LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN HAVE KEY ROLE IN TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE - UN

LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN HAVE KEY ROLE IN TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE – UN New York, Feb 1 2008 2:00PM The top United Nations climate change official today highlighted the crucial role that Latin America and the Caribbean countries – which scientists believe will bear the brunt of the effects of global warming over the coming decades – will play in addressing the problem.

Last December, the landmark UN Climate Change Conference in Indonesia ended with 187 countries agreeing to launch a two-year process of formal negotiations on a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, on greenhouse gas emissions.

"As part of the initial phase of international climate change negotiations in 2008, there needs to be a focus on designing the mechanisms to support and enable action by developing countries, no least by countries in your region," Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (<"http://unfccc.int/2860.php">UNFCCC), said at a regional ministerial-level meeting in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

This focus will enable these nations to cope with the effects of climate change, as well as "go the extra green mile" when putting cleaner technologies into operation, he added.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<"http://www.ipcc.ch/">IPCC), a 2007 Nobel Prize laureate, has said the impacts of climate change in the region – including inundation of small island states and densely-populated coastal areas; more intense hurricanes; water shortages; soil erosion; droughts; and the loss of biodiversity – will intensify as time goes by.

While the carbon market, a mechanism allowing companies to trade emissions credits in order to ensure that mandated caps are met, are helpful, is helpful, it is "clear that the market cannot do the trick alone," he stressed.

"We need a new climate change Marshall Plan that will reshape the world's future economy and redirect investment flows into a sustainable future," Mr. de Boer said, referring to the economic assistance programme that the United States brought to Europe after World War II.

The Executive Secretary called for a new financial framework to jump-start green, low-carbon economic growth globally.
2008-02-01 00:00:00.000

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CENTRAL UN EMERGENCY FUNDS ALLOCATED TO NEGLECTED CRISES

CENTRAL UN EMERGENCY FUNDS ALLOCATED TO NEGLECTED CRISES New York, Feb 1 2008 2:00PM The United Nations' central body for coordinating relief and humanitarian aid has allocated more than 100 million dollars in grants for critical life-saving work in some of the world's neglected trouble-spots.

The money will fund the work of UN agencies and their partners in 15 countries, including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Announcing the allocation, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, John Holmes, described the grants as "often the last bit of hope for millions of people caught up in some of the most severe and protracted humanitarian crises around the world."

The grants are made from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which is mandated to commit one-third of its money each year to redress imbalances in the global distribution of aid by supporting neglected crises.

"It is thanks to the existence of tools like the CERF and the generous support it receives from donors each year that we can fill gaps in the humanitarian response and provide assistance to the most vulnerable," Mr. Holmes said.

The $104.2 million allocated today includes $38 million to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), $10 million to Ethiopia, $7 million to Côte d'Ivoire and Pakistan, and smaller sums to Niger, Nepal, Kenya, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Mali, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Myanmar.

Over the past year, CERF funding has made a critical difference in countries including Côte d'Ivoire, which received only 53 per cent of the resources needed for critical basic needs in 2007. <"http://ochaonline.un.org/cerf/CERFHome/tabid/1705/Default.aspx">CERF funds were used to provide food, health care and education to internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children, and made it possible for the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) to restore access to safe drinking water in remote, rural communities. Over the past two years, a total of $200 million of all funds contributed to the CERF has been used in support of forgotten crises in 23 countries, mostly in Africa.

The CERF is funded by voluntary contributions from Member States, non-governmental organizations, local governments and individual donors.
2008-02-01 00:00:00.000

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ALARMED AT RESUMED CLASHES IN CHAD, BAN KI-MOON URGES PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT

ALARMED AT RESUMED CLASHES IN CHAD, BAN KI-MOON URGES PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT New York, Feb 1 2008 2:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced deep concern at the deteriorating security situation inside Chad, where fierce fighting has resumed between Government forces and opposition groups, and called on the parties to settle their differences peacefully.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2981">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban "deplores any action that could worsen the already grave humanitarian situation, especially in eastern Chad, where the international community is actively engaged in activities to provide relief and secure the voluntary, safe and sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons in eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic (CAR)."

He also reiterated the United Nations' long-standing condemnation of the use of military means to try to seize power.

"The Secretary-General calls on all parties to abide by their commitments under the different peace accords signed by them and to urgently resort to dialogue to reach a peaceful and negotiated settlement of this latest crisis."

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/47a1eafc2.html">UNHCR) has already had to evacuate most of its staff from the town of Guereda in eastern Chad because of the renewed tensions between the Government and rebels and because of a series of armed attacks in the area against agency staff and aid workers with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Yesterday the international staff of both UN agencies and NGOs who are based in the capital, N'Djamena, located in the southwest of the impoverished country, were also advised to stay at home because of the tensions.

Last year the Security Council authorized the deployment of a multi-dimensional UN presence in eastern Chad and north-eastern CAR, including a peacekeeping mission to be known as MINURCAT, to stabilize the region. The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is currently continuing its preparations to set up the mission.
2008-02-01 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL 'APPALLED' BY DEADLY BAGHDAD BOMBINGS

SECRETARY-GENERAL 'APPALLED' BY DEADLY BAGHDAD BOMBINGS New York, Feb 1 2008 1:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his outrage at the bombings which struck two popular pet markets in the Iraqi capital today, reportedly leaving more than 70 dead and many more wounded.

Mr. Ban is "appalled" by the attacks, which are the deadliest in the city in many months and "particularly callous in targeting innocent civilians," according to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2980">statement issued by his spokesperson.

"He hopes that Iraqi leaders will work together in a spirit of national reconciliation to prevent further violence and sustain the recent improvements that have been made on the security front," the statement added.

Also today, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Staffan de Mistura, described the double bombings as "a heinous crime that targeted innocent civilians, and deserves universal condemnation."

Systematic or widespread attacks against a civilian population are tantamount to crimes against humanity, he said.
2008-02-01 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON CALLS ON KENYANS TO 'WAKE UP' AND HALT VIOLENCE

BAN KI-MOON CALLS ON KENYANS TO 'WAKE UP' AND HALT VIOLENCE New York, Feb 1 2008 1:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all Kenyans to stop the violence that has torn apart their nation in recent weeks, claiming over 800 lives and displacing more than a quarter of a million people.

"The killing must stop. The violence must end for the sake of the Kenyan people, for the sake of Kenya," Mr. Ban said at a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1127">press conference in the capital, Nairobi.

Mr. Ban is in Kenya to give his full support to the Panel of Eminent African Persons, led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which is trying to resolve the crisis that began just over a month ago after Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner over opposition leader Raila Odinga in December elections.

In a meeting yesterday with President Kibaki on the sidelines of the African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Mr. Ban encouraged the Kenyan leader to move toward a quick resolution of the crisis. On arrival in Nairobi today, the Secretary-General met with Mr. Odinga, as well as Mr. Annan and his mediation team.

Pointing to a humanitarian crisis that is "unprecedented" in Kenya, Mr. Ban called on all political leaders to look beyond individual or partisan interests and resolve their differences peacefully.

"The people and leaders of Kenya, particularly political leaders, have the duty, and the responsibility, to wake up and reverse this tragic path before it escalates into the horrors of mass killings and devastation we have witnessed in recent history," he stated.

As the violence persists in parts of the country, UN agencies and their partners are continuing to assist the Government and the Kenya Red Cross in providing relief to those affected.

The UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/">WFP) says the violence affecting the main roads through the Rift Valley and towards Uganda in recent days has interrupted the transportation of commercial food as well as food aid. Trucks carrying WFP food could go from Mombasa to Nairobi without escort, but escorts were necessary when the trucks drove out of Nairobi and through the Rift Valley. Rising fuel prices were also affecting food delivery.

The agency also notes a shortage of food in the markets around the country, and an increase in food prices. To date, WFP has helped distribute food to more than 185,000 displaced persons in the Rift Valley and the western provinces.

Meanwhile, the UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO) has warned that displaced Kenyans around Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru and Naivasha are lacking critical health care.

The number of sites hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) appears to increase every day, and an initial assessment by WHO has found that these sites are very crowded, with poor shelter, water supply and sanitation. In some camps, there is only one toilet for every 500 people. The most prevalent health concerns in all sites are diarrhoea in children, and acute respiratory infections.

Reports of violence continue in Nakuru, Eldoret, and Naivasha, all towns which already host hundreds of IDPs. WHO also notes that hospitals are reporting a "dramatic" increase in cases of sexual violence.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/47a341392.html">UNHCR) yesterday ferried more supplies from Nairobi to three displacement sites some 30 kilometres outside of the Kenyan capital in the wake of new evictions of nearly 10,000 non-indigenous communities working mainly in tea plantations and flower farms around Tigoni.

UNHCR immediately handed over 1,800 family kits, enough for 9,000 people, and 25 lightweight tents to the Kenyan Red Cross for distribution to the IDPs in the three towns.

The agency has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Red Cross by which it will provide emergency shelter and basic household items, assist with camp coordination and management, and strengthen systems for IDP registration. The Government of Kenya and the Kenya Red Cross estimate there are now more than 250,000 IDPs living in over 300 IDP sites in various parts of the country.
2008-02-01 00:00:00.000

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PERMANENT HOLOCAUST EXHIBIT SHOULD INSPIRE UN IN ITS WORK - MIGIRO

PERMANENT HOLOCAUST EXHIBIT SHOULD INSPIRE UN IN ITS WORK – MIGIRO New York, Jan 31 2008 6:00PM Unveiling the first permanent exhibition on the Holocaust at the United Nations, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today voiced the hope that the display will guide and inspire the world body in its mission to prevent a recurrence of the horrors of the Second World War.

"Every time we view these images and see the faces of the victims, we remember every man, woman and child slaughtered by the Nazis and stand in solidarity with their families and with survivors around the world," Ms. Migiro <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/dsgsm373.doc.htm">said yesterday as the exhibit opened at UN Headquarters in New York.

"Those faces are a direct response to the Holocaust deniers. And they are a direct reminder of the untold contributions of those who perished – contributions of which posterity was deprived."

Calling the Holocaust "a horrific failure for our common humanity," Ms. Migiro said the UN is a natural home to such a permanent exhibition, not only because the Organization was founded to prevent similar atrocities in the future, but also because of its "continuing duty to act on its lessons."

She said she hoped the exhibit, which presents an overview of the tragedy in the context of World War II and the founding of the Organization, will guide and inspire the UN in its mission.

Other events held at the UN this week to mark the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust included a concert featuring the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Zubin Mehta, the issuance of a special stamp by the UN Postal Administration, and a joint exhibition entitled "The Holocaust: Stories of Rescue."

In 2005, the General Assembly designated 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instil the memory of the tragedy in future generations.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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ATTACKS FORCE UN REFUGEE AGENCY TO EVACUATE STAFF FROM TOWN IN EASTERN CHAD

ATTACKS FORCE UN REFUGEE AGENCY TO EVACUATE STAFF FROM TOWN IN EASTERN CHAD New York, Jan 31 2008 6:00PM The United Nations refugee agency today evacuated most of its staff from its office in a town in eastern Chad after a series of armed attacks this week on the agency and other aid organizations operating in the troubled region.

Five vehicles belonging to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), its non-governmental partners and Médecins Sans Frontières Suisse have been stolen at gunpoint in the past 72 hours, while the <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/47a1eafc2.html">UNHCR compound in Guereda was entered by armed men on two nights this week.

Serge Malé, UNHCR's representative in Chad, said the agency was "left only with one choice, much to our regret, which is to relocate most staff out of the Guereda area, as we cannot continue to perform our activities in favour of refugees."

Four UNHCR staff and 28 local and international staff with the agency's partners were flown to the regional centre of Abeché today, while a convoy of eight vehicles also travelled from Guereda so that the few remaining vehicles in the town were not attacked.

A minimum amount of staff will remain to ensure there is basic support in the two refugee camps, Mile and Kounoungou, operating in the area. The two camps – host almost 30,000 refugees from Sudan's war-wracked Darfur region – have been officially handed over to refugee leaders to manage while UNHCR staff numbers are reduced.

The most serious incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when two armed men wearing military uniforms jumped the wall of the UNHCR compound and threatened the guards with guns so that they can steal two vehicles.

Early this morning an unknown man armed with a Kalashnikov automatic rifle entered the UNHCR guesthouse before being chased off by staff members of the agency's local partner.

Tensions between the Chadian National Army and opposition forces have been building in Guereda and the wider region since Monday, while the problems in the town have been exacerbated by ethnic clashes between Zaghawas and Tamas.

Jorge Holly, head of the UNHCR field office in Guereda, said the local authorities do not have the necessary means to protect agency staff or other aid workers.

"In this area, we have a state of complete impunity," he said. "Guereda is getting very vulnerable. If humanitarian workers are not around, it is impossible to provide adequate protection to the refugees. But the situation here is getting out of control and we also have to protect our staff and partners."

The security situation is also tense inside the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, in the southwest of the country, with the international staff of both UN agencies and NGOs advised to stay at home.

Eastern Chad is currently home to about 240,000 Sudanese living in 12 official refugee camps, which have sprung up since the Darfur conflict began more than four years ago.

Meanwhile, about 5,800 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) have arrived in several border villages in southern Chad in the past few weeks, fleeing attacks by zaraguinas or cattle rustlers in the north of their homeland.

Last year the Security Council authorized the establishment of a multi-dimensional UN presence in Chad and the CAR, including a peacekeeping mission to be known as MINURCAT, to try to stabilize the region.

In a related development, a meeting of troop and police-contributing countries for MINURCAT and two other missions – the hybrid UN-African Union force in Darfur (UNAMID) and the force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (known as MONUC) – was held at UN Headquarters in New York today.

General Per Five, a military adviser with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), told the meeting that UNAMID is still lacking helicopters, a key capacity for the mission to operate successfully.

Assistant Secretary-General Jane Holl Lute said it was vital to move ahead with the deployment of UNAMID as MINURCAT will not succeed if the mission in neighbouring Darfur is failing.

In Addis Ababa, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned against cross-border instability. "The situation in Chad and the continued military conflict there should not spill over negatively to the peace and security in Darfur," the deployment of peacekeepers or the ongoing political process in Darfur, he told a press briefing.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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UN MUST COORDINATE ACTION TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE, SAYS NEW REPORT

UN MUST COORDINATE ACTION TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE, SAYS NEW REPORT New York, Jan 31 2008 6:00PM The international community has recognized that the United Nations is "best suited" to tackle the pressing issue of climate change, and must step up cooperation across the system to meet the challenge, according to a new report made public today.

"The United Nations needs to be more than merely the sum of its parts," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes in the report. "The challenge is to develop and implement effectively integrated economic, trade, social and environmental policies on mitigating and adapting to climate change."

The report was prepared in response to a General Assembly resolution, ahead of its upcoming debate on 11-12 February, requesting a comprehensive overview of the UN's activities pertaining to climate change.

Last December, the landmark UN Climate Change Conference in Indonesia ended with 187 countries agreeing to launch a two-year process of formal negotiations on a successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, on greenhouse gas emissions.

Now, the UN must "deliver as one" by "providing a neutral negotiating forum, establishing trust and galvanizing high-level political support," the report states.

It also points out that some $15-20 trillion may be needed over the next quarter century to achieve sustainable energy, and the UN can provide assistance by helping countries make decisions based on sound scientific and technical data.

The newly released report also stresses the need to make the UN itself climate-neutral. To this end, Mr. Ban has tasked the Environmental Management Group, under the leadership of the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), to find the necessary approaches to make the world body "more climate-friendly and environmentally sustainable."
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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UN ENVOY DISCUSSES MYANMAR WITH INDIAN OFFICIALS

UN ENVOY DISCUSSES MYANMAR WITH INDIAN OFFICIALS New York, Jan 31 2008 5:00PM As part of his ongoing efforts to promote democratic change in Myanmar, the United Nations envoy to the South-East Asian nation today wrapped up consultations in New Delhi with Indian officials, who assured him of their continuing support.

During his visit, Ibrahim Gambari met with Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, as well as Foreign Minister Pranab Mukerjee and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon.

The meetings were a continuation of consultations held in October in New Delhi between Mr. Gambari and Indian officials, following last summer's crackdown by the Myanmar authorities on peaceful protesters.

"Mr. Gambari is encouraged by these consultations and India's support for the Secretary-General's good offices on Myanmar," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

Mr. Gambari, who has travelled to Myanmar twice since the events of last summer, is expected to visit Beijing for consultations with the Chinese Government in February.

Earlier this month, Mr. Gambari told reporters that while countries in the region have placed on record their support for the good offices role of the Secretary-General, "there is still more that everybody can do."

All those who have a role to play, both inside the country and outside, should be given the chance to do so in the interest of moving toward "a peaceful, prosperous but democratic Myanmar with full respect for the human rights of its people," he said.

Mr. Gambari has a standing invitation to return to Myanmar but a date for his visit is still under discussion with the Government.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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SOME GAZA BORDER CROSSINGS RE-OPEN TO AID TRUCKS, BUT PROBLEMS CONTINUE - UN

SOME GAZA BORDER CROSSINGS RE-OPEN TO AID TRUCKS, BUT PROBLEMS CONTINUE – UN New York, Jan 31 2008 5:00PM More than 70 trucks were allowed to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel yesterday, but aid supplies inside Gaza are still dwindling, the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) reported today.

<"http://www.unsco.org/">UNSCO said the trucks entered Gaza through the Karni and Sufa crossings, and Israeli authorities informed the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at 11 p.m. yesterday that they could bring in trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing today.

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters that while <"http://www.wfp.org/english/">WFP only had time to prepare one truck for transport, UNRWA managed to have 12 trucks containing milk and rice ready to go.

But when those trucks arrived at Kerem Shalom this morning, the crossing was closed and all 13 trucks had to return to the town of Ashdod. Returning the trucks costs <"http://www.un.org/unrwa/english.html">UNRWA more than $8,000.

UNSCO also reports that fuel supplies continue to go through to Gaza as planned, although electricity cuts are ongoing and about 40 per cent of the estimated 1.4 million Palestinians living in Gaza do not have regular access to water.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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SENIOR UN OFFICIAL VISITS NEPAL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ASSESSMENT

SENIOR UN OFFICIAL VISITS NEPAL FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ASSESSMENT New York, Jan 31 2008 3:00PM United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang kicked off a five-day trip to Nepal today to assess the rights situation in the landlocked South Asian nation.

Kyung-wha Kang visited Nepalgunj, in the country's south-west, and met with civil society organizations, lawyers and representatives of the Nepal Police to discuss issues of gender and discrimination. While in the city, she learned about the case of Hasrun Idrisi, a woman allegedly attacked and burned by family members over dowry issues.

The largest field presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the world is in Nepal, with seven offices in the country. Prioritizing the bolstering of women's rights, <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx">OHCHR has been monitoring and investigating cases of violence against women as well as advocating for justice for victims.

During her trip, Ms. Kang hopes to see OHCHR's activities on the ground first-hand. In addition to meeting with the National Human Rights Commission's regional office, she will also hold talks with representatives of the UN Mission in Nepal (<"http://www.unmin.org.np/">UNMIN).

Yesterday, the top UN envoy to the country strongly condemned a bomb attack at a rally promoting the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections, saying violence and intimidation are inconsistent with the country's transition to democracy.

"Political differences must be resolved through peaceful means," Ian Martin, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, said in a press statement. "I have no doubts that acts of terror will discredit whatever cause they are claimed to promote with the Nepalese people as well as the international community."
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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ACTOR, UN ADVOCATE GEORGE CLOONEY URGES GREATER RESOURCES FOR DARFUR FORCE

ACTOR, UN ADVOCATE GEORGE CLOONEY URGES GREATER RESOURCES FOR DARFUR FORCE New York, Jan 31 2008 2:00PM United Nations Messenger of Peace and award-winning actor George Clooney, just back from the war-wracked Darfur region of Sudan, today urged countries to provide peacekeepers serving with the hybrid United Nations-African Union force there enough resources to do their job – "or have the decency to just bring them all home."

Briefing the press at UN Headquarters in New York after visiting existing or nascent UN peacekeeping missions in Sudan, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the key troop-contributing country India, Mr. Clooney said the Darfur force (known as UNAMID) was still missing key capacities such as helicopters and trucks.

He said the troops in the mission – many of whom also served in the earlier, under-resourced AU mission to Darfur – deserved appropriate resources to quell violence and bring stability to the region, where at least 200,000 people have been killed since 2003.

"Either give them [the UNAMID peacekeepers] the basic tools for protecting the population and themselves, or have the decency to just bring them all home. Because you can't do it halfway," he said. "Bring them home and shut off your TV and your radio and your phones and the Internet and go back into the offices and wait until it's all over."

Mr. Clooney said that during his visit to Darfur, he noticed that locals witnessing the arrival of UN peacekeepers have started to "feel a new energy in the air. They feel for the first time that this is the moment that the rest of the world, all of the nations, united, are stepping in to help them…

"When I stood in the hospital next to women who had been raped and set on fire two days earlier, they looked up to me and said, 'Please send the UN.' Not the US; not China; not Russia; just the UN. You're their only hope."

Mr. Clooney, who travelled with Assistant Secretary-General Jane Holl Lute, the Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Field Support, and other UN staff, said the Sudanese Government must for its part make sure it does not obstruct the peacekeepers from carrying out their work and provide protection to aid workers from rebel attacks.

"These peacekeepers are not an occupying force. They are not there to spread democracy or infringe on religious beliefs. The [DR] Congo is proof of that."

He also stressed that Darfur's vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) held the Government or its allied Janjaweed militia for them having to flee their homes.

"Millions are homeless – not from famine, or disease, or acts of God, but from a well-armed militia intent on ridding the land of its people."

But he noted that the situation has become increasingly complicated as rebel groups fight each other and attack civilians, resulting in "a vacuum of justice, of civility, of local government, land rights, humanity. As in any apocalypse, the ones left standing begin to fight for survival. The rebel groups can and have engaged in horrific acts of violence."

Mr. Clooney said a durable peace will only emerge when all the parties sit down together "and begin the long process of talks. There's 2.5 million people who want to go back to their homes and not live in misery."

Before briefing the press today, Mr. Clooney was formally presented with a Messenger of Peace certificate and dove pin by Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro. The Oscar-winning artist was officially designated as a Messenger of Peace, with a special focus on peacekeeping, earlier this month.

He also held talks with Ms. Holl Lute and the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Kiyotaka Akasaka.

Asked about his status as a celebrity Messenger of Peace, Mr. Clooney observed that it was becoming increasingly difficult challenge to get "things that are truly important to us" on the news or the international radar.

"It seems as if at times celebrity can bring that focus. It can't make the policies, it can't change people's minds really. But you can bring a camera where you go because they'll follow you and you can shine a light on it. That seems to be my job in this."
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON TO VISIT STRIFE-TORN KENYA

BAN KI-MOON TO VISIT STRIFE-TORN KENYA New York, Jan 31 2008 1:00PM Warning that violence in Kenya could spiral out of control, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced plans to visit the country, where more than 800 people have already lost their lives in intensifying ethnic clashes triggered by the aftermath of recent elections.

<"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1126">Speaking to reporters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Mr. Ban called on the Kenyan people to "stop the killings and end the violence now, before it is too late."

More than a quarter of a million people have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence, which began late last year after Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner over opposition leader Raila Odinga in December elections.

Mr. Ban said he will travel to Nairobi tomorrow to give his full support to the Panel of Eminent African Persons, led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which is trying to resolve the current crisis. While in Nairobi, Mr. Ban intends to meet with Mr. Odinga, civil society leaders and UN staff.

"If political leaders fail to act responsibly in the interests of all Kenyan people, the situation could escalate beyond control," warned the Secretary-General, stressing that the UN is ready to provide all necessary assistance.

"Kenya can remain stable and prosperous, a model to all Africa," he added. "We must all do our utmost to ensure that it does so."

Addressing the opening session the African Union summit earlier today in Addis Ababa, Mr. Ban drew attention to the alarming developments in Kenya, calling on the gathered African leaders to urge the leaders and people of Kenya to calm the violence and resolve their differences through dialogue and respect for the democratic process.

In a meeting with President Kibaki on the sidelines of the summit, Mr. Ban encouraged the Kenyan leader to move toward a quick resolution of the crisis, according to a UN spokesperson. The two men discussed the humanitarian situation in the country and the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as the Secretary-General's trip to Nairobi.

Mr. Ban also spoke by phone with Mr. Annan, discussing the serious impact of the violence on Kenya's economy.

In a related development, Kenyan women have called for an immediate end to inter-ethnic killings, impunity and gross violations of human rights, especially the increasing cases of sexual crimes and gang rapes, in a communiqué handed over to Mr. Annan's team.

The women appealed for an urgent response to the special needs of women and children who constitute the majority of IDPs, according to a news release from the UN Development Fund for Women (<"http://www.unifem.org/">UNIFEM).

They also called for constitutional reforms and measures to restore the rule of law and order, and appealed to all Kenyans to respect and embrace different democratic opinions. Consultations have been held over the past couple of weeks on getting women effectively engaged in national efforts to resolve the crisis.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED PROJECT TO BENEFIT SOME 20,000 POOR RURAL FAMILIES IN BURKINA FASO

UN-BACKED PROJECT TO BENEFIT SOME 20,000 POOR RURAL FAMILIES IN BURKINA FASO New York, Jan 31 2008 1:00PM A new United Nations-backed $19 million project in Burkina Faso will help approximately 20,000 poor rural households bolster their crop production and incomes through improved irrigation.

The UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (<" http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2008/08.htm">IFAD) will provide an $11 loan to the Small-scale Irrigation and Water Management Project, which will be carried out in six provinces in the south-west of the country.

Because these half-dozen provinces border Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, two of the region's most vibrant economies, it is hoped that the new initiative will increase both national and cross-border trade.

"There is a new political will to boost small-scale irrigated agriculture in the country," said Norman Messer, IFAD's country programme manager for Burkina Faso. "New, affordable micro-irrigation technologies and improved roads to get products to markets will encourage farmers to take advantage of the emerging opportunities for increasing incomes in the region."

The Project will kick off with an information, education and communication campaign, and seeks to add to participants' ability to intensify and diversify crops as well as support marketing activities.

The scheme will also work in conflict-affected communities in the six provinces where there has been an influx of migrants, resulting in a situation where there is less available land for greater numbers of people. Enhancing irrigation is a means of producing higher-value crops on smaller plots of land, which in turn will provide a way to ease population pressure and alleviate potential conflict.

Among other activities, the Project will build some 250 hectares of vegetable gardens with low-pressure micro-irrigation technology, and it is estimated that by its fifth year, the scheme will increase annual agricultural production by 4,700 tons of rice, 1,800 tons of vegetables, 314 tons of maize and 1,700 tons of bananas.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY URGES ACTION TO ADDRESS GLOBAL MANGROVE LOSS

UN AGENCY URGES ACTION TO ADDRESS GLOBAL MANGROVE LOSS New York, Jan 31 2008 12:00PM With 20 per cent of the world's mangroves lost since 1980, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (<" http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2008/1000776/index.html">FAO) has called for urgent action to address the environmental and economic impacts caused by the destruction of these vital coastal forests.

According to a recent assessment study, entitled "The world's mangroves 1980-2005," the total mangrove area has declined from 18.8 million hectares in 1980 to 15.2 million hectares in 2005. However, the rate of loss has slowed down in recent years, owing to greater awareness of the importance of these ecosystems.

FAO is urging better protection and management of mangroves, given their crucial role in providing wood, food, fodder, medicine and honey, as well as habitats for many animals like crocodiles and snakes, tigers, deer, otters, dolphins and birds. Found in over 120 countries, these forests also protect coastal areas against erosion, cyclones and wind.

"Mangroves are important forested wetlands and most countries have now banned the conversion of mangroves for aquaculture and they assess the impact on the environment before using mangrove areas for other purposes," said Wulf Killmann, Director of FAO's Forest Products and Industry Division, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, observed on 2 February.

"This has lead to better protection and management of mangroves in some countries. But overall, the loss of these coastal forests remains alarming. The rate of mangrove loss is significantly higher than the loss of any other types of forests," he added.

He cautioned that if deforestation of mangroves continues, it can lead to severe losses of biodiversity and livelihoods, and also negatively impact tourism. "Countries need to engage in a more effective conservation and sustainable management of the world's mangroves and other wetland ecosystems."

The destruction of mangroves is mainly due to high population pressure, large-scale conversion of mangrove areas for shrimp and fish farming, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, as well as pollution and natural disasters.

The study notes that Asia suffered the largest loss of mangroves since 1980, with more than 1.9 million hectares destroyed, mainly due to changes in land use. By country, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Panama recorded the largest losses of mangroves during the 1980s.

At the same time, a number of countries have had an increase in mangrove area over time, including Bangladesh. "Part of the largest mangrove area in the world, the Sundarbans Reserved Forest in Bangladesh is well protected and no major changes in the extent of the area have occurred during the last few decades, although some damage to the mangroves was reported after the recent cyclone in 2007," said Senior Forestry Officer Mette Wilkie.

FAO is currently working on producing a World Atlas of Mangroves to be published later this year.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY HAILS DRAFT LAW IN IRELAND THAT WOULD SPEED ASYLUM FOR REFUGEES

UN AGENCY HAILS DRAFT LAW IN IRELAND THAT WOULD SPEED ASYLUM FOR REFUGEES New York, Jan 31 2008 8:00AM The United Nations refugee agency has welcomed a draft law in Ireland that would speed up the asylum process for people seeking protection in the country.

The new Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill offered "a unique opportunity to strengthen Ireland's existing asylum system by introducing a single asylum procedure," said Manuel Jordão, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ireland.

The draft legislation, which must be tabled in parliament, would bring Irish law in line with the European Union's asylum directives while simplifying the asylum process. The current multi-stage system, criticized by Ireland's Department of Justice as far too lengthy, would enable decision-makers to examine grounds for protection with wider scope to make a ruling at the initial and appeals stages of the asylum process.

Mr. Jordão said the bill would enhance the quality of asylum decisions, greatly reduce the risk of gaps occurring in the assessment of asylum claims, speed up decision-making and reduce the time asylum seekers live in accommodation centres.

2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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GUINEA: UN GIVES BUILDINGS AT REFUGEE CAMP TO GOVERNMENT

GUINEA: UN GIVES BUILDINGS AT REFUGEE CAMP TO GOVERNMENT New York, Jan 31 2008 8:00AM Administrative buildings, health centres, water outlets, schools and other basic social services facilities at two camps run by the United Nations refugee agency in Guinea have been handed over to the Government now that most of the residents there have returned to their home countries.

"The infrastructures constitute real opportunities for the population and local authorities, who will use them for the common good," said Dillah Doumaye, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative in Guinea.

The two camps in south-eastern Guinea, which hosted tens of thousands of refugees from Liberia between 1995 and 2007, were handed over to the Government as part of a continuing UNHCR programme aimed at easing the integration of refugees remaining in the country since the end of the conflict in Liberia. Some 23,000 refugees continue to live in Guinea, including 8,000 Liberians in the two camps.

UNHCR said it is working to facilitate the local integration of these refugees through community-based projects.
2008-01-31 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES PEACE DEAL BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, REBELS

DR CONGO: SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES PEACE DEAL BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, REBELS New York, Jan 30 2008 7:00PM Welcoming the peace agreement between the Government and armed groups in the violence-torn eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Security Council today urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and other agreements reached "in good faith."

In a presidential statement read out by Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi of Libya, which holds the rotating presidency for this month, the Council said it was "particularly pleased" that rebel groups in North and South Kivu have decided to cease hostilities immediately.

The 15-member body lauded these groups' commitment to withdraw their troops to either disarm or join the brassage process, whereby ex-combatants from armed groups are retrained to form part of the national armed forces of the DRC (FARDC), as well as to follow the rules of international humanitarian and human rights law according to an agreement signed with the Government on 23 January in Goma.

Calling on the international community – including the UN peacekeeping force in the Central African nation (known as MONUC) – to support the process of implementing the commitments, the statement appealed for the continuation of dialogue among Congolese authorities and others in North and South Kivu "to seek long-term and comprehensive ways to address the root causes of instability."

The UN refugee agency estimates that over the last year, a mix of conflict, military build-up and spiralling lawlessness has displaced 400,000 people in North Kivu – the worst displacement since the end of the DRC's civil war in 2003. In total, there are an estimated 800,000 displaced people in the province, including those uprooted by previous conflicts.

The Council also stressed the importance of the so-called Joint Nairobi Communiqué from last November, in which the DRC and Rwanda agreed to work together against threats to peace and stability in the region.

Also today, a unanimous resolution was passed authorizing MONUC, in tandem with international partners and the UN Country Team, to help the country's authorities to organize, prepare and conduct upcoming local elections.

In a related development, MONUC announced that as part of its effort to support the recent agreement in Goma, it is deploying new mobile bases, intended to protect civilians and to monitor the ceasefire, in eight towns in North Kivu.

The mission also reported an exchange of fire on Monday between forces loyal to renegade Gen. Laurent Nkunda and elements of the Congolese Patriotic Resistance in North Kivu's Masisi territory. MONUC sent patrols to the area to stabilize the situation.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES LATEST VIOLENCE ENGULFING KENYA

SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES LATEST VIOLENCE ENGULFING KENYA New York, Jan 30 2008 7:00PM The Security Council today heard a closed-door briefing on the situation in Kenya, where post-electoral violence has claimed hundreds of lives, including dozens in recent days, while forcing more than a quarter of a million others to flee their homes.

In New York, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe briefed the Council on the latest developments in the East African nation, where nearly 700 people are believed to have been killed in the violence, which first began a few weeks ago after Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner over opposition leader Raila Odinga in December elections.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Mr. Pascoe said that there is a "need for the parties to work together" to bring the violence to an end.

Voicing support for the mediation efforts of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he said the Organization has been deeply involved from the start to bring the situation under control. Additionally, he said that numerous humanitarian organizations have been active on the ground and providing assistance to those forced to flee their homes.

During the Council meeting, members "called on Kenya's leaders to do all what is in their power to bring the violence to an end and to restore calm," Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi of Libya, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, told the press.

Meanwhile in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed the situation with the African Union Chairperson, Alpha Oumar Konaré, ahead of his address to the AU summit tomorrow.

The two leaders agreed that the AU and UN should support the current efforts by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, according to a spokesperson for the world body.

UN agencies are warning that Kenya's crisis has taken a sharp turn for the worse in recent days with violence claiming many more lives and hampering relief efforts.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS UN MISSION IN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS UN MISSION IN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA New York, Jan 30 2008 7:00PM Expressing its deep concern over the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Security Council voted today for a six-month extension of the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission monitoring the 2000 ceasefire that ended the border war between the two countries.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council called on the two sides to "show maximum restraint and refrain from any threat or use of force against each other, avoid provocative military activities and put an end to the exchange of hostile statements."

The 15-member body also emphasized that "Eritrea and Ethiopia bear the primary responsibility for achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the border dispute and normalizing their relations."

Despite a final and binding decision being handed down in 2002 by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC), the Horn of Africa neighbours have been at an impasse on the demarcation of their boundary with a military build-up in the border areas by both sides.

Today's resolution called on Eritrea to withdraw all troops and heavy military equipment from the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) immediately and urged Ethiopia to decrease its military forces in areas adjacent to the TSZ.

The Council also expressed its concern over the critical fuel levels which are impeding UNMEE's work, and demanded that the Eritrean Government "resumes immediately fuel shipments to UNMEE or allows UNMEE to import fuel without restrictions."

Last week, Azouz Ennifar, the mission's acting head, told journalists after briefing the Security Council that UNMEE has not been able to obtain fresh supplies of fuel in Eritrea since the start of last December.

"These restrictions are paralyzing the mission and its movements and making the living conditions of our civilian and military staff on the ground extremely difficult," he said.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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UN FOOD AGENCY HELPING 37,000 FLOOD VICTIMS IN BOLIVIA

UN FOOD AGENCY HELPING 37,000 FLOOD VICTIMS IN BOLIVIA New York, Jan 30 2008 6:00PM The United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) is assisting 37,000 people affected by floods in Bolivia, a spokesperson for the world body announced today.

The assistance is now going to Beni, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, but the agency is also planning to provide food to 25,000 people in other affected departments, according to the spokesperson.

WFP is working with the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) and their partner Télécom Sans Frontières to ensure emergency telecommunications.

UNICEF-Bolivia is ready to assist with tents, mobile schools, water filters and chlorine, if requested, the spokesperson reported.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) has allocated $40,000 in emergency cash grants to support immediate humanitarian operations in Bolivia.

Since November, severe flooding in Bolivia has killed 36 people, according to the Government.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL, SUDAN AGREE TO SPEED UP DEPLOYMENT OF PEACEKEEPING FORCE

SECRETARY-GENERAL, SUDAN AGREE TO SPEED UP DEPLOYMENT OF PEACEKEEPING FORCE New York, Jan 30 2008 6:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir have agreed on the need to accelerate the deployment of the hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) to the war-wracked Darfur region and to finalize the status-of-forces agreement for the new missions.

During a 90-minute meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Mr. Ban will address the AU summit tomorrow, Mr. Ban and Mr. al-Bashir discussed the situation in Darfur, where UNAMID is trying to quell deadly violence and human rights violations and bring a measure of stability.

UNAMID took over from an earlier AU mission to Darfur and at full deployment it is expected to have about 26,000 troops and police officers.

Mr. Ban stressed to the Sudanese President the importance of engaging with all the parties in Darfur, where at least 200,000 people have been killed since 2003 and 2.2 million others have been displaced from their homes because of fighting between rebels, Government forces and allied militia groups known as the Janjaweed.

He also urged Mr. al-Bashir to move forward on the implementation of the commitments contained in the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA), a 2005 pact ending the separate civil war between northern and southern Sudan.

Earlier, the Secretary-General held a working lunch with AU Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konaré in which they discussed the situation in Darfur and the need to make progress on the dialogue between the various parties in the arid and impoverished region.

The two men also talked about the latest developments between Sudan and its neighbour Chad and on the most recent progress with the CPA.

Later today, Mr. Ban was due to meet separately with three African presidents: John Kufour of Ghana, Omar Bongo of Gabon and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

In a related development, this week Mr. Ban has sent a letter to the President of the Security Council to inform him that he has appointed Patrick Schneider of Germany to serve on the Panel of Experts that helps to monitor Darfur sanctions.

Mr. Schneider's appointment, through 15 October this year, places the Panel at its full strength of five members.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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GAZA CRISIS UNDERSCORES GAP BETWEEN ASPIRATIONS AND REALITY - UN POLITICAL CHIEF

GAZA CRISIS UNDERSCORES GAP BETWEEN ASPIRATIONS AND REALITY – UN POLITICAL CHIEF New York, Jan 30 2008 6:00PM The recent troubles in the Middle East illustrate "the gap between the aspirations of the political process and the grim realities of the situation on the ground," the United Nations political chief told the Security Council today, warning that the current crisis is overshadowing efforts to find a long-term peace settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In his second Council briefing on the issue in just over a week, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe said there had been an intensification of violence in the past month in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel, as well as periods of total closure of Gaza and increased humanitarian suffering and human rights violations.

Only 32 truckloads of goods entered Gaza between 18 January and yesterday because of Israel's comprehensive closure of the border crossings, Mr. Pascoe said, compared to a daily average of 93 trucks during the first two weeks of this month and an average of 250 trucks in the weeks before last June.

A backlog of approximately 224 trucks belonging to various UN agencies has developed, although he said the world body understands that 35 trucks of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were scheduled to enter Gaza today.

"The crisis adds new urgency to the proposal of the Palestinian Authority to operate the Gaza crossings," he said, stressing the UN's support for the initiative and calling on all parties to work together towards the controlled re-opening of the crossings for both humanitarian reasons and commercial flows.

"Such flows should include materials and equipment to enable UN re-housing and rubble removal projects to resume."

Addressing an open debate in the Council, Mr. Pascoe added that the UN supports Egypt's continuing efforts to find a peaceful and orderly situation along its border – entire parts of which have been destroyed in recent days – with Gaza.

While noting that the level of violence in Gaza and southern Israel has diminished significantly in the past week, he expressed concern that 77 rockets and mortars were fired last week by Palestinian militants and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out four incursions and air strikes on Gaza.

Turning to today's decision by the Israeli Supreme Court to declare legal the reductions to Gaza's fuel and electricity supply, the Under-Secretary-General reminded Council members that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has previously stated his concern that the territory's estimated 1.4 million residents "should not be punished for the unacceptable actions of militants and extremists."

In addition, Mr. Pascoe voiced ongoing UN concern over the presidential vacuum in Lebanon and the most recent grave security incidents in the country, including deadly demonstrations and the assassination of senior figures in the Internal Security Forces.

"Lebanon's leaders must act now to find a way to bridge their positions and return the country to normal political activity."
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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NEPAL: UN ENVOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST BOMBING OF ELECTION RALLY

NEPAL: UN ENVOY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST BOMBING OF ELECTION RALLY New York, Jan 30 2008 5:00PM The top United Nations envoy to Nepal strongly condemned today's bomb attack at a rally promoting the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections, saying violence and intimidation are inconsistent with the country's transition to democracy.

Ian Martin, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, decried the attack in Birgunj, on the country's southern border with India, as well as threats and bombings at other recent political rallies.

"Political differences must be resolved through peaceful means," he said in a <"http://www.unmin.org.np/downloads/activities/2008-01-30-UNMIN.SRSG.Press.Statement.ENG.pdf">press statement. "I have no doubts that acts of terror will discredit whatever cause they are claimed to promote with the Nepalese people as well as the international community."

Police are still investigating today's attack, which injured several people, some critically.

Teams from both the UN Mission in Nepal (<"http://www.unmin.org.np/">UNMIN) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (<"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx">OHCHR) in the country were present at the Birgunj rally and previous events.

The elections for the Assembly – originally scheduled for last year but postponed twice – are now set to be held on 10 April.

Once elected, the body is supposed to draft a new constitution for Nepal, where an estimated 13,000 people were killed during the decade-long civil conflict that formally ended when the Government and Maoists signed a peace accord in 2006.

Last week, Mr. Martin voiced optimism reporters at UN Headquarters in New York that the polls will be staged successfully, given the desire of ordinary Nepalese for peace and democracy and the political leaders' demonstrated capacity for dialogue.

He commended the members of the seven-party Government alliance for reaching consensus after several months of crisis and striking a 23-point agreement last month on cooperation regarding the elections.

But the Special Representative said the inclusion of Nepal's traditionally marginalized groups in the electoral process is central to ensuring that the polls are successful.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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COCOA FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW UN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHOCOLATE GIANT

COCOA FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW UN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHOCOLATE GIANT New York, Jan 30 2008 5:00PM The United Nations Development Programme (<"http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/2008/january/cadbury-undp-ghana-20080128.en">UNDP) is setting up a partnership with the confectionery conglomerate Cadbury to support cocoa-farming communities in Ghana, India, Indonesia and the Caribbean by helping them to boost their crop yields, find new sources of income and improve local infrastructure.

Under the public-private initiative, announced this week in Accra, Ghana, Cadbury is to invest seed funding of $2 million in the project this year, with annual funding to rise to $10 million by 2010.

About 70 per cent of the money will be invested in Ghana, which provides the cocoa beans for Cadbury's chocolate products in the United Kingdom and where current cocoa yields reach only 40 per cent of their potential.

UN agencies in Ghana and elsewhere will work with local farmers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials to determine how best to spend the funds.

The Cadbury Cocoa Partnership is expected to focus on increasing the yields of farmers so that they produce top-quality beans. It will also introduce new sources of income, through microfinance and other forms of business support, while some funds will be spent on building or improving infrastructure, including schools, libraries, water wells and biodiversity protection projects.

Daouda Touré, UNDP's Resident Representative in Ghana, said the agency was striving to promote a more inclusive model of sustainable development.

"We hope to show just how effectively sustainable cocoa production can be in generating improved opportunities for local farmers, conserving the environment and building a brighter future for younger generations," Mr. Touré said.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF BEGINS VISIT TO SLOVENIA

UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF BEGINS VISIT TO SLOVENIA New York, Jan 30 2008 5:00PM The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights arrived today in Slovenia for a two-day official visit in the country that current holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

While in the capital, Ljubljana, Louise Arbour is scheduled to meet the country's President Danilo Türk, Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel and other representatives of the Government, according to a statement issued by her office.

Ms. Arbour is also expected to hold discussions with Slovenia's human rights ombudsperson and with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

In a separate development, the UN independent human rights expert on extrajudicial executions, Philip Alston, will tomorrow start an eight-day visit to the Central African Republic (CAR), where he will meet with Government representatives, the military, police, human rights organizations and other civil society groups.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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UP TO 300,000 CHILDREN WORLDWIDE RECRUITED TO FIGHT IN WARS - UN OFFICIAL

UP TO 300,000 CHILDREN WORLDWIDE RECRUITED TO FIGHT IN WARS – UN OFFICIAL New York, Jan 30 2008 4:00PM While precise estimates are difficult to come by, some 250,000 to 300,000 children globally are being recruited to fight in armed conflicts in violation of international law, a United Nations official said today, reporting mixed progress in efforts to tackle the problem.

Briefing reporters in New York on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/757">report on children and armed conflict, his Special Representative on the issue, Radhika Coomaraswamy, voiced hope that the Security Council would take decisive action in response to its findings.

Children are being recruited by groups in Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, the Central African Republic, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Uganda, according to the report.

But there have been no recent cases of child recruitment in Côte d'Ivoire, where the parties are taking measures to identify and release affected children for rehabilitation. Sierra Leone and Liberia, which used to have a prevalence of child soldiers, are also no longer contained in the report's annexes, which Ms. Coomaraswamy said collectively amount to a "list of shame."

The report draws attention to disturbing trends exacerbating the problem of child conscription, including a close link between camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the recruitment of children. "Research shows recruitment goes down if the camps have good security," the Special Representative said.

She also voiced concern about cross-border movements with regard to child recruitment in places such as Sudan and Chad, as well as the detention of children in Burundi, Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, she called attacks on schools, buildings and teachers a "serious new phenomenon" affecting Afghanistan, Iraq and Thailand.

The Special Rapporteur welcomed legal precedents for ending impunity, including the issue of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for five senior members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) operating in Uganda. The rebel group is notorious for recruiting and otherwise exploiting children.

Ms. Coomaraswamy said she will push for action in the Security Council, which is expected to discuss the report on children and armed conflict on 12 February. She said the Council should adopt "either a resolution or presidential statement" on the issue. Among other measures, she called for expanding the "list of shame" to include groups responsible for all manner of violations against children, or at least sexual violence.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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MINING IN TANZANIA POSES HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT - UN EXPERT

MINING IN TANZANIA POSES HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT – UN EXPERT New York, Jan 30 2008 3:00PM Voicing concern about the impact of mining on the environment, workers and communities in Tanzania, an independent United Nations expert has recommended closer national monitoring of industry there.

Okechukwu Ibeanu, the Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights, wrapped up a 10-day visit to the coastal East African nation today.

"I have observed through my meetings with a variety of stakeholders that the public may not have received any or sufficient information on the different chemical substances and dangerous products that they are exposed to in their workplace or their communities," he said in a <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/E336CD5CB473F82CC12573E0005714AA?opendocument">statement.

Mr. Ibeanu said that the mining industry is of particular concern. "I have witnessed first-hand small-scale miners using mercury without proper safety equipment," he said, stressing that some miners lack the necessary information about the impact of mercury on their health and the environment.

He urged the Government and civil society to step up efforts to education and sensitize people about the dangers of mercury.

The Rapporteur also expressed concern about the impact of large-scale mining in Tanzania, noting the "limited government supervision" of the operations of large mining corporations regarding occupational health and safety standards.

Citing the mounting tensions between local communities and mining corporations, he called on authorities to monitor the industry's activities more closely.

Regarding the management of chemicals, the expert commended the Government for creating a comprehensive legal framework to deal with toxic and dangerous products and waste.

Mr. Ibeanu, a Nigerian national, serves in an unpaid, personal capacity. Appointed as a Special Rapporteur in 2004, he reports to the UN Human Rights Council.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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COLOMBIAN RATIFICATION OF NUCLEAR TREATY WELCOMED BY SECRETARY-GENERAL

COLOMBIAN RATIFICATION OF NUCLEAR TREATY WELCOMED BY SECRETARY-GENERAL New York, Jan 30 2008 2:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed Colombia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (<"http://disarmament.un.org/wmd/ctbt/index.html">CTBT), which will enter into force when it becomes law in nine more countries.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2976">statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban noted that Colombia is one of 144 States to ratify the Treaty, which outlaws all nuclear explosions and establishes a verification regime to monitor compliance.

Colombia also belongs to the group of 44 nations listed in the Treaty's second annex which must all ratify the CTBT for it to enter into force. Those countries formally participated in the 1996 session of the Conference on Disarmament, when the Treaty was negotiated, and either had nuclear power or research reactors at the time.

Colombia's ratification means 35 of those Annex 2 States have ratified. The remaining nine States which have not yet ratified are China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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ARAB RIGHTS CHARTER DEVIATES FROM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, SAYS UN OFFICIAL

ARAB RIGHTS CHARTER DEVIATES FROM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, SAYS UN OFFICIAL New York, Jan 30 2008 2:00PM The Arab Charter on Human Rights contains provisions that do not meet international norms and standards, including the application of the death penalty for children, the treatment of women and non-citizens and the equating of Zionism with racism, the United Nations human rights chief said today.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour issued a <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/6C211162E43235FAC12573E00056E19D?opendocument">statement saying that her office "does not endorse these inconsistencies [and] we continue to work with all stakeholders in the region to ensure the implementation of universal human rights norms."

The Arab Charter entered into force earlier this month after seven countries ratified the text, prompting Ms. Arbour to release a statement last Thursday in which she noted that while human rights are universal, "regional systems of promotion and protection can further help strengthen the enjoyment of human rights."

Ms. Arbour said today that throughout the development of the Charter, her office shared concerns with the drafters about the incompatibility of some provisions with international norms and standards.

"These concerns included the approach to death penalty for children and the rights of women and non-citizens. Moreover, to the extent that it equates Zionism with racism, we reiterated that the Arab Charter is not in conformity with General Assembly Resolution 46/86, which rejects that Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination."
2008-01-30 00:00:00.000

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1 IN 5 IRAQI REFUGEES IN SYRIA SUFFERED TORTURE OR VIOLENCE BACK HOME - UN REPORT

1 IN 5 IRAQI REFUGEES IN SYRIA SUFFERED TORTURE OR VIOLENCE BACK HOME – UN REPORT New York, Jan 22 2008 2:00PM One in five Iraqis registered with the United Nations refugee agency in Syria since January 2007 – more than 19,000 individuals – are listed as victims of torture and/or violence in their homeland, according to figures released today.

The statistic came in a report on a survey undertaken as part of a wider study of Iraqis registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/479616762.html">UNHCR) office in Syria between 31 October and 25 November 2007.

The report highlighted the many forms of torture endured by Iraqi refugees, including beatings, electric shocks, objects placed under fingernails, burns and rape. Most instances of torture were perpetrated by militias – 69 per cent.

The survey's conclusions call for increased advocacy among all groups within Iraq to end torture and for programmes to address mental health issues among Iraqi refugees and displaced persons, UNHCR spokesman William Spindler told a news briefing in Geneva.

A total of 754 people were interviewed for the survey, providing information about themselves and their families, a total of 3,553 people, and every single one reported experiencing at least one traumatic event (as defined by the Harvard Trauma Survey) prior to arrival in Syria.

Seventy-seven per cent reported being affected by air bombardments and shelling or rocket attacks, 80 per cent reported witnessing a shooting, 68 per cent experienced interrogation or harassment by militias or other groups, including death threats, while 16 per cent had been tortured. Seventy-two percent were eye witnesses to a car bombing and 75 per cent knew someone who had been killed.

UNHCR together with its health partners are prioritizing psycho-social support for refugees. This includes regular referrals to psychiatrists, clinics and mental health institutions. UNHCR is also working with volunteers to support family members of people suffering from psychiatric disorders. The survey showed that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent, at 89 per cent and 82 per cent respectively.

UNHCR has already appealed for $261 million this year to aid Iraqi refugees and those displaced inside Iraq. Part of this will be allocated to psycho-social care and support in the governments hosting millions of Iraqis. "A large scale response, however, is extremely challenging in a region which does not have many psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health support mechanisms," Mr. Spindler cautioned.

More than 2.2 million Iraqis are presently uprooted in Iraq while an additional 2 million have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries, in particular Syria and Jordan.
2008-01-22 00:00:00.000

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TURKMENISTAN TO REDUCE IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA WITH UN SUPPORT

TURKMENISTAN TO REDUCE IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA WITH UN SUPPORT New York, Jan 17 2008 12:00PM The United Nations Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_42447.html">UNICEF) is helping the Government of Turkmenistan to fortify flour with iron and folic acid to reduce anaemia and improve the overall nutritional situation of women and children across the Central Asian country.

The Government will finance the programme as part of its commitment to child survival and development and will work with UNICEF to procure the micronutrients to be added to supreme grade and first grade flour.

Turkmenistan has adopted a new standard for flour fortification in line with international requirements and created a quality assurance and monitoring system.

The programme is one of many contributing to the health and well being of the children and women of Turkmenistan. Since 2001, the Government has financed 100 per cent of vaccines procurement using UNICEF Procurement Services. In 2004, the country achieved universal salt iodization.
2008-01-17 00:00:00.000

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CARIBBEAN CORAL REEFS UNDER INCREASING THREAT, WARNS UN AGENCY

CARIBBEAN CORAL REEFS UNDER INCREASING THREAT, WARNS UN AGENCY New York, Jan 28 2008 1:00PM Warming temperatures and increasing storms are posing serious threats to Caribbean coral reefs and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<" http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=29008&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) said today.

During the last 50 years many Caribbean reefs lost up to 80 per cent of their coral cover, according to the Paris-based agency, which noted that 2005 was especially disastrous for Caribbean corals.

Worldwide, nearly 500 million people depend on healthy coral reefs for sustenance, coastal protection, renewable resources, and tourism, with an estimated 30 million of the world's poorest people depending entirely on the reefs for food.

Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems and current estimates suggest that nearly two thirds of the world's coral reefs are under severe threat from the effects of economic development and climate change, such as coral bleaching, a direct result of global warming.

The agency's warning came ahead of next week's launch of "The Status of Caribbean Coral Reefs after Bleaching and Hurricanes in 2005," by Clive Wilkinson, Director of UNESCO's Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, a report assessing the damage caused to the reefs by high temperatures and numerous storms of three years ago in the wider Caribbean, home to over 10 per cent of world's reefs.

The report notes that the warmest year since temperature records began in 1880, 2005 witnessed massive coral losses through severe bleaching, up to 95 per cent in several islands including the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Cuba, and the French West Indies. There were also 26 named storms, including 13 hurricanes, that year.

Tackling the threats will require controlling further warming by dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the next 20 years and managing the direct pressures such as pollution, fishing and damaging coastal developments, the report states.

The report, co-sponsored by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and written by 80 coral reef scientists and managers, kicks off the International Year of the Reef 2008, a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value of coral reefs and the threats they face, and to spur action to protect them.
2008-01-28 00:00:00.000

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ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS FROM BANGLADESH TO NEW ZEALAND TO RECEIVE UN HONOURS

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS FROM BANGLADESH TO NEW ZEALAND TO RECEIVE UN HONOURS New York, Jan 28 2008 1:00PM The head of a leading South Asian environmental think tank and the Prime Minister of New Zealand are among those chosen as this year's Champions of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme (<" http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=525&ArticleID=5738&l=en">UNEP) for spearheading efforts to advance sustainable development and combat climate change.

Atiq Rahman, the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, and Prime Minister Helen Clark are among the seven environmental leaders chosen for the prize, which will be given out at a ceremony in Singapore on 22 April.

The other winners are Prince Albert II of Monaco; former United States Senator Timothy E. Wirth; Balgis Osman-Elasha, a senior researcher at Sudan's Higher Council for Environment & Natural Resources; Liz Thompson, the former Energy and Environment Minister of Barbados; and Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal, the Secretary-General of the Yemen People's General Congress.

"Today, we face environmental challenges of unprecedented magnitude. More than ever, our planet needs committed leaders and achievers like the 2008 Champions of the Earth who spur real, positive change and fuel innovative solutions to environmental problems," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

"These inspirational individuals demonstrate not only that action and different development paths are possible but also the abundant opportunities arising as a result of a transformation towards a green economy."

This year's winners have all spearheaded exceptional initiatives on issues ranging from protecting the unique biodiversity of Yemen's islands to piloting climate-proofing strategies in Sudan and boosting conservation in Barbados, the agency said.

The announcement comes as environmental officials from over 100 countries prepare to gather in Monaco for the 10th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council from 20 to 22 February. This year's session focuses on the urgent challenge of climate change – specifically, the issue of mobilizing funds to realize a low-carbon world.

World Environment Day will be marked this year under the theme "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy," with New Zealand as host.
2008-01-28 00:00:00.000

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UN OFFICIAL URGES ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION AS FORUM OPENS IN BALI

UN OFFICIAL URGES ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION AS FORUM OPENS IN BALI New York, Jan 28 2008 8:00AM A senior United Nations official today urged countries to put the United Nations Convention against Corruption into action as more than 1,000 participants from around opened a weeklong conference on the pact in Bali, Indonesia.

"Corruption hurts us all, therefore fighting it is a shared responsibility - we all have a duty and the power to say 'no' to corruption," said the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa.

He highlighted areas where UNODC, and others, can provide technical assistance, for example asset recovery, a key measure in the anti-corruption Convention.

But Mr. Costa warned that despite political will and good intentions, efforts to recover assets, for example through the World Bank/UNODC Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, are running into resistance from "middle-level bureaucrats with connections, knowledge and entrenched interests who have a lot to lose."

He urged participants "to neutralize these black holes in your administrations."

Mr. Costa said countries need to explain what they have done to fight corruption and implement the anti-corruption Convention while finding out what further tools and skills they need to build integrity. He added that they should also develop a device to measure their progress in addressing corruption.

Mr. Costa stressed that it is time for business to be more part of the solution and less part of the problem. He also called on multilateral organizations to lead by example. Their rules should meet the same high standards that governments are being asked to meet, he said.

2008-01-28 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON SENDS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF INDONESIA'S SUHARTO

BAN KI-MOON SENDS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF INDONESIA'S SUHARTO New York, Jan 28 2008 8:00AM United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has conveyed condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia on the death of former President Suharto.

Mr. Ban said President Suharto's 32-year leadership of Indonesia "was both an important period in the country's history and a time during which Indonesia played a significant role in international affairs."

The Secretary-General, who is currently on an official visit to Europe that will take him also to Africa, made his comments in a statement released by his spokesperson.

2008-01-28 00:00:00.000

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HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY IS A TIME TO TEACH TOLERANCE - BAN KI-MOON

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY IS A TIME TO TEACH TOLERANCE - BAN KI-MOON New York, Jan 27 2008 1:00PM As the global community today marked the third International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the occasion should serve to honour the victims and educate future generations.

In a message on the Day, the Secretary-General said it is not enough to remember, honour and grieve for the dead. "As we do, we must also educate, nurture and care for the living."

He called for a special focus on the younger generation. "We must foster in our children a sense of responsibility, so that they can build societies that protect and promote the rights of all citizens," he said.

Children must gain a respect for diversity before intolerance has a chance to take root, "and a sense of vigilance in case it threatens to do so," he said. "We must give them the courage and tools they need to make the right choices, and to act in the face of evil."

Mr. Ban also refuted Holocaust deniers. "To those who claim that the Holocaust never happened, or has been exaggerated, we respond by reiterating our determination to honour the memory of every innocent man, woman and child murdered at the hands of the Nazis and their accomplices," he said.

"We mourn the systematic genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with members of other minorities, which deprived the world of untold contributions."

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said the Day provides the international community with a sober moment of reflection and remembrance. "We can truly honor the victims of the Holocaust by pursuing all efforts to extend the real protection of international human rights law to all those who fall victim to its violations."

By honouring the memory of those who fell victims to the most "horrendous manifestations of discrimination, hatred and intolerance," she said the international community reaffirms their dignity as human beings, and its collective failure to protect them.

In the face of continued manifestations of anti-Semitism, "this Day is a call on the world's conscience and a reminder of the acute necessity to confront intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, ignorance and hatred, early and unequivocally."

On Saturday, the President of the UN General Assembly said the Day must serve as a global call to action to prevent future carnage. "For the dignity of all humanity, we must strengthen our ability, our collective resolve, to prevent such atrocities, whenever and wherever they might occur," Srgjan Kerim told congregants at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan.

Numerous activities are scheduled to be held this week in connection with the Day, including a concert and a joint exhibition, "The Holocaust: Stories of Rescue" at UN Headquarters in New York.

In 2005, the General Assembly designated 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp, as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instill the memory of the tragedy in future generations.

2008-01-27 00:00:00.000

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