UN, SUDAN AGREE ON IMPORTANCE OF DEPLOYING DARFUR FORCE

UN, SUDAN AGREE ON IMPORTANCE OF DEPLOYING DARFUR FORCE
New York, Dec 8 2007 9:00PM
Representatives of the United Nations and the Government of Sudan today issued a joint statement stressing the importance of deploying the African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and urging international support for this effort.

Both delegations "recognized that UNAMID would play a critical role in bringing peace and stability to Darfur" and agreed on the importance of setting up the force, according to the statement released in Lisbon following a meeting in the margins of the European Union-AU summit.

Attending the summit was a high-level UN delegation headed by Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro and including the UN High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Countries and Small Island Developing States, Cheick Sidi Diarra, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet and Deputy Chef de Cabinet Kim Won-Soo.

Participants provided clarification "in some areas and identified a number of other areas where technical clarity was required to ensure that effective preparations for and deployment of the AU-UN Mission could continue."

The UN and Khartoum agreed on the importance of addressing and resolving these issues "transparently, expeditiously and in the appropriate forum, as part of their collaboration regarding deployment of UNAMID."

Noting critical gaps in the force capabilities, particularly military aviation, the statement called on the international community to provide the necessary equipment.

"The Government of Sudan and the United Nations emphasized their commitment to the ongoing and intensive technical effort which would be required for the timely deployment of UNAMID," they said.

UNAMID is due to take over next month from the existing but under-resourced AU mission (known as AMIS) trying to quell the fighting in Darfur between rebels, Government forces and allied militias that has left at least 200,000 people dead and more than 2.2 million others displaced s

But the hybrid force lacks offers for crucial force units. It is short one heavy and one medium transport unit, three military utility aviation units and one light helicopter unit, while an earlier pledge for one reconnaissance company has been withdrawn.

2007-12-08 00:00:00.000

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NEW UN REPORT POINTS TO POWER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TO MITIGATE CARBON EMISSIONS

NEW UN REPORT POINTS TO POWER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TO MITIGATE CARBON EMISSIONS
New York, Dec 8 2007 11:00AM
Renewable energy is increasingly being used as a mainstream alternative to the fossil fuels which are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says in a new report.

The REN21 Renewables Global Status Report 2007 says that out of a total global power capacity of 4,300 Gigawatts (GW), renewable energy (without large hydro) now provides about 240 GW of clean power, avoiding some 5 gigatonnes per year (Gt/year) of carbon emissions.

"What's needed now are binding targets in an international agreement to establish polices that can rapidly accelerate the large-scale deployment of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels", said Mohamed El Ashry, head of the global policy network REN21 that produced the report with the Worldwatch Institute.

Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which houses the REN21 secretariat, said renewable energy "can make a significant contribution to de-carbonizing the global economy" and called on Governments "to send market signals that will accelerate the use of renewable energy even further."

He also said States should "reverse the declines in research and development spending so as to accelerate the commercialization of other renewables waiting in the wings."

The new report follows two earlier Global Status Reports in 2005 and 2006, and shows that renewable energy sources like wind, grid-tied electricity from solar photovoltaic technology and solar hot water systems continue their strong double-digit growth in 2007.

More than 50 countries worldwide have adopted targets for future shares or amounts of renewable energy, including 13 developing countries, all EU countries, and many states or provinces in the United States and Canada. At least 56 countries now have some type of renewable energy promotion policy, and 44 countries, states and provinces have enacted renewable-portfolio-standards requiri
generation, UNEP said.

The 2007 Renewables Global Status Report concludes that current trends are set to continue as the costs of renewable energy technologies decline and the sector continues to diversify production and technology development to a broad base of countries, including emerging economies.

The report comes as negotiators gather in Bali, Indonesia to frame a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, the legally binding regime for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will expire in 2012.
2007-12-08 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIAL DISMAYED BY EXECUTION OF THREE JAPANESE PRISONERS

TOP UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIAL DISMAYED BY EXECUTION OF THREE JAPANESE PRISONERS
New York, Dec 7 2007 7:00PM
The top United Nations human rights official today deplored the execution of three prisoners – including one aged over 75 – in Osaka, Japan, and appealed to the East Asian nation to reassess its approach to the death penalty.

The executions reportedly took place suddenly and neither the convicts nor their families were given advance warning.

"This practice is problematic under international law, and I call on Japan to reconsider its approach in this regard," Louise Arbour, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.

Expressing particularly dismay at the execution of the prisoner over the age of 75, she said that "it is difficult to see what legitimate purpose is served by carrying out such executions of the elderly, and at the very least on humanitarian grounds, I would urge Japan to refrain from such action."

In contrast to carrying out executions in secret as it has done in the past, Japan publicly released the names of those executed, the High Commissioner noted.

Japan is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which legally obligates States Parties to ensure strict safeguards when applying the death penalty. It is widely accepted that executions cannot be carried out in secret and without warning, as this could be seen as inhuman punishment and treatment under the ICCPR.

Ms. Arbour urged the Japanese Government to implement a moratorium on executions or ban the practice altogether, as a growing number of nations have.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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INDEPENDENT UN RIGHTS EXPERT CONCERNED AT EXPULSION OF JOURNALISTS IN SOMALIA

INDEPENDENT UN RIGHTS EXPERT CONCERNED AT EXPULSION OF JOURNALISTS IN SOMALIA
New York, Dec 7 2007 7:00PM
An independent United Nations human rights expert today expressed concern at recent reports that authorities in the self-declared Somaliland have ordered 24 journalists to leave the region of northern Somalia within the next few days.

Ghanim Alnajjar, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, issued a statement calling on the authorities to reconsider their decision.

"The media must be allowed to perform its duties without apprehension," he said, noting that threats to journalists and media outlets constitute a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Somalia's journalists and human rights defenders face one of the most dangerous operating environments in the world. Eight media professionals have been killed this year and dozens more threatened into silence or forced to flee. Several media organizations have also been closed by authorities or pressured into restricting their reporting.

The journalists in question reportedly fled the Somali capital Mogadishu earlier this year because of threats and intimidation and then sought refuge in a safe house in the town of Hargeisa, which lies in Somaliland, with the approval of local authorities. Some of the journalists have continued to exercise their freedom of expression while in Hargeisa.

Mr. Alnajjar called for an investigation into all threats and attacks against the media and the prompt re-opening of any media outlets that had been forced to shut.

"I also take this opportunity to remind all Somali authorities of their obligation to respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to ensure the safety and security of all, including journalists and other media professionals, human rights defenders and humanitarian workers."

Somaliland's authorities have declared the region to be independent of Somalia, which has not had a functioning national government since 1991, but this has not been recognized internationally.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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ANGOLA: UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF ALARMED BY REPORTS OF ABUSES OF CONGOLESE

ANGOLA: UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF ALARMED BY REPORTS OF ABUSES OF CONGOLESE
New York, Dec 7 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has voiced concern at media reports that Angolan security forces in the northeast of the country have raped, beaten or tortured Congolese migrant workers before deporting them across the border.

Praveen Randhawa, a spokesperson for OHCHR, told reporters in Geneva today that High Commissioner Louise Arbour was extremely concerned by the reports and had called on the Angolan Government to investigate and bring any perpetrators to justice.

The reports that have emerged this week say that Angolan security forces based in Lunda Norte province, next to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have been committing abuses against Congolese migrants, especially women.

Large numbers of Congolese have lived and worked for many years in Angola, including in its diamond mines in Lunda Norte.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON SELECTS FOUR MEMBERS FOR PANEL ON DARFUR SANCTIONS

BAN KI-MOON SELECTS FOUR MEMBERS FOR PANEL ON DARFUR SANCTIONS
New York, Dec 7 2007 7:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed four experts to serve on a panel authorized by the Security Council to monitor the arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze set up as a result of the conflict in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

Mr. Ban sent a letter to the Council President that was made public this week informing him that he has appointed Thomas W. Bifwoli (Kenya), Awni Momani (Jordan), Ian Rowe (Canada) and Anoop Swarup (India) to sit on the panel until 15 October next year.

Mr. Bifwoli has also been designated to succeed Gerard P. McHugh as the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts, which was established under a resolution in March 2005.

The Council set up the panel to help monitor the implementation of the arms embargo on all non-government entities and individuals, including the notorious Janjaweed militia. The group is mandated with informing the Council's sanctions committee about individuals who impede the Darfur peace process, violate international law or are responsible for offensive military overflights.

Later the mandate was expanded so that the panel is also tasked with monitoring the implementation of a travel ban and assets ban on certain targeted individuals.

Since fighting erupted between rebel groups, Government forces and the allied Janjaweed in 2003, UN officials have repeatedly described Darfur as the scene of one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. More than 200,000 people have been killed and the conflict has spilled into neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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DEATH TOLL IN MYANMAR CRACKDOWN HIGHER THAN GOVERNMENT FIGURES - UN EXPERT

DEATH TOLL IN MYANMAR CRACKDOWN HIGHER THAN GOVERNMENT FIGURES – UN EXPERT
New York, Dec 7 2007 6:00PM
An independent United Nations human rights expert says that at least 31 people died during the crackdown by Myanmar authorities on peaceful protesters a few months ago – 16 more than had been acknowledged by the Government.

"Several reports of killings indicate that the figure provided by the authorities may greatly underestimate the reality," Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro states in a report to be presented to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council next Tuesday.

Mr. Pinheiro, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, visited the country at the Government's invitation to verify allegations of abuses during the Government crackdown, determine the numbers and whereabouts of those detained or killed, and collect testimony about what happened.

According to "credible eye-witness reports," there were more than 30 fatalities in Yangon associated with the September protests, including the killing a Japanese photojournalist, states Mr. Pinheiro, who describes the lethal force used by the security forces in responding to peaceful demonstrators as "unnecessary and disproportionate."

In his report, the Special Rapporteur also states that between 3,000 and 4,000 people were arrested in September and October, and between 500 and 1,000 are still being detained. In addition, 1,150 political prisoners held prior to the protests have not been released. Most of the arrests took place during the crackdown on the demonstrations and the night raids carried out by the security forces and "non-law enforcement officials."

Of particular concern are "numerous accounts of the use of large capacity informal detention centres, unacknowledged by State authorities, which are regarded as 'secret' facilities," he says, adding that detainees have included children and pregnant women.

Mr. Pinheiro says he is aware of at least 74 cases of enforced disappearance, and calls allegations of the burning of a large amount of bodies "very disturbing."

In addition, he condemns the new arrests of political activists, despite the assurances given by Prime Minister Thein Sein to the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, in early November that no more arrests would be carried out.

Mr. Pinheiro has shared his report and a list of names of 653 detainees, 74 persons disappeared and 16 killed – in addition to the list of 15 dead provided by the authorities – with the Government for comments.

He also recommends a number of measures to the Myanmar Government, including releasing unconditionally all those taken into custody for peaceful assembly or the peaceful expression of their political beliefs, revealing the whereabouts of those still detained or missing, returning the remains of the deceased to their families for proper burials and ensuring immediate access by Red Cross officials to all detainees.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON RECEIVES CONTACT GROUP REPORT ON KOSOVO

BAN KI-MOON RECEIVES CONTACT GROUP REPORT ON KOSOVO
New York, Dec 7 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has received the report of the 'Contact Group' of countries working to address the status of Kosovo, the Serbian province which has been run by the United Nations since 1999.

A spokesperson for Mr. Ban said the Secretary-General would transmit the report to the Security Council on Sunday.

The Contact Group, comprised of France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, had promised to report by 10 December on the progress of negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade.

The Group's report is expected to cover talks led by the so-called Troika of the European Union, Russia and the US, which began after a stalemate emerged over a proposal by Mr. Ban's Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, for a phased process of independence for the province, where ethnic Albanians outnumber Serbs and others by nine to one.

Kosovo's Albanian leadership supports independence but Serbia is opposed.

Mr. Ahtisaari declared talks on the future status of the province deadlocked on 12 March – a little more than a month after unveiling his proposals, which aimed to addressed the demands of a multi-ethnic society.

The plan called for a constitution enshrining principles to protect the rights of all communities, including culture, language, education and symbols, as well granting specific representation for non-Albanians in key public institutions and requiring that certain laws may only be enacted if a majority of the Kosovo non-Albanian legislative members agree.

It also called for wide-ranging decentralization, focusing in particular on the specific needs and concerns of the Serb community, which would have a high degree of control over its own affairs such as secondary health care, higher education and financial matters, including accepting transparent funding from Serbia. Six new or significantly expanded Kosovo Serb majority municipalities would be set up.

Earlier this week, the Security Council President for December, Ambassador Marcello Spatafora of Italy, said the 15-member body would meet this month on Kosovo. Asked about upcoming steps, he replied that "when the time comes we will assess and decide how to go forward on process and on substance."
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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DPR KOREA: INDEPENDENT PANEL MAKING HEADWAY INTO REVIEWING UNDP ACTIVITIES

DPR KOREA: INDEPENDENT PANEL MAKING HEADWAY INTO REVIEWING UNDP ACTIVITIES
New York, Dec 7 2007 5:00PM
An independent panel announced today that it is making headway reviewing allegations about the activities of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that are not being considered by an existing probe by the UN Board of Auditors.

The External Independent Investigative Review Panel – led by Miklos Németh, the former Prime Minister of Hungary and a current member to the Advisory Council of Transparency International – "is making substantial progress," it said in a statement.

The three-person Panel said has collected information and data, studied many documents provided by different sources, interviewed individuals both within and outside UNDP and has established a comprehensive investigation of all issued covered by the Terms of Reference.

The Panel, whose creation was announced in August, will also examine documents from the agency's DPRK office, which are en route to New York and will be kept in a secure area upon their arrival.

Although the original intention was for the body to submit a report by the end of this year, it announced today that due to the "significant work still ahead of the Panel, it has concluded that it will not be able to complete its task before the end of this year."

Instead, it will finish its work and submit its final report at the end of March 2008, at the very latest, today's statement said.

In January, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon ordered the Board to audit amid allegations aired in the media that funds used by UN agencies to help in humanitarian efforts in the DPRK were being channelled improperly to the Government in Pyongyang, including to its nuclear programme.

The first phase of the Board's investigation into the operations of <"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP, the UN Population Fund (<"http://www.unfpa.org/">UNFPA), the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) and the UN Office for Project Services (<"http://www.unops.org/unops/">UNOPS) found there had been no large-scale or systematic diversion of UN funds.

But the Board said that its second phase will not cover the full range of allegations and issues raised specifically about UNDP's work in the DPRK, and the Panel led by Mr. Németh was created as a result.

That body's other two members are Chander Mohan Vasudev, formerly Permanent Secretary of Public Expenditure in the Indian Ministry of Finance, and Mary Ann Wyrsch, former UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees who is also currently the Chair of UNDP's Audit Advisory Committee.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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GUINEA-BISSAU: UN PEACEBUILDING OFFICE SHOULD BE EXTENDED - BAN KI-MOON

GUINEA-BISSAU: UN PEACEBUILDING OFFICE SHOULD BE EXTENDED – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Dec 7 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended that the mandate of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau be extended for one year, with the possibility of it transforming into an integrated mission following the 2008 legislative elections.

Extending the mandate until next 31 December will "allow the Office to continue to assist Guinea-Bissau as it confronts the challenges of peacebuilding and strives to bring about political stabilization," Mr. Ban wrote in a letter to the President of the Security Council made public earlier this month.

He suggested a revision of the UNOGBIS mandate so that it can help to generate the international community's support for the West African nation's efforts to stem drug trafficking.

To this end, the Office's 2008 activities would focus on supporting the country's reconciliation and dialogue; helping to reform the security sector; assist with the holding of transparent and credible legislative elections; promote respect for the rule of law and human rights; among others, Mr. Ban wrote.

After next year's elections, the Secretary-General noted that he will look into the possibility of transforming UNOGBIS into an integrated mission.

"Such a mission, if deemed appropriate, would provide a holistic approach to addressing the complex and multidimensional situation facing Guinea-Bissau," the letter said.

UNOGBIS was created in 1999 to help Guinea-Bissau emerge from the devastation of a civil war in which thousands were killed, wounded or forced from their homes.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS CONTINUES IN MYANMAR AND BURUNDI, SAYS TOP UN OFFICIAL

USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS CONTINUES IN MYANMAR AND BURUNDI, SAYS TOP UN OFFICIAL
New York, Dec 7 2007 4:00PM
Despite calls to stop the abominable practice, children continue to be recruited and used as child soldiers in Myanmar and Burundi, according to the United Nations envoy for children in armed conflict who has just presented two new reports on the issue.

"The issue of recruitment and use of children continues to be a problem in Myanmar both with regard to the Government and various non-state actors," stated Radhika Coomaraswamy, who yesterday presented the <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/666">report of the Secretary-General on the situation of children and armed conflict in Myanmar to the Security Council Working Group dealing with the matter.

Although there has been progress in terms of dialogue with the Myanmar Government and two non-State actors, the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), the report notes that "State and non-State actors continue to be implicated in grave child rights violations."

Ms. Coomaraswamy also raised concerns about the issue of access for UN monitors in Myanmar, stating that "the Government should provide the UN country team with free access to conflict areas and to recruitment centres so that monitoring and reporting can be performed effectively and all the information can be verified."

Among other issues cited were difficulties with age verification, reports of children convicted and sentenced for desertion, and lack of humanitarian access. "Children are the first to be affected by a humanitarian crisis," she said. "There is a real urgency for a humanitarian needs assessment in the conflict areas in order to devise proper programmatic responses for the most vulnerable."

However, she stressed that the efforts of the Working Group and the monitoring and reporting mechanism established by the Council had already led to commitments by some parties to stop the recruitment and use of children.

The Government has adopted directives that explicitly prohibit the recruitment of children under 18 and set up a high-level Committee for the Prevention of Military Recruitment of Underage Children, she noted. The KNU and the KNPP have also signed deeds of commitment that are currently being finalized.

With regard to Burundi, Ms. Coomaraswamy condemned new reported cases of recruitment and use of children by the Forces Nationales de Libération (FNL). She also criticized the attitude of armed groups that have been recruiting children by promising them demobilization benefits for which they were not eligible.

In addition, she deplored the alarming increase of cases of rape and sexual violence in the country, a concern that was also raised by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his recent report on Burundi. "The 80 per cent rise in reported cases show that [the] dawning of peace has unfortunately not heralded a more secure environment for women, boys and girls in Burundi," she stated.

Ms. Coomaraswamy was pleased to note that the UN system had begun a series of activities together with Government ministries to address this problem, and called for sustained political will and commitment to fight impunity for such crimes.

Mr. Ban's Executive Representative for Burundi told reporters in New York today that the UN is aware that there are under-age persons among the alleged FNL dissidents, and stressed that the UN is ready, willing and able to take care of those identified as children.

"We have sent that message to the FNL, to the Government, that if there are children among these alleged dissidents, we would be prepared to take care of their needs and they should not be in the camps," Youssef Mahmoud stated.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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MARKING ANNUAL DAY, UN AVIATION AGENCY CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO BECOME GREENER

MARKING ANNUAL DAY, UN AVIATION AGENCY CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO BECOME GREENER
New York, Dec 7 2007 4:00PM
Global air transportation has brought millions of jobs, a major boost to the world economy and valuable savings in time for many people, but its benefits may be in jeopardy unless the industry takes more steps to improve its environmental performance, the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said today.

In a <"http://www.icao.int/icao/en/nr/2007/pio200712_e.pdf">joint message to mark International Civil Aviation Day, which is celebrated every year on 7 December, <"http://www.icao.int/">ICAO Secretary-General Taïeb Chérif and the President of its Council Roberto Kobeh González said that while recent innovations have made aircraft engines cleaner and greener, they are not enough to counter the projected substantial growth in air traffic worldwide in the years ahead.

Delegates at the ICAO Assembly in September called for a series of stepped-up measures to monitor and improve the environmental performance of civil aviation, and Dr. Chérif and Mr. González said governments and individuals must also play their part in ensuring that aviation does not make progress "at the expense of the environment."

"As we move towards greater sustainability, we must ensure that action is taken in a cooperative and harmonized manner," the message noted. "We all share the responsibility of maintaining an appropriate balance between the development of aviation and environmental protection – governments, industry and individuals, so that future generations can also enjoy the economic, social and cultural benefits of air travel."

Dr. Chérif and Mr. González said the Montreal-based ICAO remained committed to making air travel as safe, secure, efficient and accessible as possible, so that the maximum number of people can share in its benefits.

They said that last year 2.1 billion passengers travelled on scheduled flights, which does not include charter and other aircraft operations. Almost 40 million tons of cargo were also carried by air.

Civil aviation's contribution to the world economy is worth an estimated $3.5 trillion, or about 8 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Air Transport Action Group. About 32 million jobs are linked either directly or indirectly to the industry as well.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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FRESH ROUND OF UN-BACKED TALKS ON WESTERN SAHARA SET FOR NEXT MONTH

FRESH ROUND OF UN-BACKED TALKS ON WESTERN SAHARA SET FOR NEXT MONTH
New York, Dec 7 2007 3:00PM
A third round of United Nations-backed negotiations on Western Sahara, bringing together representatives of Morocco and Frente Polisario, will take place early next month, it was announced today.

UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters that the next meeting of the parties is scheduled for 7-9 January in Manhasset, just outside New York City, and the site of the two previous rounds of negotiations in June and August this year. It will be facilitated by Peter van Walsum, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara.

Letters of invitation from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have been sent to both Morocco and Frente Polisario and to neighbouring countries as well, Ms. Montas added.

The second round of talks in August wrapped up with agreement among the parties that the status quo is unacceptable and the process of negotiations will continue. But in his most recent report on the situation, Mr. Ban said the two sides held mutually exclusive positions that had prevented them from seriously discussing each other's proposal during the talks.

Morocco holds that its sovereignty over Western Sahara should be recognized, while the Frente Polisario's position is that the Territory's final status should be decided in a referendum that includes independence as an option.

The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minurso/index.html">MINURSO) has been in place since September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Frente Polisario, which contest the territory.

In October, the Security Council extended the mandate of MINURSO through next April and called on the two sides "to continue to show political will and work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue in order to engage in substantive negotiations."
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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SOMALIA: UNICEF URGES SAFE ACCESS TO HELP WOUNDED CHILDREN AND WOMEN

SOMALIA: UNICEF URGES SAFE ACCESS TO HELP WOUNDED CHILDREN AND WOMEN
New York, Dec 7 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_42086.html">UNICEF) today urged all sides to the current conflict raging in Somalia's capital Mogadishu to allow safe access for women and children across checkpoints so they can receive life-saving medical care.

"UNICEF is deeply concerned and distressed that checkpoints and roadblocks are posing an additional challenge to wounded or sick children and women as they try to get medical assistance," said the agency's Representative to Somalia, Christian Balslev-Olesen.

In a press release, UNICEF said that it has heard reliable reports that children, adolescents, pregnant women and mothers – some of whom have sustained injuries by shells and stray bullets – are being turned back at checkpoints while trying to reach health posts.

Those who have not been allowed to cross the checkpoints include women requiring antenatal and post-natal care and many children urgently needing medical care for conditions such as diarrhoea, the agency reported.

"To be denied access to basic health services in such critical circumstances greatly compounds the distress of the children and women who are amongst those most heavily affected by the current conflict – fighting that has left many children killed, maimed, displaced and orphaned," Mr. Balslev-Olesen noted.

Additionally, doctors, nurses and other medical practitioners are also prevented from reaching their workplaces to help those in need.

These checkpoints also hinder children from attending schools, which could provide shelter and serve as a safe space. Some 80 per cent of all Mogadishu schools have been closed due to the capital's dangerous environment.

Due to the violence, an estimated 600,000 people have fled Mogadishu, Jennifer Pagonis of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said late last month.

The city is also now home to over 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), the agency reported.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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DEADLY OUTBREAK OF EBOLA VIRUS IN UGANDA WORSENS, SAYS UN HEALTH AGENCY

DEADLY OUTBREAK OF EBOLA VIRUS IN UGANDA WORSENS, SAYS UN HEALTH AGENCY
New York, Dec 7 2007 3:00PM
The number of suspected cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in western Uganda has almost doubled in the past 10 days, and four health-care workers are now among the fatalities, the United Nations World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_12_07/en/index.html">WHO) reported today.

There are 93 suspected cases in Uganda's Bundibugyo District, up from 51 cases on 28 November, and laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of a new species of the virus in nine cases.

WHO said in an update on the outbreak released today that there have been at least 22 fatalities so far, including the four health-care workers.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), WHO and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Médecins Sans Frontières are helping the Ugandan health authorities with logistics, the provision of drugs and personal protection equipment to deter the spread of the infection.

Ugandan officials are also stepping up their public awareness campaign to alert local communities to the outbreak and the importance of hygienic practices, including in burying victims. Isolation wards have also been established at hospitals in Kikyo and Bundibugyo.

The Ebola virus is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons or animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys and antelopes, and it has an incubation period of two to 21 days.

Sufferers can experience fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headaches and sore throats, as well as vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and impaired kidney and liver function. In the most severe cases, the virus can lead to both external and internal bleeding.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL PROPOSES SCALING DOWN UN PRESENCE IN SIERRA LEONE

SECRETARY-GENERAL PROPOSES SCALING DOWN UN PRESENCE IN SIERRA LEONE
New York, Dec 7 2007 3:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has proposed replacing the current United Nations operation in Sierra Leone, when it completes its mandate next September, with a leaner integrated office to assist the West African nation in consolidating peace.

In his latest report on the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), Mr. Ban recommends that the current operation be extended for a final period of nine months so that it can continue to assist the Government in supporting the local elections scheduled for next year and in strengthening State institutions.

"During this period, UNIOSIL would take steps to progressively reduce its strength with a view to completing its mandate by September 2008," Mr. Ban writes, adding that he intends to submit proposals concerning the drawdown of the mission, as well as the mandate, structure and strength of the successor office, to the Security Council next April.

He notes UNIOSIL continues to help the Government consolidate peace and address a myriad of challenges related to good governance, security, human rights and development. In particular, he recalls the significant role the mission played in presidential and parliamentary elections held on 11 August, which led to the swearing in of President Ernest Bai Koroma, as well as in strengthening the security sector and promoting human rights.

But Sierra Leone, working to rebuild after a brutal, 11-year conflict, continues to face "daunting challenges," says Mr. Ban, drawing attention to widespread poverty, worsening unemployment and rising food prices. "A viable economy that can generate employment and sustainable public revenues has yet to be created."

He also notes this summer's elections highlighted "deep-seated political tensions and cleavages" among the population along ethnic and geographical lines, warning that these have the potential to escalate in the run-up to next year's local elections. In addition, the holding of the local elections will require UN assistance given that the National Electoral Commission does not have the required capacity to conduct them.

While drawing attention to the progress made in the country's armed forces and police, the Secretary-General states that both institutions are plagued by logistical deficiencies and inadequate funding from the Government. "Given the ongoing political tensions and lack of economic progress, there is a risk that the fragile peace could unravel if those issues are not addressed on a priority basis," he stresses.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON RECOMMENDS EXTENSION OF UN OFFICE IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

BAN KI-MOON RECOMMENDS EXTENSION OF UN OFFICE IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
New York, Dec 7 2007 1:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended that the United Nations office in the Central African Republic (CAR) be extended for another year to help the country consolidate progress and prevent a relapse into conflict.

In a letter to the President of the Security Council, Mr. Ban notes that the Government has indicated that it would like the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in the CAR, known as BONUCA, to "continue to assist them in their efforts towards building lasting peace, including by helping the national stakeholders organize an inclusive political dialogue."

Some recent positive developments, facilitated in part by BONUCA, show that the UN peacebuilding efforts in the CAR are "making strides," writes Mr. Ban, noting in particular that preparations for the national dialogue are progressing, and the round table held in Brussels on 26 October mobilized close to $600 million for the country's development programmes.

But despite progress, concern remains about a number of issues, including sporadic attacks by rebels and criminal gangs and subsequent reprisals by Government forces, as well as the fallout of the Darfur crisis in the border areas with the Sudan, all of which add to the prevailing insecurity in the country and the humanitarian challenges it faces.

These factors also undermine efforts to reform the economy and to promote development, both of which are crucial for long-term stabilization of the country, the Secretary-General adds.

The support of the international community remains vital to the country's efforts to remain on the path to peace and development, Mr. Ban writes, recommending that BONUCA's mandate be extended through the end of 2008, so that it can help national players to organize an inclusive political dialogue and facilitate the mobilization of resources for national reconstruction, development and other priorities.

Mr. Ban's comments echo those in his recent report on BONUCA's activities, in which he appealed to actors in the CAR to engage in national dialogue to end the cycle of political instability and violence that continues to plague the country.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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FORMER PROVINCIAL LEADER OF RWANDA GIVEN LIFE SENTENCE BY UN GENOCIDE TRIBUNAL

FORMER PROVINCIAL LEADER OF RWANDA GIVEN LIFE SENTENCE BY UN GENOCIDE TRIBUNAL
New York, Dec 7 2007 1:00PM
A former Rwandan provincial leader has been sentenced to life in prison by the United Nations tribunal dealing with the country's 1994 genocide after it convicted him for his role in the killings, including the massacre of hundreds of Tutsis who had sought refuge in a church.

A three-judge panel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (<"http://69.94.11.53/ENGLISH/PRESSREL/2007/542.htm">ICTR), which sits in Arusha in neighbouring Tanzania, sentenced François Karera today after finding him guilty of three counts of genocide and crimes against humanity. He was acquitted of complicity to commit genocide, which had been an alternative count to genocide.

The ICTR found that Mr. Karera, who served as the prefect, or chief administrator, of Kigali-Rural Prefecture between April and July 1994, ordered, instigated and encouraged attacks by Hutu militiamen and soldiers against Tutsis in his prefecture.

In mid-April of that year, militiamen and soldiers arrived in Ntarama sector and attacked Tutsis who had sought shelter at a church because of the killings and violence engulfing the country. Mr. Karera was present and encouraged the attackers as they killed hundreds of people at the church.

Later that month and also in May, many Tutsis were also killed – mainly at makeshift roadblocks – at two other communes in Mr. Karera's prefecture, following orders he gave.

The judges said that in determining the appropriate sentence for Mr. Karera, they "took into account in particular his position of authority and the number of victims who were killed at Ntarama Church."

About 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered, mainly by machete, in less than 100 days starting in April 1994. The Security Council set up the ICTR later that year to deal with the worst crimes.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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LIBERIA: UN MISSION URGES RESTRAINT AFTER VIOLENCE ERUPTS AT RUBBER PLANTATION

LIBERIA: UN MISSION URGES RESTRAINT AFTER VIOLENCE ERUPTS AT RUBBER PLANTATION
New York, Dec 7 2007 12:00PM
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) today urged restraint following violent disturbances yesterday at the Firestone Rubber Plantation in the south-central area of the country which is rebuilding after years of conflict.

UNMIL worked with the Liberia National Police (LNP) to restore calm after the incident in Harbel, Margibi County, which resulted in at least five people sustaining injuries.

In a statement, the mission called on the community "to stop acts of violence, which will only make the situation worse."

The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Liberia, Alan Doss, appealed to all parties to be cautious and to peacefully resolve any grievances and disagreements.

The mission's security personnel – including military and police officers from Formed Police Units (FPUs) – were deployed quickly to join LNP officers when it became clear that the demonstration was turning violent.

Some properties, including a health centre, were damaged and looted during the incident, and extra personnel are patrolling the now-calm area.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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JUMP IN GLOBAL SEA TRADE DRIVEN BY EXPANDING ASIAN DEMAND - UN

JUMP IN GLOBAL SEA TRADE DRIVEN BY EXPANDING ASIAN DEMAND – UN
New York, Dec 7 2007 12:00PM
Pushed by surging demand in Asia, international trade carried by ship climbed 4.3 per cent to over 7 billion tons in 2006, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said in a report released today.

Crude oil and petroleum products comprised over one-third of seaborne merchandise, the report noted.

Growth in Asia – and China in particular – drove total demand for shipping services up by 5.5 per cent to reach 30,686 billion ton-miles in 2006.

Also, the total world merchant fleet expanded to 1.04 billion deadweight tons in 2006, marking the first year global capacity has surpassed the 1 billion mark.

Last year, total world merchandise trade – however carried – rose 8 per cent, double the rate of increase in global GDP for the year.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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NEGOTIATORS AT UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE PRESS FORWARD ON KEY ISSUES

NEGOTIATORS AT UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE PRESS FORWARD ON KEY ISSUES
New York, Dec 7 2007 11:00AM
<"http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_13/items/4049.php">Climate change talks in Bali aimed at charting a roadmap for action moved ahead today with focused negotiations on the key elements aimed at guiding the process that will continue after the Confernce ends.

Delegates, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and conference officials generally agreed that there were signs of progress in the discussions, although no firm decisions have yet been reached.

While Hans Verolme, Director of WWF, said that while the conference "should get on it," there had been progress and that some countries had put forward a number of good proposals.

Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, reported that countries had held useful discussions on future action on climate change, particularly on the objectives and principles. He said there was a strong focus on providing incentives for developing countries to limit their growth of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as recognizing the efforts those countries were already making in that area.

Talks also continued on ways to provide developing countries with newer and cleaner technologies and on the issue of deforestation, where delegates have agreed to conduct work on methods on issues that include how to assess forest cover and emission reductions.

Trade ministers from more than 30 countries will be in Bali to discuss climate change issues this weekend and about two dozen finance ministers will meet early next week. It is the first time that these ministerial groups have organized meetings in connection with a climate change conference.

The meeting could help the development of a financial response to climate change, which Mr. de Boer said was essential for the new deal to tackle the problem. "It is the oil that will make the machinery run."

He said that investments of around $20 trillion would be needed by 2030 to meet the world's hunger for energy, with more than half of that demand coming from developing countries.

Developing countries, he added, would need incentives to alter the course of an "investment super tanker." Those incentives would need to be agreed as part of post-2012 climate change deal under the auspices of the UN for which negotiations need to be launched at Bali.
2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH CRUCIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT, SAY TOP UN OFFICIALS

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH CRUCIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT, SAY TOP UN OFFICIALS
New York, Dec 6 2007 7:00PM
Vigorous and sustainable economic progress is the best means to achieve development goals, top United Nations officials said today.

"Robust global growth that is resilient to economic shocks and sustainable over the long-term is the best catalyst for development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)," said General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim, referring to the eight targets to slash poverty and other ills by 2015.

But this growth has been checked by the recent instability of financial markets, the credit squeeze and high oil prices, among other factors, he said in an address to a meeting aimed at sharing views of economic trends that could impact upon development.

"The current challenges remind us that national governments and multilateral institutions must be ever vigilant and ready to take appropriate steps to ensure we can respond rapidly to changing international market conditions that may undermine growth," Mr. Kerim noted.

Although some sub-Saharan nations will not achieve many, or any, of the MDGs by 2015, some of the region's countries "are demonstrating progress towards the MDGs is possible when strong government leadership, good policies and healthy institutions are combined with adequate financial and technical support from the international community," he observed.

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro also <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/dsgsm361.doc.htm">stressed the necessity of "urgent and concerted action by political leaders" to reach development goals as seen in countries in Africa and elsewhere.

"We need a strong and sustained effort by developed and developing countries alike to ensure that millions of people can emerge from extreme poverty and hunger," she told an Assembly Debate on Development.

Richer nations must boost their development assistance flows and increase debt relief, while developing countries must take full ownership of their development processes, she said.

"Furthermore," Ms. Migiro noted, "developing countries need to have access to open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory trading and financial systems. It is imperative that the Doha trade negotiations conclude early and deliver on the promise to be a true development round."

Touting the benefits of the Doha round of international trade negotiations, Jagdish Bhagwati, the renowned economist and Columbia University professor, underscored the benefits of free trade for developing countries.

"I think we have substantial evidence that in the long run, openness really pays off," he said at a press briefing at UN Headquarters.

The lowering of external tariffs has "been a very substantial achievement and that has coincided with very substantial growth in the developing countries which managed to take advantage of that opening," Mr. Bhagwati said.

Nobel prize laureate and fellow Columbia University professor Joseph Stiglitz emphasized the detrimental effects of bilateral trade agreements on multilateral ones.

Speaking at the same briefing, he said that "the growth of bilateral agreements is really undermining the multilateral trade system that so many people worked so hard over 60 years to create," as many issues are hidden into trade agreements that work against the interests of developing countries.

Regarding climate change, which he characterized as "an issue of global social justice," Mr. Stiglitz suggested an alternative framework to the current carbon tax system as well as a rainforest initiative – which he hopes will come to pass at the landmark UN Convention on Climate Change underway in Bali, Indonesia – to act as an incentive for developing nations to maintain forests.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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HONDURAS: UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT WARNS ON THREATS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

HONDURAS: UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT WARNS ON THREATS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
New York, Dec 6 2007 8:00PM
Honduran journalists, media owners and many members of civil society face a climate of "rampant insecurity" that includes the threat of assassination, pressure from organized crime and widespread impunity for those who carry out violent acts against them, an independent United Nations human rights expert today.

Ambeyi Ligabo, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, released a statement following his five-day visit to Honduras last week in which he urged authorities in the Central American country to make the issue a priority item on the national agenda.

Although Honduras has made important advances in framing legislation to strengthen freedom of expression and protect practitioners, Mr. Ligabo said the Government needs to step up its efforts to ensure that journalists and others enjoy better protections.

He noted that one journalist was assassinated recently and two others have gone into voluntary exile for fear of being killed as well.

During his meetings with media professionals and others, the Special Rapporteur said he "heard testimonies of several journalists who are currently under threats. These threats need to be closely monitored and investigated by the police."

He said that so far no one has yet been convicted of violent acts related to efforts to clamp down on freedom of expression and opinion, and he called for the "speedy conclusion [of] all ongoing investigations into crimes committed against journalists."

Mr. Ligabo also raised concerns about the independence of the media, given that many newspapers depend on Government advertising for their financial health.

"State advertising should not be used as a means to put pressure on any media, particularly those critical to the Government or any special interest groups. I have also been informed that some journalists are on [the] Government payroll. If this is true, it is unacceptable and contrary to press ethics."

In addition, he noted what he described as the slow pace in adapting national laws to international standards of freedom of opinion and expression, particularly concerning censorship and offences in the criminal code against "good reputation," which he said leads to self-censorship by journalists afraid to voice allegations about corruption by those in powers.

"Examples of this are still fresh in recent memories… If the clause is to protect good reputation, it is imperative that the civil code, and not the criminal code, be applicable."

The right of indigenous groups and other vulnerable minorities to have their voices heard in the Honduran media and public square also deserve greater reinforcement, he stressed.

Mr. Ligabo, who serves in an unpaid, personal capacity, was appointed as a Special Rapporteur in 2002 and reports to the UN Human Rights Council. A full report on his visit to Honduras is expected next year.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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UN'S TOP RIGHTS CHIEF SPEAKS OUT AGAINST EXECUTION OF A MINOR IN IRAN

UN'S TOP RIGHTS CHIEF SPEAKS OUT AGAINST EXECUTION OF A MINOR IN IRAN
New York, Dec 7 2007 8:00AM
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has spoken out against the execution of a minor in Iran, calling on the Tehran Government to respect the international consensus against meting out capital punishment to juvenile offenders.

Louise Arbour expressed her "grave concern" on 6 December over the execution of Makwan Moloudzadeh the previous day in a prison in Iran's Kermanshah Province, according to a statement released by her office.

Makwan Moloudzadeh was convicted of the rape of three boys seven years ago, when he was 13 years old. "It was reported that the execution was carried out, despite his alleged victims withdrawing their accusations, and the Head of the Judiciary issuing an order to stay the execution pending a further judicial review of the sentence," Ms. Arbour observed.

Iran is a party to both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child -- treaties which place a legal obligation on States parties not to impose the death penalty for those under the age of 18 years at the time of the commission of the crimes.

The High Commissioner called on Iran "to respect its international legal obligations and the strong international consensus against the execution of minors."

2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY STAFF MEMBER SHOT DEAD IN CHAD

UN REFUGEE AGENCY STAFF MEMBER SHOT DEAD IN CHAD
New York, Dec 7 2007 8:00AM
A staff member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was shot dead during a shooting incident in Chad yesterday, prompting the agency and the Government to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Mahmat Mahamadou, a driver based at the UNHCR Field Office in Danamadji in the south of Chad, where UNHCR cares for over 43,000 refugees from the Central African Republic, was returning alone in a vehicle after delivering a staff member to a regular meeting point for transfer of staff members when he was attacked, according to a spokesman for the agency.

"We are shocked and saddened" by the killing, said William Spindler.

"The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still not clear and we are working with the Chadian authorities to find out exactly what happened," he told the press in Geneva, where UNHCR is headquartered.

This is the first fatality UNHCR has suffered in its operations in Chad.

2007-12-07 00:00:00.000

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UN TOUR GUIDES HOLD SICK-DAY LABOUR ACTION

UN TOUR GUIDES HOLD SICK-DAY LABOUR ACTION
New York, Dec 6 2007 6:00PM
Nearly two dozen United Nations tour guides called in sick today in a labour action which added impetus to a previously planned meeting convened this afternoon by the world body's top public information official to address their concerns.

Tours at the UN were drastically reduced after the 22 guides called in sick. Spokesperson Marie Okabe said visitors who had made prior reservations were generally able to go on their tour as scheduled, but all others were prevented from visiting UN Headquarters.

The action "must have caused some inconvenience," said Mr. Ban when asked by reporters to comment.

The Secretary-General also paid tribute to the value of the work of the multilingual staff members. "Tour guides are very important to connecting the UN and the outside world," he said. "They have been playing an important role."

Under-Secretary-General for Public Information Kiyotaka Akasaka "is going to discuss this matter [and] what their complaints and their issues are."

Mr. Akasaka had planned to join the scheduled meeting and announce that he would constitute a working group to discuss the issues of concern, according to Ms. Okabe.

"The meeting is scheduled as planned and the United Nations is fully committed to dialogue with the Tour Guides," she said.

The guides are reportedly seeking improvements in their conditions of service, including benefits, sick leave and job security.

Since 1952, when the UN began offering guided tours of its iconic New York Headquarters, approximately 37 million people have visited. Annual attendance now fluctuates at around 400,000 visitors, who have the option of tours in over 20 languages.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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UN BUDGET COMMITTEE BACKS PLAN TO SPEED UP HEADQUARTERS RENOVATION

UN BUDGET COMMITTEE BACKS PLAN TO SPEED UP HEADQUARTERS RENOVATION
New York, Dec 6 2007 6:00PM
Concerned about further delays to the renovation of the United Nations Headquarters complex in New York, the General Assembly's budget committee has <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/gaab3830.doc.htm">endorsed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's proposals to accelerate the much-needed overhaul.

A draft resolution approved today by the main committee dealing with administrative and budgetary matters (or the Fifth Committee) would have the General Assembly approve the changes to the schedule of the refurbishment of the world body's Headquarters, known as the Capital Master Plan, as proposed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in an October report.

The Assembly would also appropriate over $992 million for the Plan's 2008-2009 budget, according to the draft which is expected to receive final approval from the entire UN membership in the coming days.

Mr. Ban had proposed accelerating the plan approved last year by the Assembly, known as Strategy IV, to make the renovation "less risky, less expensive and faster" in the long run, citing the need to make up for lost time and avoid further cost escalation.

Under "accelerated strategy IV," the time needed for the renovation would be reduced owing to a decrease in the total number of phases needed to refurbish the Secretariat and Conference Buildings.

The new proposals would involve the construction of the temporary Conference Building on the North Lawn as planned in early 2008, while completing the entire renovation by mid-2013 rather than mid-2016 as envisioned under the current strategy.

By this timetable, renovation of the Secretariat building would be completed in three years instead of six, starting early in 2009; the General Assembly building in two years instead of two and a half; and the Conference building in two years instead of three.

Today's resolution would also have the Assembly authorize Mr. Ban to enter into an additional swing space arrangement needed for a single-phase renovation of the Secretariat building "as a matter of urgency." In addition, it would approve the proposed changes in the renovation schedule, subject to the availability of the swing space.

The Executive Director of the CMP, Michael Adlerstein, welcomed the Fifth Committee's approval of the accelerated version of the CMP, which is expected to result in a Headquarters complex that is more energy efficient and safer for staff and visitors.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY SEEKS TO MINIMIZE THREAT POSED BY NUCLEAR WEAPONS

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SEEKS TO MINIMIZE THREAT POSED BY NUCLEAR WEAPONS
New York, Dec 6 2007 5:00PM
To address the dangers posed by thousands of nuclear weapons that still remain on high alert years after the end of the Cold War, the General Assembly has called for further practical steps to decrease the operational readiness of nuclear weapons systems, acting on the recommendation of its committee devoted to disarmament and global security matters.

The Assembly made the call in one of 51 texts presented by the First Committee and adopted by the 192-member body yesterday; 32 of them were passed by recorded votes including those relating to missiles, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (<"http://disarmament2.un.org/wmd/ctbt/index.html">CTBT), and preventing an arms race in outer space.

In adopting the resolution on decreasing operational readiness of nuclear weapons systems, the Assembly recognized that maintaining these systems at a high level of readiness increased the risk of their use, including unintentional or accidental use, with catastrophic consequences.

In a related action, the Assembly, considering that the hair-trigger alert of nuclear weapons carried unacceptable risks, called for urgent steps to reduce the dangers of those weapons' unintentional and accidental use.
By that text, entitled "Reducing nuclear danger," the Assembly also called on the five main nuclear-weapon States – China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States – to take steps towards de-alerting and de-targeting their nuclear weapons.

In addition, Member States were requested to take measures to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to promote nuclear disarmament, with the objective of eliminating nuclear weapons.

Among the other texts adopted by the Assembly were those relating to arms control, preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, the dumping of radioactive wastes, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, and the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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UN DELEGATION TO FOCUS ON DARFUR DEPLOYMENT AT AFRICAN-EUROPEAN SUMMIT

UN DELEGATION TO FOCUS ON DARFUR DEPLOYMENT AT AFRICAN-EUROPEAN SUMMIT
New York, Dec 6 2007 4:00PM
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro is heading a United Nations delegation to this weekend's African Union-European Union summit in Lisbon, where the ongoing struggle to deploy a hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force to the war-wracked Darfur region of Sudan will be high on the agenda.

Ms. Migiro will be joined in the Portuguese capital by the UN High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Countries and Small Island Developing States Cheick Sidi Diarra, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet and Deputy Chef de Cabinet Kim Won-Soo.

Mr. Mulet and Mr. Kim are scheduled to meet with the Sudanese delegation attending the summit on issues relating to the deployment of the hybrid force, known as UNAMID, to try to quell the fighting between rebels, Government forces and allied militias that has left at least 200,000 people dead and more than 2.2 million others displaced since 2003.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today that the purpose of the talks on the sidelines of the summit will be to tackle and resolve the issue of the composition of UNAMID as well as "all other obstacles impeding" its deployment.

UNAMID is due to take over from the existing but under-resourced AU mission (known as AMIS) by the start of next month, but senior UN officials have warned that the deployment is in jeopardy because of a series of objections and obstacles raised by the Sudanese Government and the lack of offers for crucial force units.

The mission is short of one heavy and one medium transport unit, three military utility aviation units and one light helicopter unit, while an earlier pledge for one reconnaissance company has been withdrawn.

Khartoum is yet to approve units for the force, which is supposed to be predominantly African, from Thailand, Nepal and Scandinavia, and it has also not facilitated the acquisition of land and flight operations rights for UN aircraft, impeding the ability of UNAMID to carry out its mandate.

Choi Young-jin, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Côte d'Ivoire, will also be attending the Lisbon gathering to participate in a separate mini-summit on the current challenges facing the West African nation.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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INCREASED EMPLOYMENT COULD BE CLIMATE CHANGE'S SILVER LINING - UN

INCREASED EMPLOYMENT COULD BE CLIMATE CHANGE'S SILVER LINING – UN
New York, Dec 6 2007 4:00PM
Despite the detrimental effects brought on by climate change, new industries to combat global warming could spur employment, the head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said today.

"Millions of new jobs are among the many silver, if not indeed gold-plated linings on the cloud of climate change," said Achim Steiner, UNEP's Executive Director.

He pointed out that research shows that these are not just 'green collar' jobs targeted at the middle classes, but that opportunities abound for workers in areas ranging from construction, sustainable forestry and agriculture, engineering and transportation.

"Talk of environmental sustainability and climate change often emphasizes the costs, but downplays the significant employment opportunities from the transition to a global economy that is not only resource efficient and without the huge emissions of greenhouse gases, but one that also restores environmental and social values," Mr. Steiner said.

The research is part of a draft report entitled "Green Jobs: Can the Transition to Environmental Sustainability Spur New Kinds and Higher Levels of Employment?" that was commissioned by <"http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=523&ArticleID=5717&l=en">UNEP.

It found that the United States environmental industry in 2005 generated over 5.3 million jobs, ten times the number in the country's pharmaceutical industry.

Delhi, it noted, is introducing new eco-friendly compressed natural gas buses that will create 18,000 new jobs, while Brazil's ethanol programme has lead to half a million new jobs.

Meanwhile, the top UN climate change official today said that greater efforts are necessary to extend the benefits of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – which allows projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries and contribute to sustainable development to earn certified emission reduction credits (CERs) – to Africa.

"There are 850 clean development mechanism projects in 49 developing countries, but only 23 of those projects are in Africa," said Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (<"http://unfccc.int/2860.php">UNFCCC). "It's time that the benefits of this important Kyoto Protocol mechanism were expanded in Africa."

Last November, former Secretary-General Kofi Annan launched the Nairobi Framework aimed at spreading the spreading the benefits of the CDM.

Since then, several projects have been launched in Africa, but the total number of CDM initiatives on the continent comprise only 2.6 per cent of the some 800 registered projects.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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TIMOR-LESTE FACES SERIOUS CHALLENGES DESPITE RECENT GAINS, SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD

TIMOR-LESTE FACES SERIOUS CHALLENGES DESPITE RECENT GAINS, SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD
New York, Dec 6 2007 3:00PM
While Timor-Leste has recovered well from the violent crisis that engulfed it last year, it continues to grapple with a host of challenges including the fate of about 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and widespread poverty, the head of a recent United Nations Security Council mission to the tiny nation said today.

"The challenges of governance and the legacy of the 2006 violent crisis and its aftermath continue to haunt the country's political leadership and affect the people of Timor-Leste," South African Ambassador Dumisani S. Kumalo stated, as he briefed the Council on the 24 November to 1 December visit to the country which the UN helped shepherd to independence in 2002.

During their visit, the Council team – which also included delegates from China, Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Russian Federation, Slovakia and United States – gained first-hand knowledge of the issues the country has to address, meeting with a wide range of people from Government, civil society and the UN family.

Mr. Kumalo noted that the general and security situation in Timor-Leste remains calm and stable, although fragile. The country held successful presidential and parliamentary elections earlier this year, all 15 political parties were working together and civil society seemed to be flourishing.

But Timor-Leste still faces enormous challenges associated with political differences among leaders in resolving critical issues, and difficulties associated with widespread unemployment and poverty.

Mr. Kumalo noted in particular the unresolved issues of the so-called "petitioners" – former soldiers who deserted the army – as well as the IDPs, who are currently settled in about 53 camps. "In the short-term, it is crucial that the Government of Timor-Leste, with the support of the United Nations and the international community, work together to improve the living conditions of the IDPs," he stated.

In addition, the mission found that Timor-Leste faces challenges related to weak institutions, lack of capacity and difficulties in governance, and the security and justice sectors needed strengthening.

"Despite these challenges, the mission left Timor-Leste convinced that the country is on the right path of regaining its role as a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous country," Mr. Kumalo said.

He added that everyone the mission spoke with agreed on the importance of the continued presence of the UN in the country, including that of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).

Echoing the assessment of the Council mission, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste said that while considerable progress has been made since the April 2006 crisis, the challenges facing his country are "enormous."

"Though the atmosphere of general improvement of peace and security is welcome, it should not be replaced by complacency or another premature celebration," said Nelson Santos.

He assured the Council that the Government and people of Timor-Leste are doing all they can to consolidate peace and stability, "in order to firstly free our people from poverty and to secondly, but not less importantly, absolve the United Nations from its responsibilities in this regard."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will visit Timor-Leste as part of his trip to Asia in the coming weeks. He plans to visit UNMIT, meet with Government officials and address the National Parliament, as well as stop at camps for the internally displaced.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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IN ERA OF E-MAIL, SNAIL MAIL STILL GOING STRONG, UN POSTAL AGENCY REPORTS

IN ERA OF E-MAIL, SNAIL MAIL STILL GOING STRONG, UN POSTAL AGENCY REPORTS
New York, Dec 6 2007 3:00PM
Despite stiff competition from electronic communications, snail mail is still going strong, the United Nations Universal Postal Union (UPU) <"http://www.upu.int/press/en/2007/letter_traffic_rallying_profits_up.pdf">announced today, with letter mail traffic up slightly, more parcels being sent and postal revenue surging.

In its worldwide statistics for 2006, the Berne, Switzerland-based <"http://www.upu.int/news_centre/en/index.shtml">UPU reported that with a total traffic of 433 billion mail items, domestic letter-post traffic rose slightly compared to the year before, while international mail was down two per cent.

The number of parcels sent last year numbered 6.235 billion items nationally and internationally, increasing 4.8 per cent from the year before. Domestically, advertising mail contributed to the rise in mail volumes.

The biggest rise in domestic parcels traffic – 11.7 per cent – occurred in Africa, while internationally, Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) saw a 21.4 per cent surge.

Global postal revenue climbed 13 per cent to $308.1 billion compared to 2005. More than half of these profits were generated by letter post, while more than one quarter was created by parcels and logistics services.

The statistics were gathered from responses to a UPU questionnaire, to which 163 out of the 191 UPU Member States responded.

The survey showed that the Swiss send the largest number of letters – 713 letters annually – while the Japanese send the most parcels, some 18.1 yearly.

The UPU also found that the world's postal services employ more than 5.5 billion people. Vanuatu has the smallest postal staff globally with 37 employees, while with 796,199 employees, the United States has the largest.

With four post offices, the Vatican has the fewest number of them, while India, with the most, has 155,333.

The UPU is the world's second-oldest international organization, created in 1874. The agency acts as the primary forum for cooperation between postal systems worldwide.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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URGENT FUNDS NEEDED TO RUN FOOD AID OPERATIONS IN YEMEN, SAYS UN AGENCY

URGENT FUNDS NEEDED TO RUN FOOD AID OPERATIONS IN YEMEN, SAYS UN AGENCY
New York, Dec 6 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2710">WFP) today called on donors to provide an urgent injection of $3.3 million in funds so that it can feed for the next four months nearly 80,000 Yemenis who have been displaced by intermittent conflict in the northwest of the country.

WFP Yemen Country Director Mohamed El-Kouhene said improved security in the Sa'adah governorate, where the conflict is centred, in recent months has allowed the agency to start assisting many more people across the region. Before then, the violence had confined the operation largely to Sa'ada city.

The agency said in a news release that it estimates it will need to feed 77,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from now until at least next March, double the number of people it has been helping since the operation began in June.

Under the scheme WFP provides food to those who cannot meet their own needs and the Yemeni Government provides security and logistical assistance.

Conflict between Yemeni Government forces and followers of the rebel movement of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has flared intermittently since 2004, but in the latest round of fighting that began in January, the homes and possessions of tens of thousands of people have been destroyed, forcing many to flee.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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KILLING OF AFGHAN AID WORKER SPARKS OUTRAGE FROM UN AGENCY CHIEF

KILLING OF AFGHAN AID WORKER SPARKS OUTRAGE FROM UN AGENCY CHIEF
New York, Dec 6 2007 1:00PM
The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (<" http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2711">WFP) has spoken out against the killing of a humanitarian worker in southern Afghanistan, gunned down while delivering vital food aid in one of the most dangerous parts of the violence-ridden nation.

"We strongly deplore this attack, as we do all acts of aggression against humanitarian workers assisting people in desperate need," WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said today, in response to the killing of one of the agency's truck drivers, Ezatollah. "No loss of life can be tolerated."

Mr. Ezatollah was driving a truck carrying 14 tons of high energy biscuits for WFP in the early hours of 2 December when he was ambushed by armed men on the road from Kandahar to Helmand in southern Afghanistan – the site of two other attacks on WFP trucks in October and November.

He was shot dead and his assistant was abducted and remains missing, as does the truck and its cargo. Police investigations are continuing into the incident.

WFP notes that attacks on its trucks and convoys are a common hazard in various parts of the world. In October, three contract truck drivers were shot dead while working for the agency in the strife-torn Darfur region of Sudan.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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UN HEALTH AGENCY LAUNCHES NEW DRIVE TO DEVELOP CHILD-SIZE DRUGS

UN HEALTH AGENCY LAUNCHES NEW DRIVE TO DEVELOP CHILD-SIZE DRUGS
New York, Dec 6 2007 1:00PM
Citing the need for medicines better tailored to children's needs, the United Nations World Health Organization (<" http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2007/pr63/en/index.html">WHO) today unveiled plans for further research and development into child medicine.

The agency presented its new initiative at the London launch of the "make medicines child size" campaign. Spearheaded by WHO, the campaign aims to raise awareness and spur action to address the need to ensure that all children under the age of 15 have better access to medicines appropriate for them.

Greater efforts are needed in this area given that many medicines available today are not developed for children or available in suitable dosages or formats. When they are available, they are not reaching the children who need them most, notes WHO.

"The gap between the availability and the need for child-appropriate medicines touches wealthy as well as poor countries," said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. "As we strive for equitable access to scientific progress in health, children must be one of our top priorities."

According to WHO, more than half of children in industrialized societies are prescribed medicines whose dosages are intended for adults and not authorized for use in children. In developing countries, the problem is made worse by lower access to medicines.

The agency adds that about six million children – out of the 10 million that do not reach their fifth birthday every year – die of treatable conditions and could be saved if the medicines they need were readily available, safe, effective and affordable.

Pneumonia kills two million children under five each year and HIV kills 330,000 children under 15. "These illnesses can be treated, but many children don't stand a chance because the medicines are either not appropriate for their age, don't reach them or are priced too high – up to three times the price of adult drugs," said Howard Zucker, WHO Assistant Director-General.

The medicines that need to be adapted to children's needs include many antibiotics, as well as asthma and pain medication. The campaign also calls for more research and development of combination pills for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as appropriate child therapy for a number of neglected tropical diseases.

To promote increased attention to research into children's drugs, WHO is building an Internet portal to clinical trials carried out in children and will publish that information early next year.

The agency is also releasing today the first international List of Essential Medicines for Children, containing over 200 medicines that are deemed safe for children. In addition, it will work with governments to address regulations for children's medicines.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT AND HONDURAN OFFICIAL DISCUSS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REFORMS

ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT AND HONDURAN OFFICIAL DISCUSS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REFORMS
New York, Dec 6 2007 1:00PM
The recent social and economic reforms in Honduras and its Government's efforts to uphold human rights topped the agenda during talks between General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim and the Central American country's Foreign Minister.

Mr. Kerim met Milton Jiménez Puerto at United Nations Headquarters in New York yesterday, according to a statement released by Mr. Kerim's spokesperson, where he received a briefing on the recent reforms undertaken by the Government.

The statement noted that Mr. Kerim commended Honduras for its efforts to protect and promote human rights, "and for its declared commitment to progress on economic and social reforms, as well as on the human rights agenda."

Mr. Kerim also thanked Mr. Jiménez Puerto for his country's support of the work of the 192-member Assembly, especially its efforts as one of the Vice-Presidents of the current session.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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TOP UN OFFICIAL PRAISES BRAZIL'S HUMAN RIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS

TOP UN OFFICIAL PRAISES BRAZIL'S HUMAN RIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS
New York, Dec 6 2007 1:00PM
During a three-day visit to Brazil that wrapped up yesterday, the top United Nations human rights official praised the South American country's recent accomplishments in that realm but pointed out that other obstacles remain.

"Brazil has demonstrated leadership at the international level in the area of human rights," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour <"http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/CB7CDE1A6681608AC12573A9003534B1?OpenDocument">said. "The country realized significant achievements in the fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS, although challenges remain, particularly in the administration of justice and the enforcement of other rights enshrined in the 1988 Constitution, and especially with regards to indigenous rights."

She encouraged the South American country's Government to bolster efforts to improve the administration of justice, particularly the widespread use of pre-trial detention.

The High Commissioner also suggested innovative measures to alleviate prison overcrowding, further accountability among law enforcement officials and prevent abuses against detainees.

On her last day in the country, she delivered a lecture on poverty as both cause and consequence of human rights violations at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and stopped at the community of Vigario Geral, where she learned about projects to bring peace through arts by less privileged youth.

The High Commissioner's visit, her first to Brazil, came after the Government extended an invitation. Stopping at Brasilia, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, she met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, federal Government officials and the federal Supreme Court.

She also held talks with state authorities in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to discuss the country's human rights successes and challenges, as well as with civil society organizations to hear their concerns.
2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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SOMALIA: UNICEF IMMUNIZES 100,000 CHILDREN AND WOMEN IN CAMPS

SOMALIA: UNICEF IMMUNIZES 100,000 CHILDREN AND WOMEN IN CAMPS
New York, Dec 6 2007 8:00AM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has announced plans to immunize approximately 100,000 internally displaced Somalis living in camps along the Mogadishu-Afgoye corridor this week.

The vast majority of Somali children under the age of five -- 95 per cent -- have not received the full recommended course of vaccinations. The new drive will provide those to 47,600 children as well as 56,000 women who have fled recent violence

UNICEF's Representative to Somalia, Christian Balslev-Olesen said UNICEF is spearheading efforts to reach the displaced in response to Somalia's volatile security conditions. "If you consider that ten percent of the country's population has had to flee their homes -- with these numbers increasing every day -- then we have to find effective means of delivering services to these people. This is why UNICEF and its partners have organized campaigns like this one to reach every child."

Somalia has some of the worst social indicators for children in the world: one in eight children dies before his fifth birthday, one in three is chronically malnourished, hardly a third of families have access to clean drinking water, just 30 per cent of children go to school and on average people only live to the age of 47, according to UNICEF.

"If the United Nations is to remain relevant and improve the lives of Somalis, then we need to be more aggressive in how we reach children who need us," said Mr. Balslev-Olesen.

This week's immunization campaign is one of three that UNICEF and its partners will organize in the coming weeks, said the agency, which is also working to deliver clean water, sanitation and education facilities, as well as to improve the delivery and quality of health and social protection services.

With the fall of Somalia's Government in 1991, the country's health system has faced severe challenges in providing essential services to its population. But UNICEF said recent data coming out of th
indicates that effective awareness-raising campaigns and temporary and mobile health delivery points can significantly reduce the number of children dying from measles and polio.

UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) said they can reach 3.5 million children and women in the next two years for as little as $15 per person per year. This cost will enable, among other critical child survival interventions, the delivery of measles, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and tuberculosis vaccines to children under five along with a capsule of vitamin A to boast their immunity. Women of reproductive age will receive iron supplementation and tetanus toxoid immunization.

2007-12-06 00:00:00.000

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