the 2011 budget for the tribunal.

According to his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said the decision was a very positive step that would allow the tribunal to continue to uncover the truth about the former leader's assassination, and said he was confident that the Government would continue to respect Lebanon's international obligations and cooperate with the STL.

Today Mr. Ban also <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=2108">visited Bongha, the home town of the late former president of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Roh Moo-hyun, where he paid his respects at a memorial and met his widow. Mr. Ban served Mr. Roh as foreign minister and earlier as diplomatic adviser. Later on, Mr. Ban also visited Seoul, where he met former president Kim Young-sam at his residence.

Mr. Ban's visit to his native country this week included his address to the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan. The forum brought together representatives of governments, the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world to discuss how to make aid more effective and helpful to those in need.
Dec 1 2011 6:10PM
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EXPERIENCED GAMBIAN LAWYER SET TO BECOME NEXT ICC PROSECUTOR

EXPERIENCED GAMBIAN LAWYER SET TO BECOME NEXT ICC PROSECUTOR
New York, Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
States Parties to the international treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC) have selected <"http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC/Structure+of+the+Court/Office+of+the+Prosecutor/Biographies/The+Deputy+Prosecutor+_Prosecutions_.htm">Fatou B. Bensouda of the Gambia as the consensus candidate to be the next prosecutor, the court <"http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/02E75726-2CF5-47A4-BAC3-74A31CA325EA.htm">said today.

Ms. Bensouda is expected to be elected on 12 December at the tenth session of the Assembly of State Parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, the court – which is based in The Hague in the Netherlands – said in a press release.

She will assume office 16 June next year to replace Luis Moreno-Ocampo of Argentina, who has been prosecutor since 2003 and whose term will come to an end.

Ms. Bensouda has served as ICC's Deputy Prosecutor since September 2004, and previously worked as a Legal Adviser and Trial Attorney at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania, where she rose to the position of senior legal adviser and head of the legal advisory unit.

The consultations that led to an informal agreement that she be considered for nomination as ICC Prosecutor lasted four weeks and included a series of meetings of the New York Working Group of the Bureau, where the four candidates shortlisted by the search committee were given the opportunity to present themselves to States Parties.
Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
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BAHRAIN: GENERAL ASSEMBLY CHIEF WELCOMES REPORT ON ALLEGED RIGHTS ABUSES

BAHRAIN: GENERAL ASSEMBLY CHIEF WELCOMES REPORT ON ALLEGED RIGHTS ABUSES
New York, Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
The President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser has received the report of the independent commission that probed alleged human rights violations in Bahrain and voiced hope that implementation of its recommendations will help to fulfil the aspirations of the country's people.

The report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was handed to Mr. Al-Nasser by Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain yesterday, Mr. Al-Nasser's spokesperson said in a <"http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/66/news/PRStatements/ps01122011.shtml">statement.

Mr. Al-Nasser welcomed the decision made by King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifah to form a National Commission to implement the recommendations of the report. He also commended the commitment made by the Government of Bahrain to implement reforms and progressive policies that will help to achieve reconciliation for all Bahrainis.

The inquiry, headed by Professor Cherif Bassiouni, found that Government forces had used excessive force during the crackdown in February and March and had tortured some detainees, according to press reports.

Secretary-Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the report after it was released last week and urged the Bahraini Government to implement the recommendations as a way of spurring dialogue and reconciliation and meeting the "legitimate aspirations" of the people.
Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
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UN CHIEF TO ROLL OUT CHANGES TO SENIOR TEAM FOR NEXT FIVE-YEAR TERM

UN CHIEF TO ROLL OUT CHANGES TO SENIOR TEAM FOR NEXT FIVE-YEAR TERM
New York, Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to roll out changes in his senior team as he prepares to embark on his second term at the helm of the United Nations, including to his top political, economic, disarmament, and communications advisers, his chief of staff announced today.

Vijay Nambiar told journalists at UN Headquarters that Mr. Ban is keen to ensure the right mix of change and continuity in the senior leadership team for his second five-year term, which begins next month.

"The Secretary-General's intention is to build a new team that is strong on substance and diverse in composition, complementing one another and working as a team," said Mr. Nambiar.

In this process, Mr. Ban will focus on those senior officials who already have five years of service, as well as try to balance the need for fresh perspectives with the need for maintaining continuity of purpose.

"He will continue to focus on empowering line departments as well as on leveraging organizational synergy by streamlining work process and minimizing institutional duplication," Mr. Nambiar added.

"We are announcing these changes in advance in order to give ample time for us to seek nominations, and to ensure a smooth transition."

Mr. Ban is currently undertaking a thorough review of his entire team, with the aim of rolling out the changes in a phased manner. It is expected that eight Under-Secretaries-General will leave around the first half of 2012.

They are Muhammad Shaaban, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Management; Kiyotaka Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information; B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs; and Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

Also on the list are Sergio Duarte, High Representative for Disarmament; Cheick Sidi Diarra, Special Adviser for Africa; Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); and Ján Kubiš, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE).

The selection process has also begun for five Assistant Secretary-General positions at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Mr. Ban thanked the departing senior officials for their dedication and hard work, adding that they have "contributed much to the reassertion of the importance and relevance of the Organization," said Mr. Nambiar.

Additional announcements about other senior adviser positions will be made in the coming days, he added.
Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
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SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS
New York, Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on countries to work together to protect migrants' rights, adding that they are an important force with an increasing influence in the global economy.

"Even in this weak global economy, migrants continue contributing to their home States," Mr. Ban said in a video message to the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Geneva, Switzerland. "Remittances are even higher than foreign direct investment (FDI) in many developing countries."

Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5726">stressed the importance of protecting them as they face serious threats in many countries. "Too many migrants face exclusion, discrimination and violence," he said. "The recent fighting in North Africa showed how vulnerable migrants can be."

The two-day forum, which ends tomorrow, is the largest platform for dialogue on international migration and development where countries can discuss emerging migration and development issues.

Mr. Ban said the forum had already made progress by advancing initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of remittance transfers, empowering migrants, and making it possible for them to eventually return home.

"We can help migrants move safely and legally. We can protect their rights. We can encourage their contributions to the countries that they left, and the countries where they live," he said.
Dec 1 2011 5:10PM
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INSPIRED BY GLOBAL EVENTS, UN LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE RIGHTS

INSPIRED BY GLOBAL EVENTS, UN LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE RIGHTS
New York, Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
The United Nations has launched a social media campaign to encourage people to get involved in the global human rights movement, inspired by the role played by tools such as Facebook and Twitter in the awakening that transformed parts of the Arab world this year.

"Our social media human rights campaign focuses on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and aims to help more people know, demand and defend human rights," <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11667&LangID=E">said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

She noted that the popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East illustrated the power and reach of social media, as millions of people demanding greater rights and freedoms harnessed Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other tools.

"The message of this unexpected global awakening was carried in the first instance not by the satellites of major media conglomerates, or conferences, or other traditional means – although these all played a role – but by the dynamic and irrepressible surge of social media," Ms. Pillay said, adding that the results have been "startling."

The so-called Arab awakening has already led to the toppling of long-standing regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, and to ongoing protests in a number of other countries.

"Today, as in the past, editorial and financial factors – as well as access – determine whether or not protests, and repression of protests, are televised or reported in newspapers around the world," said Ms. Pillay.

"But, wherever it happens, you can now guarantee it will be tweeted on Twitter, posted on Facebook, broadcast on YouTube, and uploaded on to the Internet. Governments no longer hold the ability to monopolize the dissemination of information and censor what it says.

"Instead we are seeing real lives in real struggle, broadcast in real time – and it is in many ways an exhilarating sight," she said. "In sum, in 2011, human rights went viral."

The campaign launched by the High Commissioner's Office (OHCHR) comes ahead of Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December – the birthday of the Declaration.

OHCHR already started an online discussion on Facebook and Twitter on 10 November called "30 Days and 30 Rights," which counts down to Human Rights Day with a daily posting about one specific article of the Declaration.

Meanwhile, questions are pouring in via different social media platforms for a global human rights dialogue the High Commissioner is hosting on the eve of Human Rights Day that will be webcast and streamed live.
Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
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UN HUMAN TRAFFICKING EXPERT CALLS ON AUSTRALIA TO STEP UP MEASURES TO HELP VICTIMS

UN HUMAN TRAFFICKING EXPERT CALLS ON AUSTRALIA TO STEP UP MEASURES TO HELP VICTIMS
New York, Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
Australian authorities must do more to assist the victims of human trafficking, particularly when the victims are children, an independent United Nations human rights expert has warned at the end of an official visit to the country.

Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, issued a <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11668&LangID=E">statement yesterday in which she called for greater attention to the rights and needs of trafficking victims in Australia, a "destination country" for trafficking.

"Australia has shown strong leadership and committed considerable resources to combating trafficking in persons," she said. "However, I still observe that there is no national plan of action for combating trafficking with clear indicators for measuring outcome and impact."

Ms. Ezeilo said the scale of the trafficking problem appears to be underestimated and underreported, with most victims outside the sex industry remaining unidentified.

"I have observed that the issue of trafficking in persons in Australia is sexualized and often conflated with prostitution. There is a need to move away from over-sexualizing the discourse on trafficking, which invariably contributes to the common stereotype of victims of trafficking as being women and girls forced into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation."

A victim-centred approach is still lacking in some areas, she added, with assistance to victims in some situations made conditional on their cooperation with authorities.

Ms. Ezeilo recommended that Australia provide specialist services for child victims of trafficking to take into account their needs in such areas as education, care and housing.

"Trafficked children should be given information on all matters affecting their interests, including their situation, legal options, entitlements and services available to them, and processes of family reunification or repatriation."

Ms. Ezeilo, who serves in an independent and unpaid capacity, has been Special Rapporteur since August 2008. She reports to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
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IRAQ: UN MISSION TO ADVISE IN SELECTION OF BOARD OF ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS

IRAQ: UN MISSION TO ADVISE IN SELECTION OF BOARD OF ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS
New York, Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
The United Nations mission in Iraq said today it will, at the request of the country's Council of Representatives, play the role of adviser and observer in the ongoing selection of the board of the electoral commission, in an effort to enhance the transparency and credibility of the process.

The request that the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) play an advisory and observation role in the selection of the Board of Commissioners of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) was made by the Council of Representatives, through its Committee of Experts, the mission said in a press release.

"This request demonstrates the continued confidence of the Iraqi Institutions to entrust UNAMI with an expert role in this important process," said Jerzy Skuratowicz, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Iraq, who is in charge of political affairs.

"The mission is committed to continue providing impartial advice to help identify candidates that posses the necessary integrity, professionalism and high knowledge of the elections. It is important for the future of Iraq that the upcoming electoral events are conducted in a credible, inclusive and transparent manner," he added.

UNAMI's advisory role is based on international comparative practices and does not include voting in the Committee of Experts' decision, the mission said.

"Iraq has a busy electoral calendar ahead, including the governorates' council elections in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the long overdue district and sub-district elections and the regional and national events due to take place over the next few years,' said José Maria Aranaz, UNAMI's chief electoral adviser.

"The credibility of any upcoming electoral process and referendum will depend on the credibility, integrity and professionalism of the new Board of Commissioners," he added.

The first phase of the short-listing of candidates has started and the final vote and selection of the nine new commissioners is expected to take place by the end of March next year. The entire process is expected to last six months.

Since 2004, UNAMI and the UN country team have supported numerous electoral events, including voter registration updates in 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009; the national and governorates council elections in 2005, 2009 and 2010; the constitutional referendum in 2005; and the regional elections in the Kurdistan region in 2008.

At the request of the Iraqi Government, the UN team also assisted in the selection of electoral commissioners to the IHEC in 2004 and 2007 and heads of the IHEC Governorate Electoral Office.
Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
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UN REPORT CALLS ON AFFLUENT COUNTRIES TO HALT AUSTERITY TO AVOID DOUBLE-DIP RECESSION

UN REPORT CALLS ON AFFLUENT COUNTRIES TO HALT AUSTERITY TO AVOID DOUBLE-DIP RECESSION
New York, Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
The world risks falling back into recession if developed countries embark prematurely on fiscal austerity measures, according to a United Nations report released today in New York, which recommends additional stimulus measures as well as more forceful international coordination to stimulate job creation and investment.

The <"http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/wesp/wesp_current/2012wesp_prerel.pdf">report on global economic prospects, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), states that fiscal austerity measures implemented in developed countries and elsewhere in response to high levels of fiscal deficit and public debt are further weakening growth and job prospects.

Calling 2012 a "make-or-break" year for the economy, the report forecasts a "muddle-through" scenario, in which the world economy will continue to grow at a slow pace, at about 2.6 per cent next year and 3.2 per cent for 2013, down from 4.0 per cent in 2010. However, the report says this will only happen if the Eurozone debt crisis is contained, and if further moves toward stringent fiscal austerity in developed countries come to a halt.

"Failure of policy-makers, especially those in Europe and the United States, to address the jobs crisis and prevent sovereign debt distress and financial sector fragility from escalating, poses the most acute risk for the global economy in the outlook for 2012-2013," warns the report.

The report underscores four mutually reinforcing factors that are weakening the global economy: sovereign debt distress; fragile banking sectors; weak aggregate demand associated with fiscal austerity measures and high unemployment; and policy paralysis caused by political gridlock. If one of them worsens, the report warns, there is a high risk of setting off "a vicious circle leading to severe financial turmoil and economic downturn."

The report stresses that slower growth in developed countries is also affecting developing countries, which have seen a slowing down in their growth since April.

"The European Union (EU) and the United States form the two largest economies in the world and they are deeply intertwined. Their problems would easily feed into each other and spread into another global recession. Developing countries, which had rebounded strongly from the global recession of 2009, would be hit through trade and financial channels," the report reads.

Brazil and Mexico are expected to be more visibly affected by this economic slowdown, while growth in India and China is expected to remain robust.

The report estimates that there was an unemployment deficit of 64 million jobs worldwide this year. This figure refers to the amount of jobs that would need to be created to restore pre-crisis employment levels and absorb young people coming into the workforce.

If economic growth stays at current levels, the report estimates the unemployment deficit will not be closed until far beyond 2015.

The report says additional fiscal stimulus measures in many countries are still possible, but would need to be accompanied by regulatory reforms to the financial sector, increased resources for financial safety nets – especially in Europe – and measures to prevent a second round of mortgage crises in countries with a high risk of home foreclosure.
Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
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DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SPUR GROWTH IN GLOBAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT – UN

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SPUR GROWTH IN GLOBAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT – UN
New York, Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
Global manufacturing rose slightly in the third quarter of this year despite fears that the world economy could plunge into another recession as a result of instability in European financial markets, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said in a <"http://www.unido.org/index.php?id=1001649">report released today.

The growth in manufacturing output in major economies indicates that a further worldwide downturn in industrial production is not imminent, UNIDO <"http://www.unido.org/index.php?id=7881&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=982&cHash=f761d480c7e7eda77d4860542967d995">said in its quarterly report on world manufacturing production.

Global manufacturing output rose by 5.5 per cent overall, compared to the same period last year, spurred mainly by growth in developing countries where manufacturing output increased by 13 per cent.

China's manufacturing, which accounts for almost half of all developing countries combined, grew by 14.5 per cent in the third quarter, while the output of industrialized countries rose by an average of 3.3 per cent.

United States manufacturing grew by 4.1 per cent, while Japan's industrial performance improved significantly with output rising by 4.3 per cent, compared to the second quarter of this year. Japan's output is, however, still below last year's levels.

The impact of the Eurozone's financial instability has so far been limited to a few countries, UNIDO noted in its report.

In Europe, strong growth in manufacturing output was observed in Austria (7.2 per cent), the Czech Republic (5.5 per cent), Germany (9.6 per cent) and Sweden (6.4 per cent).

Relatively higher growth performance was observed in Eastern Europe. The manufacturing output of Poland and Romania grew by 6.5 per cent and 6.1 per cent, respectively. Russia's manufacturing grew by 7.2 per cent.

Moderate growth was observed in France and the United Kingdom, but Italy's production dropped. Similarly, manufacturing output fell in Greece, Portugal and Spain.

Among developing countries, strong growth was seen in Malaysia (5.2 per cent), Turkey (7.8 per cent), and Viet Nam (7.4 per cent).

Growth in leading developing economies was, however, moderate. Argentina's output increased by 3.8 per cent, Brazil by 0.1 per cent, India by 3.1 per cent, and Mexico by 4.6 per cent.

The report also presents the growth figures of manufacturing sectors. Industrialized countries have performed relatively well in high-technology sectors, such as machinery and equipment, and the production of motor vehicles and office and computing machinery, while developing countries dominated the growth figures for the processing of primary products, such as food and beverages, textiles, garment apparel, and fabricated metal products.
Dec 1 2011 2:10PM
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ON WORLD AIDS DAY, UN OFFICIALS SAY END TO EPIDEMIC IS WITHIN REACH

ON WORLD AIDS DAY, UN OFFICIALS SAY END TO EPIDEMIC IS WITHIN REACH
New York, Dec 1 2011 12:10PM
As the world heads into the fourth decade of AIDS, it is finally in a position to end the epidemic, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, leading a chorus of United Nations officials in calling for the political will, investments and determination to reach this goal.

"Momentum is on our side. Let us use it to end AIDS – once and for all," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sgsm13982.doc.htm">said in his message for World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December each year.

"The progress we have made so far is proof that we can realize our vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths," he added.

The number of new HIV infections has fallen by more than 20 per cent since 1997, Mr. Ban noted. New infections are continuing to decline in most parts of the world. In addition, treatment has averted 2.5 million AIDS-related deaths since 1985, saving 700,000 lives last year alone.

"But, to end AIDS, we need to deliver even greater results," stressed the Secretary-General. "We must build on the political commitments, investments, energy, activism and determination that have brought us to this turning point."

Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), noted it has been a year of achievements, of collective action, of resilience and of courage. Despite the economic downturn that has stretched the AIDS response to its limits, millions of lives have been saved, as HIV treatment and prevention efforts continue to show results, he said.

"Never before in the history of AIDS have we reached a moment where we are able to stand up and say with conviction the end of AIDS is in sight," he stated in his <"http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/documents/speech/2011/20111125_SP_EXD_WAD2011message_en.pdf">message.

"The road before us is clear and we can accelerate ahead with smart investments, capitalizing on scientific advancements and evidence and respecting human rights," Mr. Sidibé said, calling on countries, donors and others to reach the global investment target of $22-24 billion for the AIDS response. "Only together can we secure the future and provide greater and long-term dividends."

In a related development, Mr. Sidibé <"http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2011/december/20111201pschina/">welcomed China's decision to fill its HIV resource gap by increasing domestic investments. The new commitment from China comes at a crucial moment, according to UNAIDS, as resources for AIDS are declining and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is facing a major setback in resource mobilization.

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is "Getting to Zero," which reflects both optimism and the need to do much more, the President of the General Assembly said in his message, noting that the challenges ahead are "sobering."

While more than 6.5 million people now receive life-saving treatment, 7.6 million still have no access to it, <"http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/66/news/PRStatements/ps011211.shtml">said Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. In 2010 alone, 1.8 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses, and there were 2.7 million new HIV infections.

"We cannot allow hard-won gains to unravel," said Mr. Al-Nasser. "I call on all stakeholders to uphold their commitments, and to work together to sustain and accelerate the progress."

A number of other senior UN officials issued messages, adding their voices to the call for sustained action to finally rid the world of the epidemic. They include the Executive Director of the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov; the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova; and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Juan Somavia.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) <"http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/world-aids-day-wfp-highlights-importance-nutrition-people-living-hiv">marked the Day by emphasizing the importance of providing food and nutrition support to people living with HIV and their families.

"Poor nutritional status and HIV can reinforce each other in a vicious circle," said Martin Bloem, WFP's chief of nutrition and HIV/AIDS policy. "WFP works with communities and health centres around the world to ensure that people affected by HIV and AIDS receive comprehensive support that nourishes and strengthens their bodies."

In 2010, WFP supported 2.5 million people in 44 countries through its HIV and tuberculosis programmes, providing food and nutrition support to some 1.3 million people living with HIV as part of their antiretroviral treatment (ART) or TB treatment and another 1.2 million people affected by these diseases. It aims to reach about the same number of people this year.

Yesterday, the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and UNAIDS released their report on the global HIV/AIDS response, highlighting the fact that there is a very real possibility of getting ahead of the epidemic.

This can only be achieved, however, by both sustaining and accelerating the current momentum over the next decade and beyond, the agencies stressed.

Meanwhile, a UN Development Programme (UNDP) study <"http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2011/12/01/hiv-traps-asian-households-in-vicious-circle-of-joblessness-debt.html">released today says that households in Asia that include people living with HIV exhaust their savings and liquidate assets at a disproportionately high rate, often plunging into "irreversible poverty."

Catastrophic health care costs, stigma, unemployment, and bad credit also mean these households – which start out with fewer assets – consume less food of lower quality and keep fewer children in school, said the report, which calls for urgent mitigation measures, including HIV-sensitive social protection to help tens of thousands of households in the region.
Dec 1 2011 12:10PM
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SENIOR UN OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS NEW TOOLS TO PROVIDE FOOD AID TO FRAGILE COUNTRIES

SENIOR UN OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS NEW TOOLS TO PROVIDE FOOD AID TO FRAGILE COUNTRIES
New York, Dec 1 2011 12:10PM
The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stressed today the importance of providing more support to fragile countries, adding that new agreements reached during this week's aid effectiveness forum in the Republic of Korea (ROK) would help build trust and achieve better results for vulnerable populations.

"In fragile States, food-based safety nets and food and nutrition security are an essential tool in building peace and security and in protecting the most marginalized," Executive Director Josette Sheeran said in her <"http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/statement-world-food-programme-ed-josette-sheeran-conclusion-high-level-forum-aid-">remarks at the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, held in Busan.

"It is essential to build resiliency and bridge the gap between emergency measures and early recovery and development."

Ms. Sheeran said a new deal for engaging with fragile countries had been agreed during the forum, adding that the WFP would be rolling out new technologies and tools to accelerate progress. These include the Purchase for Progress (P4P) programme, which works with small farmers to connect them to formal markets, increasing their revenues and stimulating agricultural production.

In addition, Ms. Sheeran said WFP is deploying other aid efficiency strategies such as the use of mobile phone technology to deliver food vouchers, developing locally-produced specialized foods which help prevent malnutrition in children, and investing in early warning systems to facilitate emergency response.

Echoing yesterday's remarks by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the forum, Ms. Sheeran stressed the role of the private sector to help the world's so-called "least developed countries," or LDCs.

"The private sector is a vital partner in the fight against hunger and is now among WFP's top 10 partners and donors. For example, through Project Laser Beam, WFP brings together the expertise of UN agencies with that of Fortune 500 companies, and others in the private sector, to work with local governments and companies to find new solutions to addressing child malnutrition," she said.

The forum, which finished today, brought together representatives of governments, the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world to discuss how to make aid more effective and helpful to those in need.
Dec 1 2011 12:10PM
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LIBYA: UN OFFICIAL URGES INCREASED FUNDING FOR MINE ACTION WORK

LIBYA: UN OFFICIAL URGES INCREASED FUNDING FOR MINE ACTION WORK
New York, Dec 1 2011 12:10PM
A senior United Nations official has urged donors to increase funding for de-mining efforts in Libya, where mine action teams are striving to clear landmines and other explosive remnants of war after the recent conflict to ensure that the weapons do not harm civilians.

"Good progress has been made so far, but mine action organizations are stretched to the limit with many priority areas as yet unassessed," said Georg Charpentier, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya, when yesterday he visited an area near the city of Misrata where mine action work is under way.

"Further funding is necessary for operations to continue into the new year and to capitalize on the investment already made in equipment and training," he said.

Mine clearance teams have so far removed a total of 77,943 items of unexploded ordnance and conducted mine risk education for more than 26,623 people. However, the area covered is just a fraction of contaminated areas and the key challenge remains the capacity of clearance teams, which are facing funding shortfalls, to scale up their work.

Mr. Charpentier stressed that international funding of mine action programmes will be required until the Libya's own financial resources become available.

He also visited an ammunition storage area and a local exhibition featuring interactive mine risk education presentations by two partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He was accompanied by the liaison officer of the National Transitional Council's (NTC) Joint Mine Action Coordination Team, the programme manager of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Libya and representatives of UN agencies and NGOs.

The NTC declared the full liberation of Libya on 23 October, eight months after the start of the popular uprising against the regime of long-time ruler Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi, who was eventually captured and killed.
Dec 1 2011 12:10PM
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DEPLORING ELECTION-RELATED VIOLENCE IN DR CONGO, TOP UN OFFICIALS APPEAL FOR CALM

DEPLORING ELECTION-RELATED VIOLENCE IN DR CONGO, TOP UN OFFICIALS APPEAL FOR CALM
New York, Dec 1 2011 10:10AM
Top United Nations officials today deplored the violence that marred this week's elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and urged all sides to exercise restraint and to resolve any differences through peaceful means.

Millions of Congolese went to the polls on Monday to cast their votes in presidential and parliamentary elections – only the second time since its independence in 1960 that the country held democratic elections. They are now awaiting the announcement of the preliminary results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

The UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) in DRC, which has been monitoring election-related violence, is investigating reports that more than 10 people have allegedly been killed by security forces and supporters of political parties, and many more wounded through the use of live ammunition, in the capital, Kinshasa, since 26 November.

"Clearly, political differences cannot be resolved through killings, and security forces should not use disproportionate force in the conduct of crowd control," said High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. "Such violations, as well as violence committed by supporters of political parties, must be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice without delay."

Deploring the killings and other acts of violence committed over the past few days, Ms. Pillay stressed that political leaders from all sides have a crucial role to play at this important crossroads in the history of DRC.

"It is their responsibility to resolve tensions through peaceful means," she stated in a news release. "They must realize that they may be held criminally responsible for their actions as well as for acts committed by their supporters."

The High Commissioner urged all sides to exercise restraint and to resolve differences peacefully to prevent the country from sliding into a cycle of post-electoral violence.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative, Roger Meece, also deplored the violence that marred the elections in certain areas throughout the country, and called on all political leaders and the general population to remain calm.

He shared the concerns expressed by observers regarding the reported irregularities and the need to assess their impact on the electoral process, according to a news release issued by the UN mission in the country (MONUSCO).

Earlier this month, UNJHRO issued a report that detailed numerous human rights violations during the pre-electoral period in DRC, and warned that such incidents could threaten the democratic process and result in post-electoral violence.

The report documented 188 violations apparently linked to the electoral process that occurred between 1 November 2010 and 30 September this year, including acts of intimidation, threats, incitement, arbitrary arrests and violence.

The violations most frequently infringed individuals' freedom of expression, the right to physical integrity and the right to liberty and security of the person, as well as the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
Dec 1 2011 10:10AM
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