UN ENVOY PRESSES FOR MORE PROGRESS ON REVAMPING LIBERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

UN ENVOY PRESSES FOR MORE PROGRESS ON REVAMPING LIBERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
New York, Feb 17 2012 7:10PM
A senior United Nations official today urged Liberians to redouble their efforts to revamp the West African country's criminal justice system, saying that while substantial progress has been made since the end of the civil war almost a decade ago, much more remains to be done.

"It is important to remember that Liberia still faces important challenges in re-establishing the rule of law," <"http://unmil.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3934&ctl=Details&mid=6897&ItemID=63164&language=en-US">said Louis Aucoin, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for the Rule of Law, at a ceremony in the town of Gbarnga in which Nigerian police serving with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) received peacekeeping medals.

"There is the need to address the challenges identified within the criminal justice system that hinder the required progress in this sector."

UNMIL has worked with local authorities to try to reform the Liberian criminal justice system in the wake of the brutal civil war, which left the country with little functioning infrastructure and few trained staff to handle criminal justice cases.

The mission has been progressively handing over security responsibilities to Liberian authorities, and Mr. Aucoin stressed that "this is a systematic process that requires time and preparation."

In Gbarnga, a new $3.7 million justice and peace hub, paid for by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, contains courts, offices, barracks and training centres for security agencies, and serves much of central Liberia.
Feb 17 2012 7:10PM
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UN EXPERT CALLS ON URUGUAY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO WATER TO POOR COMMUNITIES

UN EXPERT CALLS ON URUGUAY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO WATER TO POOR COMMUNITIES
New York, Feb 17 2012 6:10PM
An independent United Nations human rights expert today called on Uruguayan authorities to implement measures to provide access to health and sanitation to its poorest and most marginalized communities.

"Uruguay has achieved significant progress in terms of access to water and sanitation, but it is now urgent to prioritize access for vulnerable and marginalized individuals," said Special Rapporteur on the right to water and sanitation Catarina de Albuquerque, who recently finished a visit to Uruguay.

"Every person without exception must have access to drinking water and sanitation in an affordable, acceptable, available and safe form," Ms. Albuquerque stressed during a press conference. "States must continually adopt measures to ensure that access to these fundamental rights is guaranteed," she added.

Ms. Albuquerque emphasized that the right to sanitation goes beyond sewerage and urged authorities to adopt a national plan that focuses on alternative sanitation options.

"The water and energy services regulatory unit must be given more capabilities and independence, as well as more financial and human resources so it can monitor these essential rights," she said.

"It is important that Uruguay knows how to maintain the progress it has achieved, which is why it is essential that the Government reinforce its monitoring and controlling capacities of big agro-industrial and mining projects," she noted.

During her visit this week, Ms. Albuquerque visited various neighbourhoods in Montevideo, the capital, and in other parts of the country. She also met with local authorities as well as with representatives of civil society.

Ms. Albuquerque will present her full report on the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September this year.
Feb 17 2012 6:10PM
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UN OFFICIAL PARTIALLY CERTIFIES IVORIAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

UN OFFICIAL PARTIALLY CERTIFIES IVORIAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
New York, Feb 17 2012 6:10PM
The senior United Nations official in Côte d'Ivoire announced today the partial certification of legislative elections, saying the polls "constitute an important step in the entrenchment of democracy" in the West African country.

Bert Koenders, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), issued a statement in Abidjan in which he said "that all the conditions necessary for the holding of open, free, fair, just and transparent elections were met" in 193 of the 204 parliamentary constituencies where polls were held.

The results of the other 11 constituencies were annulled by the Constitutional Council after complaints were lodged over irregularities, and by-elections will be held for those seats.

Mr. Koenders, who is tasked by the Security Council with the responsibility for certification, said the elections met five key criteria: the electoral process was largely peaceful; it was inclusive for both voters and candidates; State media, after a "timid" start, were impartial and gave equal access to all candidates and political parties; authorities confirmed the electoral list of voters that was widely agreed upon; and the results were "generally free, fair and transparent."

Mr. Koenders added that important institutions such as the Independent Electoral Commission and the Constitutional Council improved their functioning as well.

"I welcome the fact that, after last year's crisis, the Ivorian people, in their majority, were able to exercise their right to vote in calm and in a peaceful environment."

Months of deadly fighting ensued when the incumbent Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down after losing a run-off election to Alassane Ouattara in late 2010. Mr. Gbagbo was eventually captured last year and is now facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In his statement Mr. Koenders said that nevertheless "much remains to be done," adding that it was vital for political parties and candidates to behave responsibly during by-elections slated for 26 February and for the media to make extra efforts to avoid "any potential sources of dispute" from being fanned.

"In the next few days I shall contact the governmental authorities as well as the institutions concerned so as to draw the appropriate lessons from the just-ended exercise in order to better manage the upcoming by-elections."

Today, UNOCI said it had completed the transport of equipment such as voting booths and ballot boxes to those constituencies where the by-elections will be held later this month.
Feb 17 2012 6:10PM
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UN COMMUNICATIONS FORUM MAKES PROGRESS ON RADIO SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS

UN COMMUNICATIONS FORUM MAKES PROGRESS ON RADIO SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS
New York, Feb 17 2012 6:10PM
A United Nations forum focused on ensuring universal access to radio services worldwide concluded in Geneva today with one senior UN official celebrating the gathering for making the world "a better place to live in."

Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (WRC-12) examined the technical, regulatory and operational aspects involved in the allocation and sharing of radio frequency in various services such as maritime and aeronautical transport and meteorology and disaster prediction.

"WRC-12 has helped define new and better ways to regulate radio services and applications, and represents a major contribution in making the world a better place for all," <"http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2012/10.aspx">said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré.

Mr. Touré commended the gathered delegates for their focus on Earth observation radiocommunication applications – technology which is crucial for monitoring and combating climate change and for disaster prediction.

Radio is the most prevalent mass medium with an ability to reach 95 per cent of the world's population at a low cost, including many remote communities and marginalized groups. It has also proven to be highly resilient as its scope and distribution platforms have grown with the development of new technologies.

With weather, climate and water-related calamities composing more than 90 per cent of the world's natural disasters, radio frequencies are also increasingly essential components of multi-hazard early warning systems.

"New applications for radio waves are being continuously developed, which means that more and more has to be squeezed into the available radio spectrum," said Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

"The WRC-12 decisions will help ensure that the signals we need to observe the Earth are not drowned by new signals," he added, noting that the outcome of the conference would provide new opportunities for observation systems needed to monitor, understand and predict the changing climate.

Over 3,000 participants from 165 countries attended the four-week conference in Geneva. In addition to the representatives of ITU member States, some 100 observers from among the agency's 700 private sector members along with international organizations were in attendance.
Feb 17 2012 6:10PM
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BAN TO VISIT UNITED KINGDOM, ZAMBIA AND ANGOLA NEXT WEEK

BAN TO VISIT UNITED KINGDOM, ZAMBIA AND ANGOLA NEXT WEEK
New York, Feb 17 2012 4:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will next week start a three-nation trip that will take him to the United Kingdom, where he will attend an international conference on the situation in Somalia, before proceeding to Zambia and Angola.

The first stop will be in London for the conference on Somalia, which is expected to bring together delegates from many countries with the aim of promoting stability and development in the war-scarred and deeply impoverished Horn of Africa nation.

In Zambia, Mr. Ban will meet with President Michael Sata and other senior officials and address a special session of the country's National Assembly, where he is also due to interact with the leaders of several parliamentary bodies.

He will also visit a United Nations-supported initiative that uses life skills and sports to reach out to and inspire vulnerable children, including those who live in the streets.

Accompanied by Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Secretary-General will visit the Olympic Youth Development Centre, a pilot project of the IOC 'Sports for Hope Programme.'

Mr. Ban will also have discussions with Zambian human rights clubs hosted by schools in the city of Livingstone, before participating in a 'tourism for development' event in Victoria Falls national park.

The last stop of the trip will be Angola, where he will meet with President José Eduardo dos Santos, the President of the National Assembly, Antonio Paulo Kassoma, and Foreign Minister Georges Rebelo Chikoti, among other top officials.

He will also attend the launch of a polio vaccination campaign and meet with young people at a project on water and sanitation.
Feb 17 2012 4:10PM
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EXPERTS DECIDE TO DELAY PUBLICATION OF FLU VIRUS RESEARCH AFTER UN-ORGANIZED TALKS

EXPERTS DECIDE TO DELAY PUBLICATION OF FLU VIRUS RESEARCH AFTER UN-ORGANIZED TALKS
New York, Feb 17 2012 4:10PM
A group of public health experts announced today that they have agreed to delay the publication of new research on the H5N1 influenza virus after a meeting convened by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).

"Given the high death rate associated with this virus – 60 per cent of all humans who have been infected have died – all participants at the meeting emphasized the high level of concern with this flu virus in the scientific community and the need to understand it better with additional research," said Keiji Fukuda, WHO's Assistant Director-General of Health Security and Environment.

WHO convened the meeting to facilitate the discussion of differing opinions that have arisen in recent months after two research groups, one in the Netherlands and the other based in the United States, have created versions of the H5N1 influenza virus which are more transmissible in mammals than the H5N1 virus that occurs naturally.

"The results of this new research have made it clear that H5N1 viruses have the potential to transmit more easily between people underscoring the critical importance for continued surveillance and research with this virus," Mr. Fukuda said.

During the talks, the group of experts came to a consensus that delaying publication of the entire manuscripts of research would have more public health benefit than urgently publishing it in part.

The experts also agreed that further research on the virus is necessary to protect public health and to review the biosafety and biosecurity implications of the laboratory-modified virus.

"There is a preference from a public health perspective for full disclosure of the information in these two studies. However, there are significant public concerns surrounding this research that should first be addressed," Mr. Fukuda said.

In a news release, WHO said that it will continue the discussion with relevant experts to move the issue forward.
Feb 17 2012 4:10PM
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UN ENVOY CALLS FOR CLOSER TIES WITH WEST AFRICAN REGIONAL BLOC

UN ENVOY CALLS FOR CLOSER TIES WITH WEST AFRICAN REGIONAL BLOC
New York, Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
A senior United Nations official today called for closer ties between the UN and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deal with threats and challenges to the region after the 15-member body selected a new leadership team.

Said Djinnit, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa, issued a statement welcoming the appointment of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara as President of the ECOWAS Authority and the former Burkinabé prime minister Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo as President of the ECOWAS Commission.

Mr. Ouattara and Mr. Ouédraogo were selected to the posts during a two-day ECOWAS summit in Abuja, Nigeria, that concluded today.

"The incoming leadership should be assured of the continued support of the United Nations to the Community, its Member States and the people of West Africa in their constant search for peace, democracy and development," said Mr. Djinnit, who also heads the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA).

He called for ties between the UN and ECOWAS to intensify, citing such threats to the region's stability as drug trafficking, organized crime, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the insecurity across the Sahel following the fallout from the Libyan uprising.
Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
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MEASURES ADOPTED AT UN TRADE CONFERENCE TO BENEFIT ORGANIC FARMERS IN POOR COUNTRIES

MEASURES ADOPTED AT UN TRADE CONFERENCE TO BENEFIT ORGANIC FARMERS IN POOR COUNTRIES
New York, Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
Two agreements that will help farmers in poor countries participate more fully in the organic food sector were signed at a United Nations-backed conference on development and trade, the UN announced today.

The agreements, which were reached earlier this week during the two-day forum in Nuremberg, Germany, will help some two million certified organic farmers worldwide – most of whom are located in Africa, Asia and Latin America – participate more effectively in a market that rings up worldwide sales of $60 billion annually.

On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) and the United States signed an agreement that will ease the flow of organic products from developing countries between the two entities. Under the agreement, the produce sent by organic farmers in developing countries to be processed in the EU or the US will now automatically qualify for acceptance as an organic product in the partner market.

Under the new arrangement, for example, coffee from Ethiopia certified as organic under EU regulations could be sent to a trade partner in Europe and packaged for sale in both markets. The agreement however, covers only finished products exported from and certified in the EU or US.

In a news release, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stressed that while an agreement providing finished products from developing countries direct access to both markets would be preferable, the new accord will still boost developing-country organic sales as a large part of exports consist of ingredients and bulk goods, and it will facilitate their entry into the two largest markets for certified organic sales.

The other agreement approved during the conference was the Asian Regional Organic Standard (AROS), which sets parameters for crop production, processing and labelling of organic products. AROS is equivalent to the Common Objectives and Requirements for Organic Standards, an international tool established to ease organic trade.

AROS was approved by the Global Organic Market Access (GOMA) Asian working group, which consists of representatives from Bhutan, Laos, Thailand, Viet Nam, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, China, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan, the Philippines, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka. According to UNCTAD, the group will now start working on getting AROS formally approved by governments and regional institutions.
Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
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SOUTH SUDAN: UN SUPPORTS PROJECTS TO BOOST PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD IN VOLATILE STATE

SOUTH SUDAN: UN SUPPORTS PROJECTS TO BOOST PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOOD IN VOLATILE STATE
New York, Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supporting a series of short- and long-term projects to help the people of South Sudan's state of Jonglei, where ethnic rivalries often result in bloody conflict, to feed themselves and build reliable sources of livelihood, the agency said today.

Working with local communities, FAO is supporting the distribution of livestock vaccines, fishing gear, vegetable seeds and tools to boost development in the world's newest nation, which attained independence from Sudan in July last year after decades of fighting for self-determination.

FAO aims to deliver as much assistance as possible in the next two to three months before the onset of the rainy season when unpaved roads in much of the under-developed country become impassable. Future initiatives will also focus on rainwater harvesting and other measures to strengthen long-term resilience, the agency said in a <"http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/123027/icode/">press release.

In Jonglei and throughout South Sudan, poor harvests, increased demand, rapidly rising food prices, conflict, and displacements have been blamed for the prevailing food shortages.

Cereal production from the latest harvest is about 19 per cent below the preceding cropping season, and 25 per cent lower than average over the past five years. The cereal deficit for 2012 is estimated at more than 470,000 tons – almost half of the country's total consumption requirements for the year.

FAO will provide vaccines and antibiotics to prevent the spread of animal diseases and to treat up to 100,000 livestock over the course of about one month.

"These people are pastoralists, or herders," said Nimaya Mogga, a livestock officer with FAO. "These cattle are their livelihood. Without them, they have nothing. During lean periods, they're sold or exchanged for food. The sale of one cow alone can buy a family three months worth of grain," he said.

Many of those fleeing from the recent inter-ethnic conflict took refuge in the town of Boma where staples like sorghum and maize are now in short supply.

"River Chelimon is about two hours walk away from Boma," said Michael Oyat, FAO's Deputy Emergency Coordinator for South Sudan. "It is believed [that] the displaced people could access it to fish. They're hampered only by the lack of fishing gear."

FAO is providing 20,000 pieces of fishing gear to residents of Boma and two other towns affected by the outbreak of conflict in Pibor and Likuangole in December. FAO is also assisting local communities to plant vegetable gardens along river banks.

At the request of the Government, FAO is also preparing a cash-for-work programme through which families will earn money to buy food locally while helping to rehabilitate rural infrastructure.
Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
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UN AND PARTNERS HELP TO POWER EDUCATION WITH SOLAR PANEL DONATION

UN AND PARTNERS HELP TO POWER EDUCATION WITH SOLAR PANEL DONATION
New York, Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has partnered with religious institutions to provide solar panels that will power much-needed electricity to schools as well as promote the use of renewable energy.

The first solar panels were donated to the Ebrahim Hamim Madrasa and the Islamic Centre of Social Welfare outside of Jalalabad, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, last week.

The solar panels and related equipment will benefit around 570 students, including 350 girls, by powering lights in the school, stated the mission.

Speaking with students and school officials, the head of UNAMA's Eastern Regional Office, Nahid Abuakar, said the UN understands the significant role that preaching and religious education hold in promotion of peace and human rights among neighbourhoods.

"We enjoy excellent working relations with representatives of religious communities and we hope that this assistance will increase your working capacity in delivering significant services – especially for women – and promote human rights values," she said.

During the handover of the equipment, the principal of the school, Mawlawi Esrarullah Hamim, said that the support given to the ulamas, or religious scholars, through the donation could also help create a culture of peace.

"Supporting ulamas means supporting peace because our people respect mullahs and religious scholars. They could encourage people to support peace and reconciliation process," said Mr. Hamim.
Feb 17 2012 3:10PM
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BY-ELECTIONS IN MYANMAR WILL BE KEY TEST OF COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY – UN ENVOY

BY-ELECTIONS IN MYANMAR WILL BE KEY TEST OF COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY – UN ENVOY
New York, Feb 17 2012 2:10PM
Myanmar's upcoming by-elections will serve as a critical test of the Government's commitment to having a credible democratic process, a senior United Nations official <"http://unic.un.org/imucms/yangon/80/344/latest-news.aspx">said today, calling on authorities to ensure that all political parties can compete openly in the ballot.

Vijay Nambiar, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Myanmar, today wrapped up a six-day visit to the Asian country, where he met with numerous top national and state officials, including President Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, as well as with lawmakers, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and representatives of civil society, ethnic groups and the business community.

During his meetings, Mr. Nambiar stressed the three main priorities that will "define domestic and international perceptions of the pace of reform" being undertaken by Myanmar's Government, according to a press release issued by the UN in Yangon, the country's biggest city.

The first priority was ensuring that both the process leading to, and the conduct of, by-elections scheduled to take place on 1 April are credible, and that they are seen to be by everyone.

"This includes ensuring conditions for a level playing field for all parties to compete openly and addressing complaints swiftly and transparently," he said. "The by-elections will be a critical test of the Government's commitment to broaden and enhance the credibility of the democratic process in the country."

The second priority is to build on existing efforts towards peace and national reconciliation, with Mr. Nambiar saying that the country is "closer than ever to a historic achievement" after recent efforts to reach ceasefires and peace accords.

"Progress is now needed with regard to the situation in Kachin state, including the needs of the displaced population," he added. "Overcoming decades of strife and mistrust through inclusive political dialogue remains an important prerequisite to building a durable peace, which the country requires in order to move forward as one."

The third priority, the Special Adviser said, is ensuring the Government quickly "delivers on the socio-economic needs of the people so that they start benefiting in real terms from the reforms so far."

He cited health care, education and job creation as key responsibilities of national and local authorities.

Mr. Nambiar noted that one year after the new Government was formed and political and economic reforms were launched by Mr. Sein, "the changes currently under way in Myanmar have attained an unprecedented level of initiative, as recognized by a range of stakeholders across the political spectrum."

He commended the President and Myanmar's authorities for "their determination and commitment to move the country forward in a way that meets the needs and aspirations of the peoples of Myanmar."

"It is self-evident that neither peace nor development can be sustained without respect for human rights and the rule of law," he added. "Building on the recent release of political prisoners and other measures, further steps are necessary in order to build trust and enable the democratic transition to succeed."

Pledging the UN's willingness to work with the authorities and people of Myanmar, Mr. Nambiar also called on the international community to "respond more robustly to the needs of the Myanmar people by lifting current restrictions on UN programmes. Now is the time to step up support and to adjust existing policies in order to help build conditions for sustaining the reform and for the betterment of Myanmar's peoples."
Feb 17 2012 2:10PM
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UN BOOSTING AID DELIVERY TO REFUGEES AS MORE PEOPLE FLEE FIGHTING IN MALI

UN BOOSTING AID DELIVERY TO REFUGEES AS MORE PEOPLE FLEE FIGHTING IN MALI
New York, Feb 17 2012 2:10PM
Fighting between Government forces and ethnic Tuareg rebels in northern Mali has forced more than 44,000 people to flee the area over the past month, with the number of refugees arriving in neighbouring countries doubling in the past 10 days, the United Nations <"http://www.unhcr.org/4f3e4e839.html">reported today.

An estimated 18,000 Malian refugees have arrived in Mauritania, with a similar number entering Niger and over 8,000 going to Burkina Faso, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

There have been report of conflict erupting in Tessalit and Tinezewadern areas near Mali's border with Algeria, a development that could send more people fleeing.

"As the influx continues, our teams are stepping up assistance for refugees who have taken refuge in makeshift shelters in villages bordering Mali," UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming told reporters in Geneva.

"Humanitarian assistance is all the more critical because the Sahel region is facing a severe food crisis due to several years of drought," she said.

In Mauritania, the agency's emergency team is coordinating the distribution of food and other forms of aid to 5,000 refugees. It has purchased 15-day food rations for an additional 8,000 refugees, and is trucking water to areas where refugees have sought shelter, as well as transporting emergency medical supplies provided by partners.

UNHCR teams today began revamping Mbéra camp which had hosted Tuareg refugees displaced by previous conflict in the 1990s. The site still has several water points and structures that will be renovated and turned into schools and health centres.

"In Niger, two charter flights landed Thursday night in the capital Niamey, with 2,500 tents from our stockpile in Douala, Cameroon, 500 of which will be transported on to Burkina Faso," said Ms. Fleming. "Trucks with relief assistance are expected to arrive in Niamey and Ouagadougou from our stockpile in Accra, Ghana."

On Wednesday, UNHCR staff travelled to northern Niger's Ayorou district where more than 2,000 newcomers are scattered across arid border villages. Among them was 40-year-old Zoulfa, who fled Souggan village in eastern Mali with her family.

"One morning we got up and realized that all the authorities had left," she said. "We got scared. Some armed men entered the village and stole our possessions and cattle. They shot in the air, but did not target us," she recalled. "We left because of the insecurity, but also because of the lack of food in Mali."

Zoulfa's husband stayed at the border with their cattle, while she brought their four children, a donkey and some goats to Gaoudel, 10 kilometres from the border in Ayorou district. They are currently living in a makeshift shelter, where the children are covered in dust.

"It is very windy during the day and cold at night. My two-month-old baby Djamila has fever," said Zoulfa. "We go and collect water in the Niger river, three kilometres away from here," she added.

In Burkina Faso, some refugees are staying mainly in makeshift camps in the north, while others have moved in with host families or rented accommodation in the capital, Ouagadougou.

Fighting between the Tuareg liberation movement MNLA (Mouvement National de Liberation de l'Azawad) and Government forces resumed in mid-January in Mali, breaking a 2009 agreement that had officially ended the Tuareg rebellion.
Feb 17 2012 2:10PM
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ELIMINATING NUCLEAR TESTS WILL HELP ACHIEVE SAFER, MORE PROSPEROUS WORLD – BAN
New York, Feb 17 2012 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all countries to press ahead toward realizing the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world, and especially on those who have not yet endorsed the global treaty that bans nuclear tests to do so without delay.

"We have a legal and moral obligation to rid our world of nuclear tests and nuclear weapons," Mr. Ban said in his <"http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/sgspeeches/statments_full.asp?statID=1460">remarks on the <"http://www.ctbto.org/press-centre/press-releases/2012/un-secretary-general-proud-of-15-years-of-successful-fight-against-nuclear-testing-urge-entry-into-force-of-the-ctbt/">15th anniversary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

"When we put an end to nuclear tests, we get closer to eliminating all nuclear weapons. A world free of nuclear weapons will be safer and more prosperous," he stated at the commission's meeting in Vienna.

Mr. Ban urged the so-called Annex 2 States, whose ratification is required for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to enter into force, to endorse the treaty as soon as possible. They are China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan, and the United States.

"I urge all governments that have not yet signed or ratified this treaty to immediately do so. I especially call for action by the countries whose ratification is essential for the treaty to enter into force," he said.

The Secretary-General is the depositary of the treaty, which bans all nuclear explosions. As of today, 182 States have signed the CTBT and 157 have ratified it.

"The CTBT was a milestone. It is an essential building block in strengthening the rule of law in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," noted Mr. Ban. "That is why it is distressing that this treaty has yet to enter into force…

"There is no good reason to avoid signing or ratifying this treaty," added the Secretary-General. "Any country opposed to signing or ratifying is simply failing to meet its responsibilities as a member of the international community."

Speaking at a press conference with the Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission, Tibor Tóth, Mr. Ban said it is "irresponsible" to see the treaty still waiting to come into effect 15 years after it was opened for signature.

"Let us work together with a wholehearted commitment to make this world free of nuclear testing, nuclear weapons, so that everybody can live in peace and security without any fear of nuclear explosions," he stated.

Also today, Mr. Ban opened the new Vienna office of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, saying its establishment is a response to the growing need for cooperation in all areas of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.
Feb 17 2012 1:10PM
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SUDAN: SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF PANEL ON DARFUR-RELATED SANCTIONS

SUDAN: SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF PANEL ON DARFUR-RELATED SANCTIONS
New York, Feb 17 2012 1:10PM
The Security Council today extended for another year the mandate of the panel of experts monitoring sanctions imposed on Sudan in connection with the conflict in Darfur, voicing regret that some individuals affiliated with the Government have continued to commit violence against civilians and to impede the peace process.

Established in March 2005, the Panel of Experts is tasked with monitoring an arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze, and inform the Council's sanctions committee about individuals who impede the peace process, violate international law or are responsible for offensive military flights in Darfur.

The Council "expresses its intention to impose targeted sanctions against individuals and entities that meet the listing criteria," the Council said in a resolution.

It requested the panel to coordinate its activities with the operations of the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force (UNAMID), and with international efforts to promote the political process in Darfur.

The panel was also required to provide a mid-term briefing to the sanction committee on its work within 90 days of today's extension of its mandate, and a final report not later than 30 days prior to the expiry of the new mandate on 17 February next year.

The Council asked the panel to continue to investigate the role of armed, military, and political groups in attacks against UNAMID personnel, and noted that individuals and entities who plan, sponsor or participate in such attacks constitute a threat to peace in Darfur and may be listed by the sanctions committee.

The Council urged all States, particularly those in the region, to report to the sanctions committee on all actions they have taken to implement measures imposed under the sanctions regime.

It voiced concern that the travel ban and asset freeze on designated individuals is not being implemented by all States, and requested the committee to respond effectively to any reports of non-compliance.

Darfur has since 2003 been wracked by conflict that pits Government forces and allied militiamen against rebel groups. Millions of civilians have been either internally displaced or forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
Feb 17 2012 1:10PM
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UN PROVIDES CONDOMS TO SOUTH SUDANESE MILITARY TO FIGHT HIGH RATES OF HIV/AIDS

UN PROVIDES CONDOMS TO SOUTH SUDANESE MILITARY TO FIGHT HIGH RATES OF HIV/AIDS
New York, Feb 17 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations is working with a non-governmental organization (NGO) to <"http://unmiss.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3465&ctl=Details&mid=6047&ItemID=62779&language=en-US">provide condoms to the South Sudanese military in a bid to tackle the high rates of HIV/AIDS among the country's soldiers.

"The military has a big number of young people who are more at risk of contracting HIV," said, Bannet Ndyanabangi, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) deputy representative for South Sudan. "And one of the tools to fight the infection is by giving them condoms."

Some 140 cartons of condoms were distributed by UNFPA and the NGO IntraHealth international in a ceremony at Juba Teaching Hospital, in the country's capital.

Last year alone, about 4.3 million male and 43,000 female condoms were distributed throughout South Sudan. Mr. Ndyanabangi noted that there is a higher demand for male condoms than for female ones, and added that women should be taught the importance of using the devices.

"Female condoms give women the power to decide whether to use them without negotiating first," he said, adding that cultural taboos played a critical role in spreading the infection.

"In many cultures, sex is what is discussed in the bedroom. But because of HIV, we have to come up and talk about sex openly in order to fight it."

Lieutenant Colonel John Woja, the HIV/AIDS Secretariat Programme Manager of the military, stressed that HIV poses a big threat to the military, as its prevalence rate within the army is over four per cent, higher than any population segment in the country.

"We are working hard to ensure that we meet the 2015 target – zero new infections," he said.
Feb 17 2012 1:10PM
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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: UN AND PARTNERS ASK FOR MORE FUNDS FOR RELIEF WORK

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: UN AND PARTNERS ASK FOR MORE FUNDS FOR RELIEF WORK
New York, Feb 17 2012 12:10PM
The United Nations agencies and their partners today requested $134 million to fund relief programmes for an estimated 1.9 million people affected by conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) for the next 12 months.

"Over the past two years, the Central African Republic has received less than 50 per cent funding for its consolidated appeals," said Zakaria Maïga, the acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator for CAR at the launch of the appeal in the country's capital, Bangui.

"I therefore urge the international community to increase their financial support."

Those in need include some 19,867 refugees, 94,386 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 71,601 returnees and communities hosting them.

Despite years of receiving relief, CAR remains fragile, with ongoing violence threatening the resilience of the population in a country where poverty is widespread.

"Most humanitarian actors describe the crisis as a forgotten emergency which is worsened by insufficient funding," said Jean Sébastien Munié, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) office in CAR.

"Due to an extremely high level of vulnerability, most incidents lead to a humanitarian crisis, requiring emergency assistance. Substantial funding is therefore crucial," he added.
Feb 17 2012 12:10PM
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UN VOICES CONCERN OVER ‘ALARMING PATTERN OF VIOLENCE’ IN LATIN AMERICAN PRISONS

UN VOICES CONCERN OVER 'ALARMING PATTERN OF VIOLENCE' IN LATIN AMERICAN PRISONS
New York, Feb 17 2012 12:10PM
The United Nations today voiced concern over the recent wave of violence in Latin American prisons, citing overcrowding, a lack of access to basic services, judicial delays, and excessive pre-trial detention as some of the causes which have worsened conditions in detention facilities.

Earlier this week, more than 350 prisoners died in an overnight fire at a jail north of Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, and the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) urged the Government to investigate the causes of the fire and whether conditions at the prison contributed to the loss of lives.

The prison, which was reportedly designed to hold 250 detainees, was housing more than 800 inmates when the fire broke out.

This week's fire is the third such incident resulting in multiple deaths in a Honduran prison in the past decade, OHCHR reported. In 2004, 66 inmates were killed in the prison in El Porvenir, as well as two women and a girl who were visiting their relatives. A year later, 107 detainees died a prison in San Pedro Sula, which the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights declared a direct consequence of a series of structural deficiencies, which were known by the authorities, but which were neither attended to nor corrected in time.

OHCHR noted that the problems concerning prisons are not confined to Honduras only, citing similar cases in Argentina, Chile, Panama, Venezuela, and Uruguay. Most recently, OHCHR expressed concern about a video that emerged showing a handcuffed female prisoner who had just given birth in Brazil, in clear contravention of international human rights standards.

"States have an obligation to ensure that conditions of detention are compatible with the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," <"http://ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11836&LangID=E">said Rupert Colville, OHCHR spokesperson.

"All individuals deprived of their liberty have the right to be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, as recognized by international human rights instruments," he said.

Prison conditions across Latin America have been repeatedly criticized in UN reports, which provide recommendations for authorities so they can comply with international human rights standards, such as establishing impartial mechanisms for inspecting and visiting places of detention and confinement.

"We urge the governments of the region to act on these recommendations, to prevent further tragedies from occurring," Mr. Colville said.

OHCHR called on countries in the region to establish a national preventive mechanism for the prevention of torture as required by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, as no South American country has done so yet.
Feb 17 2012 12:10PM
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MADAGASCAR: UNICEF WARNS OF POTENTIAL DISEASE OUTBREAKS AFTER CYCLONE

MADAGASCAR: UNICEF WARNS OF POTENTIAL DISEASE OUTBREAKS AFTER CYCLONE
New York, Feb 17 2012 12:10PM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) voiced concern today that waterborne diseases may soon spread in the areas of Madagascar that were pummelled by Cyclone Giovanna earlier this week.

The provisional death toll from the disaster has reached 17, UNICEF spokesperson Marixie Mercado <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_61722.html">told reporters in Geneva, with information not yet in from all cyclone-affected areas, which are largely concentrated in the east of the island country.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that almost 2,000 Malagasy have been displaced so far, including more than 500 residents of the capital, Antananarivo.

Agricultural production has also been hit, with damage to key commercial crops such as banana, litchi and sugar cane.

Ms. Mercado said waterborne diseases is now a key concern for aid agencies, with the cyclone having destroyed some water sources and hot and humid weather conditions now prevailing. An estimated 580,000 people live in the hardest-hit areas.

UNICEF has begun distributing medicines, mosquito nets and other emergency materials, working with local authorities and partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure the supplies reach those in need.

Elisabeth Byrs, a spokesperson for OCHA, said authorities are monitoring the water levels of the five main rivers surrounding Antananarivo. The water levels are expected to rise but not yet to alert levels.
Feb 17 2012 12:10PM
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SOMALIA: UN VOICES CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY FRESH CLASHES

SOMALIA: UN VOICES CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY FRESH CLASHES
New York, Feb 17 2012 11:10AM
The United Nations refugee agency today voiced fears for the safety of thousands of people who have fled fresh violence near the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and urged all armed groups to ensure the safety of civilians.

In the last two weeks, over 7,200 Somalis have been forced to flee the Afgooye corridor, a 40-kilometre stretch of road just north-west of Mogadishu that is home to almost 410,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in sprawling settlements and makeshift camps, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

More than 5,200 of the 7,200 people who have fled did so in the past three days following new clashes that erupted on Tuesday.

"UNHCR fears for the safety of the displaced and we urge all armed groups and forces to make the protection of civilians a priority," an agency spokesperson, Melissa Fleming, <"http://www.unhcr.org/4f3e32659.html">told reporters in Geneva.

A majority of the newly displaced are people who have been displaced previously and were living in the Afgooye corridor to escape insecurity in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia. Most of them are now heading towards Mogadishu.

"UNHCR, together with other agencies, will be urgently scaling up assistance to provide shelter, food and water," said Ms. Fleming.

Some 1.3 million people are internally displaced within Somalia, while more than 968,000 Somalis live as refugees in neighbouring countries, primarily in Kenya (520,000), Yemen (203,000) and Ethiopia (186,000).

Somalia remains "one of the worst and most alarming" humanitarian crises that UNHCR faces, generating the largest number of refugees and displaced in the world after Afghanistan and Iraq, Ms. Fleming noted.
Feb 17 2012 11:10AM
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ASIA-PACIFIC MAKES BIG GAINS AGAINST POVERTY, LAGS ON HUNGER AND CHILD DEATHS – UN
New York, Feb 17 2012 11:10AM
Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have made big gains against poverty and advancing towards other development goals, but need to redouble efforts if they are to meet globally agreed targets to reduce hunger and child and maternal mortality, the United Nations reported today.

The region has already reached the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halving the incidence of poverty, reducing the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 per day from 50 to 22 per cent between 1990 and 2009, according to the latest UN regional assessment.

The region has also achieved some other MDG indicators ahead of the 2015 deadline, states the report, published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

These include promoting gender equality in education, reducing HIV prevalence, stopping the spread of tuberculosis, increasing forest cover, reducing consumption of ozone-depleting substances and halving the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water.

At the same time, the report states that while strong economic dynamism has driven regional success in reducing poverty, many countries continue to lose "shocking" numbers of children before their fifth birthday and thousands of mothers die unnecessarily while giving birth. More than three million children below the age of five died in 2010 alone.

At the present rate of progress, the region as a whole is unlikely to meet MDGs related to eradicating hunger, reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, among others, the report warns.

"We are in a race against time, with just three years left to achieve the MDGs. The good news though is that our analysis shows many of these goals can still be reached with a redoubling of effort in the time remaining until 2015," <"http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2012/feb/g06.asp">said ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer via video message at the report launch.

The report reveals striking disparities between and within sub-regions, countries and even social groups in their progress towards MDGs. While South Asia as a whole is on track for just nine MDG indicators, Sri Lanka is on track for 15 indicators and outperforms the sub-region.

While the number of people without access to safe drinking water in the region fell from 856 million to 466 million between 1990 and 2008, it still accounts for more than half the total developing world population lacking safe drinking water.

The report notes that many countries can speed up progress with just a little effort. Fourteen off-track Asia-Pacific countries need to accelerate progress by less than two percentage points annually to reach the target of halving the proportion of underweight children by 2015.

The report outlines an eight-point agenda to fast-track progress towards the health MDGs that includes establishing an equitable, accessible, responsive and integrated primary health-care system as well as ensuring preventive and curative mother and child health services.

"It is clear that achieving health outcomes requires interventions in health, but more importantly outside the health sector to include water, nutrition, education and gender empowerment," stated Ajay Chhibber, UNDP Associate Administrator and Director for Asia and the Pacific.
Feb 17 2012 11:10AM
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