SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS CHINESE REGION DEVASTATED BY MASSIVE QUAKE

SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS CHINESE REGION DEVASTATED BY MASSIVE QUAKE New York, May 24 2008 4:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today visited one of the towns in China's Sichuan province hit hardest by the recent earthquake, pledging the United Nations' support for the East Asian nation and expressing his condolences to the Chinese people.

"My heart is filled with great sadness by what has happened to the Chinese people. It is a great natural tragedy," Mr. Ban told reporters in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, after stopping in the town of Yingxiu.

"At the same time I'm moved by such strong leadership [as] demonstrated by the Chinese Government leaders, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and all the people who have shown such a great spirit of self-help and cooperation and resilience to overcome this natural disaster."

During his four-hour visit to China, the Secretary-General met with the Premier in Yingxiu, near the epicenter of the 12 May earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale which, according to state media reports, has claimed more than 60,000 lives.

"Natural disasters can come to any people, any country. What is important is your determined will to overcome," he noted. "The United Nations has taken initial measures to donate the necessary funds; we have sent rescue experts and officers."

Upon his return to New York, Mr. Ban said that he will consult with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Member States on what further assistance the world body can provide.

He also underscored the importance of a two-track approach that addressed both shorter-term relief and longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.

In a statement earlier this week, the Secretary-General announced that the UN is contributing $8 million in relief grants from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), saying that the funds will be used by a variety of UN agencies, funds and programmes to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster," the statement added.

Prior to his visit to China, Mr. Ban saw first-hand the damage left in the wake of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and met with the nation's top officials. Tomorrow, he will return to Yangon to attend an international pledging conference, which is co-sponsored by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to raise funds for the Myanmar disaster.
2008-05-24 00:00:00.000

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MYANMAR: BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR EFFICIENT AID DELIVERY TO HELP CYCLONE'S VICTIMS

MYANMAR: BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR EFFICIENT AID DELIVERY TO HELP CYCLONE'S VICTIMS New York, May 24 2008 1:00PM United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underscored the importance of effective aid delivery to victims of Myanmar's deadly Cyclone Nargis, noting that efforts to assist the vulnerable are still in the relief phase.

"The needy and the vulnerable depend on the delivery of emergency assistance," Mr. Ban said at the opening of the Don Mueang Air Hub in Bangkok. "Therefore, the channeling of aid into Myanmar should be as efficient and logistically sound as possible."

He said that the facility will act as a "critical staging area" for the relief effort, allowing larger planes to land and more aid supplies to be flown in from around the world.

"It will save lives," the Secretary-General said at the event, which was also attended by Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General Surin Pisuwan.

Cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar on 2 May, has left up to 2.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and the UN estimates that more than 100,000 people may have been killed.

In his remarks today, Mr. Ban thanked the Governments of Australia, Canada and Thailand for their support.

The arrangement regarding the new air hub "underscored the collaborative spirit between key ASEAN member states, the Government of Myanmar and the United Nations," he said.

Yesterday, following talks with Myanmar's Senior General Than Shwe, the Secretary-General announced that the country's leader had agreed to allow international relief workers -- regardless of their nationality -- into the worst-hit areas.

"He has taken quite a flexible position on an issue that, until now, has been an obstacle to organizing coordinated and fully effective international aid and assistance operations," Mr. Ban said following what he characterized as a "good meeting" with the Senior General held in the South-East Asian nation's new capital Naypyidaw. "He has also agreed that [the] visa issue will be speeded up."

Mr. Ban said the leader had agreed that the main airport at Yangon, Myanmar's most populous city, could be used as a logistics hub for international aid.

"I hope all these agreements can produce results quickly. Implementation will be the key. Finally, we have agreed on the kind of effective coordination and consulting mechanisms we need," he said.

The Secretary-General, who today also visited the region devastated by the recent Chinese earthquake, will return to Yangon tomorrow for a pledging conference, which is co-sponsored by the UN and ASEAN, to raise funds for the Myanmar disaster. So far, over 40 countries and regional bodies have signed up to attend the conference, and the World Bank will also be represented.

2008-05-24 00:00:00.000

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DOZENS FEARED DEAD AFTER BOAT SINKS NEAR DR CONGO, UN MISSION SAYS

DOZENS FEARED DEAD AFTER BOAT SINKS NEAR DR CONGO, UN MISSION SAYS New York, May 23 2008 7:00PM Dozens of people remain missing four days after an overloaded passenger boat sank during a storm over Lake Tanganyika in central Africa and rescuers do not expect to find any more survivors, the United Nations mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) reports.

MONUC spokesperson Abou Seidou told the UN News Centre today that there are conflicting reports on the number of casualties, but up to nine people are believed to have survived the sinking, which occurred early Monday morning local time.

Officials from <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/news">UNHCR) have been helping efforts, including the use of speedboats, to both rescue any survivors and recover bodies. So far no bodies have yet been located.

Mr. Seidou said the boat, which left Tanzania on Sunday, had been due to arrive in the south-eastern Congolese town of Moba on either Tuesday or Wednesday after crossing Lake Tanganyika.

Boats in the region are routinely overcrowded, and this boat was understood to have been carrying up to 50 passengers and their goods, despite having a capacity for around 30 people.

Three people were initially rescued and a fourth person was found alive yesterday and hospitalized for exhaustion, according to Mr. Seidou. Local officials report that five other people managed to swim to a remote village on the lake's western shore and will be transported later to Moba.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES AMBUSH OF UN PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES AMBUSH OF UN PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR New York, May 23 2008 7:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today strongly condemned this week's ambush of four United Nations peacekeepers in West Darfur by a group of 60 armed men.

The attack happened yesterday on the outskirts of El Geneina, the state capital, when 60 men armed with machine guns, rifles and rocket-propelled grenades ambushed the four Nigerian peacekeepers serving with the hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (<"http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/unamid/">UNAMID). The assailants stole rifles ammunition, telephones and cash.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack and urges once again all parties to cease military action and commit themselves to negotiations and a peaceful solution," Mr. Ban said in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3178">statement by a spokesperson.

Mr. Ban also said that he was "deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in a traffic accident on 21 May of 45 Nigerian peacekeepers who had served with UNAMID."

The peacekeepers had just returned to Nigeria after a tour of duty in Darfur.

Mr. Ban sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the Government of Nigeria and commended the "outstanding contribution of the Government of Nigeria to peace efforts on the African continent and beyond."
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED GLOBAL FUND AGAINST KILLER DISEASES HAILS JAPANESE DONATION

UN-BACKED GLOBAL FUND AGAINST KILLER DISEASES HAILS JAPANESE DONATION New York, May 23 2008 7:00PM The United Nations-backed Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today welcomed Japan's announcement that it will donate $560 million starting next year, which takes the Asian country's total contribution so far to nearly $1.5 billion.

The new contribution means the Global Fund – created in 2002 – has now raised over $20 billion to invest in hundreds of different treatment and prevention programmes fighting the three diseases around the world.

Programmes backed by the Fund are estimated to have already provided AIDS treatment to 1.4 million patients and TB treatment for 3.3 million people. They have also distributed 46 million insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria.

The Fund's Executive Director Michel Kazatchkine praised Japan, which is now the third biggest contributor, for its ongoing support.

"These new resources will help to save millions of lives, strengthen health systems in developing nations and bring the world hope that further substantial impact against the three diseases will be achieved in the coming years," he said.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UN TRIBUNAL GRANTS KOSOVO JOURNALIST, BOSNIAN SERBS TEMPORARY RELEASE

UN TRIBUNAL GRANTS KOSOVO JOURNALIST, BOSNIAN SERBS TEMPORARY RELEASE New York, May 23 2008 6:00PM A Kosovo journalist and two former Bosnian Serb army officials have been granted temporary provisional release by the United Nations tribunal set up to deal with the worst war crimes committed during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, it was announced today.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (<"http://www.un.org/icty/">ICTY), based in The Hague, ruled that Baton Haxhiu, a well-known journalist in Kosovo, will be granted release before his trial.

He is charged with contempt of court committed during the trial of Ramush Haradinaj, the former prime minister of Kosovo, and others, when he is alleged to have revealed the identity of a secret witness in an article he published.

The tribunal also granted release today to Radivoji Mileti&#263; and Ljubomir Borovcanin for the four-day period starting 26 May.

Mr. Mileti&#263; served as a high-ranking military officials in the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS), while Mr. Borovcanin was formerly the Deputy Commander of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) Special Police Brigade.

The two, along with six others, are charged with crimes related to the notorious massacre of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica and Žepa enclaves in the summer of 1995.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN WELCOMES SURRENDER OF COMMANDER OF RWANDAN ARMED GROUP

DR CONGO: UN WELCOMES SURRENDER OF COMMANDER OF RWANDAN ARMED GROUP New York, May 23 2008 6:00PM A high-level commander of an armed Rwandan group has laid down his arms and voluntarily returned to his own country, the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported today.

The UN mission (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/monuc/index.html">MONUC) welcomed the voluntary repatriation of Colonel Faustin Sebuhura, also known as "Minani," to Rwanda, saying in a statement that Mr. Sebuhura was a hard-line member of the Forces Démocratiques de la Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) in the south of the country in 1994.
MONUC said it welcomed Mr. Sebuhuru's decision to peacefully lay down his arms, despite the serious accusations that he faces.

The mission said it hoped that this decision by an important officer in the armed wing of the FDLR, which is active within the DRC, would serve as an example and bring about the disarmament and rapid voluntary return to Rwanda of numerous other combatants.

Under the Joint Nairobi Communiqué, DRC and Rwanda have agreed to work together against threats to peace and stability in the region. In March this year a Security Council resolution called on members of Rwandan armed groups operating in eastern DRC to surrender immediately to Congolese authorities and to MONUC.

The Council said these groups had to "immediately stop recruiting and using children, release all children associated with them, and put an end to gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse," adding that those responsible needed to be brought to justice.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UN COMMITTED TO HELPING SOMALIA DRAW UP NEW CONSTITUTION

UN COMMITTED TO HELPING SOMALIA DRAW UP NEW CONSTITUTION New York, May 23 2008 5:00PM After a call from the Somali Prime Minister for help in drawing up a new constitution, a United Nations official today said the world body is committed to providing assistance for the process.

At the start of talks on constitution-making yesterday in Baidoa, in southern Somalia, Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein urged the Horn of Africa nation's politicians to "do their utmost" with the support of the UN.

"We would like to ensure that the process promotes reconciliation, peace and stability through an inclusive and participatory process for all regions of Somalia," said Mark Bowden, the UN Resident Coordinator for the country, which has not had a functioning government since 1991.

According to Somalia's 2004 Charter, the constitution-making process must be completed within the next six months.

The UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) noted that these efforts are key in restoring stability and peace, adding that they complement the work of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and other Somali groups to promote reconciliation.

On the humanitarian front, the UN reported that attacks on aid workers – including murders and kidnappings – are on the rise, particularly in central and southern Somalia, hindering relief operations. This year, 12 aid workers have been killed in the country.

On 17 May, the head of the office of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Horn Relief was killed in Kismayo, bringing the total number of killings of relief workers so far this year to three in the south-western town alone.

The security situation is deteriorating further in South Central and Juba regions due to criminal attacks targeting civilians and clashes between armed groups, while clan fighting and intensified anti-government attacks have forced many to flee in the south.

The UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/">WFP) has doubled its estimates of food requirements for the period from August 2008 to March 2009 to over 540,000 tons. During that time, the agency plans to feed some 2 million people monthly.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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ETHIOPIA'S HUMANITARIAN SITUATION RAPIDLY DETERIORATING, SAYS UN

ETHIOPIA'S HUMANITARIAN SITUATION RAPIDLY DETERIORATING, SAYS UN New York, May 23 2008 4:00PM The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today that it is concerned by conditions in Ethiopia and that the situation will deteriorate further without an immediate infusion of resources to carry out life-saving interventions.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that eight million Ethiopians are chronically food insecure and at least 3.4 million Ethiopians are in need of emergency food relief – a figure that is likely to rise.

The agency estimates that 176,000 children are in need of urgent therapeutic care for severe malnutrition and says that the rapidly deteriorating situation is the worst since the major humanitarian crisis of 2003.

Up to six million children under 5 years of age are living in impoverished, drought-prone districts and require urgent preventive health and nutrition interventions.

"It is extremely unfortunate that the combined effects of drought, food price hikes, and insufficient resources for preventive measures resulted in an emergency that jeopardizes child survival gains in Ethiopia," said Bjorn Ljungqvist, UNICEF's Representative in the Horn of Africa nation.

UNICEF is providing therapeutic feeding to severely malnourished children. Over the weekend the agency received 90 tons of food supplies, noting that as much as 1,800 tons are needed over the next three months.

The agency also estimates that $50 million are needed for life-saving health, nutrition, water and sanitation interventions, but has received only $6 million to date.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a total relief shortfall of 181,000 tons of food, valued at $145 million.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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ARMED BANDITS FORCE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CENTRAL AFRICANS TO FLEE HOMES - UN

ARMED BANDITS FORCE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CENTRAL AFRICANS TO FLEE HOMES – UN New York, May 23 2008 3:00PM A surge since the start of the year in the number of attacks by armed bandits across the north of the Central African Republic (CAR) is forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes and has brought economic activity to a standstill in large parts of the already impoverished and strife-torn country, the United Nations relief wing reports today.

As many as a third of the estimated 300,000 people who have become displaced have done so because of banditry, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) said in a statement.

Groups of between 10 and 30 armed men – known locally as "coupeurs de route" or "zaraguinas" – are roaming the northern CAR, killing or assaulting villagers and travellers, kidnapping both children and adults, looting property and burning homes.

In a particularly disturbing recent trend, the bandits have burned down entire villages, often as punishment for resistance by village self-defence groups. The villagers have fled to the bush or to neighbouring towns.

UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Catherine Bragg spoke out against "the indiscriminate and predatory attacks" and the impact they are having.

"They are driving tens of thousands of people to the edge of survival," she said. "We need to make sure that victims have access to protection, shelter and health services.

Toby Lanzer, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the CAR, said many farmers and traders are now afraid to travel to sell their wares in towns and villages.

"People rely on aid agencies to provide seeds and tools, which are no longer available in the market," he said. "We also provide soap, basic household goods and clothes to victims who have lost everything in an attack."

OCHA estimates that one million people in the northern CAR have been affected by either civil conflict or the banditry, with nearly 200,000 internally displaced and another 108,000 fleeing as refugees to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Sudan. In March and April, more than 14,000 refugees entered Chad.

Although the UN and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have launched a $96.8 million aid programme to deal with the displacement and suffering, they have received just over a third of the necessary funding.

UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_44111.html">UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador and actress Mia Farrow, who has just completed a week-long visit to the CAR, said many of the people she met had no access to clean water or medicines, and yet were still trying to ensure their children attended "bush schools" and received an education.

"The desire of parents to give their children education is inspiring," she said, warning however that more and more Central Africans are living in fear because of the banditry. Ms. Farrow added that rape and other forms of sexual violence were also widespread.

UNICEF's Regional Director Esther Guluma called on both the Government and the international community to spend more to help those in need.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UN COURT RULES IN MARITIME DISPUTE BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

UN COURT RULES IN MARITIME DISPUTE BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA New York, May 23 2008 3:00PM Singapore has won sovereignty over a disputed island and Malaysia has been awarded control over a series of permanently above-water rocks in a <"http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/130/14492.pdf?PHPSESSID=92b380675da30220db4130a2e45fadfb">ruling issued today by the United Nations principal judicial organ in a maritime dispute between the Asian neighbours.

The International Court of Justice (<"http://www.icj-cij.org/homepage/index.php?lang=en">ICJ) said it had found by 12 votes to four that Pedra Blanca/Pulau Batu Puteh, a granite island in the Straits of Singapore on which a lighthouse stands, belongs to Singapore and has done so since at least 1980, when the dispute between the two countries crystallized.

In the case of Middle Rocks, which consist of a group of rocks that are permanently above water, the ICJ – which sits in The Hague in the Netherlands – ruled 15 to one that it belongs to Malaysia.

The court also noted that South Ledge, a nearby low-tide elevation, falls within the apparently overlapping territorial waters generated by Pedra Blanca/Pulau Batu Puteh and by Middle Rocks. Given that the two countries have not asked the court to draw the line of delimitation, the judges said, by 15 to one, that sovereignty belongs to the State in the territorial waters of which it is located.

Also known as the World Court, the ICJ hears disputes between States and its decisions are binding and without appeal.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL HEADS TO JAPAN FOR WEEK-LONG OFFICIAL VISIT

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL HEADS TO JAPAN FOR WEEK-LONG OFFICIAL VISIT New York, May 23 2008 3:00PM Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro heads to Japan this weekend for a week-long visit that will focus on issues ranging from climate change to human security and economic growth.

On Monday in Hiroshima, Ms. Migiro is scheduled to address the Third Forum of the Global Network of Religions for Children and to participate in an inter-faith prayer for peace, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today.

The Deputy Secretary-General is expected to speak on Thursday in Yokohama before the plenary of the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on Africa's Development, which this year is examining ways to boost economic growth, ensure human security and tackle climate change and other environmental issues.

Ms. Migiro is also expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the margins of the conference with both Japanese and African officials, with progress far towards the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs) likely to be high on the agenda.

After the conference she will hold a joint press conference with UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) Administrator Kemal Dervis, World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON HAILS $500 MILLION OFFER BY SAUDI ARABIA TO DEAL WITH FOOD CRISIS

BAN KI-MOON HAILS $500 MILLION OFFER BY SAUDI ARABIA TO DEAL WITH FOOD CRISIS New York, May 23 2008 2:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed Saudi Arabia's landmark offer to contribute $500 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to help with efforts to combat the global food crisis.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3176">statement issued by his spokesperson today, Mr. Ban said the offer, made under the guidance of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, means the <"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP has achieved its target of $755 million to deal with the recent surge in food and fuel costs.

"The Secretary-General notes that this contribution of an unprecedented size and generosity comes not a moment too soon, given the needs of millions of people dependent on food rations," the statement added.

Earlier this month the UN relief chief, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes, announced that $100 million is being reserved from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to tackle the immediate issues stemming from the food crisis.

Next month the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will host a major summit at its Rome headquarters to discuss how agriculture can be harnessed to produce enough food to meet the demands of the world's growing population.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS HOLD 'FRUITFUL' TALKS, UN REPORTS

GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS HOLD 'FRUITFUL' TALKS, UN REPORTS New York, May 23 2008 2:00PM The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have held "genuine and fruitful" talks in Nicosia under United Nations auspices, their second round of formal discussions on possible reunification this year, it was announced today.

In a joint statement, the leaders – Demetris Christofias (Greek Cypriot) and Mehmet Ali Talat (Turkish Cypriot) – "reaffirmed their commitment to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions."

This partnership will comprise a Federal Government with a single international personality, along with a Turkish Cypriot Constituent State and a Greek Cypriot Constituent State, which will be of equal status.

Both sides reported that they will also consider civilian and military confidence-building efforts, as well as the possible opening of crossing points, including Limnitis/Yesilirmak.

The statement also noted that Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat will resume talks next month.

Today's discussions, the second formal meeting since Mr. Christofias' election in February, were held at the residence of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Cyprus, Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

Mr. Zerihoun also heads the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unficyp/index.html">UNFICYP), which has been in place on the Mediterranean island since 1964 following the outbreak of intercommunal violence. It is tasked with preventing a recurrence of fighting, contributing to a return to normal conditions and the maintenance of law and order.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE IN NEPAL DEPLORES RECENT KILLINGS

UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE IN NEPAL DEPLORES RECENT KILLINGS New York, May 23 2008 2:00PM The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (<"http://nepal.ohchr.org/en/index.html">OHCHR-Nepal) has condemned the recent killings and other serious human rights violations following last month's elections in the Asian country.

"OHCHR-Nepal is extremely concerned about recent killings and other serious human rights violations during the fragile period prior to the swearing-in of the Constituent Assembly," the UN office says in a statement released yesterday.

The Constituent Assembly is due to hold its first session next week following last month's countrywide elections.

OHCHR-Nepal calls on all concerned parties to cooperate fully with police investigations into alleged crimes, including the abduction and killing of businessman Ram Hari Shrestha, who was reportedly beaten to death by the Maoist army earlier this month. The office said it had been given assurances by the Maoist army that it would cooperate with all authorized investigations and human rights monitoring connected to the case.

The office adds that "law enforcement is the duty of the state," and says that "respect for human rights is essential if impunity in Nepal is not to be perpetuated."

Yesterday, the UN's top envoy to Nepal, Ian Martin, said the country still faces "very considerable challenges" on the way to establishing stability and economic development, despite the success of the elections.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UNITED STATES RATIFICATION PUTS NUCLEAR PACT CLOSE TO ENTRY INTO FORCE - UN AGENCY

UNITED STATES RATIFICATION PUTS NUCLEAR PACT CLOSE TO ENTRY INTO FORCE – UN AGENCY New York, May 23 2008 1:00PM The United States' ratification of a key nuclear pact, which seeks to create uniformity in compensation for victims of nuclear accidents, brings it within shot of entering into force, the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/index.html">IAEA) has announced.

The US has become the fourth nation to ratify the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), following Argentina, Morocco and Romania. A further 13 States are signatories to the pact.

The most recent ratification means that only one or two more are needed for the CSC to go into effect, and is set to enter into force 90 days after ratification by at least five States with at least 400,000 units of installed nuclear capacity.

"The US ratification introduces a new dynamic in the process of establishing a global nuclear liability regime, which is particularly important given the anticipated growth in nuclear power around the world," said Johan Rautenbach, Director of IAEA's Office of Legal Affairs.

He voiced hope that the US' action will spur other nations, particularly those with large nuclear power industries, to ratify the Convention.

The CSC, adopted in September 1997, covers both citizens in States with operational nuclear power plants, but also provides compensation for damages incurred across international borders.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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MORE UN SUPPLIES POUR IN TO QUAKE-AFFECTED AREAS OF CHINA

MORE UN SUPPLIES POUR IN TO QUAKE-AFFECTED AREAS OF CHINA New York, May 23 2008 12:00PM The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is distributing hundreds of tents and quilts to provide emergency shelter for some of the victims of last week's devastating earthquake in China's Sichuan province.

The first batch of 358 large tents and 1,500 quilts is due to arrive in quake-affected areas tonight, the agency reported, and follows the clothing, food, drinking water and medicines that it has already provided.

UNDP said the emergency supplies are part of the $2 million assigned to the agency out of the $8 million in relief grants contributed by the UN through its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

In a statement issued by his spokesperson last night, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the grant, saying it will be used by a variety of UN agencies, funds and programmes to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster," the statement added.

State media report that the number of dead and missing as a result of the 12 May quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, has climbed to more than 80,000, with about 280,000 others injured and nearly 5.5 million homeless.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is buying a second round of relief supplies, including rice, wheat flour and cooking oil, and a shipment comprising 473 tons is expected to arrive in Sichuan by the end of the week.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is rushing additional medical supplies so that it can treat as many as 130,000 people. It is also sending experts to work with the Chinese Government on rebuilding its health infrastructure.

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is also mobilizing reproductive health supplies, including clean delivery kits and hospital equipment required for Caesarean deliveries and blood transfusions.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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MYANMAR'S LEADER AGREES TO OPEN ACCESS TO FOREIGN AID WORKERS - BAN KI-MOON

MYANMAR'S LEADER AGREES TO OPEN ACCESS TO FOREIGN AID WORKERS – BAN KI-MOON New York, May 23 2008 12:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced that Myanmar's Senior General Than Shwe has agreed to allow international aid workers, regardless of their nationality, into the areas worst affected by Cyclone Nargis after the two men held talks today.

Speaking to the press after the discussions, held in the country's new capital Naypyidaw, Mr. Ban reported that he had held a "good meeting" with the Senior General.

"He has taken quite a flexible position on an issue that, until now, has been an obstacle to organizing coordinated and fully effective international aid and assistance operations," Mr. Ban said. "He has also agreed that [the] visa issue will be speeded up."

The Secretary-General said the Senior General had agreed that the main airport at Yangon, Myanmar's most populous city, can be used as a logistics hub for international aid so that relief can be distributed more quickly to those in need. Aid can also be delivered to the country via civilian ships and small boats.

"I hope all these agreements can produce results quickly. Implementation will be the key. Finally, we have agreed on the kind of effective coordination and consulting mechanisms we need."

The Secretary-General arrived yesterday in Myanmar, where Cyclone Nargis has left up to 2.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The UN estimates that more than 100,000 people may have been killed since the storm struck on 2 May.

Yesterday Mr. Ban toured some of the worst affected areas in the Irrawaddy delta and spoke with families who had been forced to leave their homes.

"I am humbled – humbled by the scale of this natural disaster, the worst your country has ever experienced, and humbled by the courage and the resilience of the Myanmar people."

Mr. Ban added that he had heard many tragic stories. "At a refugee camp, villagers told me of the loss of their families, their loved ones, everything they owned. But I also saw homes – and lives – being rebuilt."

Saying he was encouraged by his meeting with Myanmar's leadership, the Secretary-General said: "From all I have seen, the Government, with help from the international community, have put in place a functioning relief programme. But I told them that more needs to be done. Their efforts need to be reinforced, quickly, by international experts with tested experience in handling emergencies."

Tomorrow Mr. Ban is due to attend an inaugural relief flight from the new UN staging areas in Don Mueang, Thailand. On Sunday he will return to Myanmar's largest city Yangon for a pledging conference to raise funds for the disaster. "Our goal will be to focus on the immediate relief efforts, and also to look at the recovery phase which will have to start in parallel," he said.

UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have been mounting a major relief effort for victims of the severe storms, bringing in shelter, tents, food and medical supplies, though they say many people have still not been reached with aid.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a warning that monsoon rains in Myanmar were increasing the risks of an outbreak of disease. WHO says it is working with the Government to set up a surveillance system to monitor possible outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that hundreds of thousands of people in the remote areas of the Irrawaddy delta still do not have sufficient food to eat.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY 'DEEPLY CONCERNED' OVER XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA

UN REFUGEE AGENCY 'DEEPLY CONCERNED' OVER XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA New York, May 23 2008 11:00AM The United Nations refugee agency said today that it remains "deeply concerned" over the recent xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has claimed dozens of lives and has displaced some 17,000 people, including refugees and asylum-seekers.

Many of those who have been attacked in the past two weeks – a large percentage of them being Zimbabweans – had originally moved to South Africa to escape persecution in their own countries.

"We are present on the ground and have been assessing the needs at sites near police stations where the displaced have gathered," Jennifer Pagonis, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/48344abb2.html">UNHCR), said today.

On Wednesday, the agency distributed blankets and mats to survivors, with additional supplies being released from emergency stocks yesterday. Ms. Pagonis said UNHCR is in close contact with the South African Government regarding further assistance.

Among the displaced Zimbabweans are many asylum-seekers who urgently require both assistance and protection, UNHCR said.

"While thousands of Mozambicans are reportedly streaming home, many Zimbabweans cannot consider returning home due to the well-known situation in their country," Ms. Pagonis observed.

Since many of the Zimbabweans need international protection, she called for those seeking asylum to have access to national asylum procedures in South Africa or other nations. "Zimbabweans who are refugees should be recognized as such," she noted."

In the past, UNHCR has encouraged South Africa to halt the deportation of Zimbabweans to their country, and it is calling on South Africa to grant them, on an exceptional basis, the possibility to stay in the country.

"Recent events in South Africa, as well as in their own country, are once again highlighting just how vulnerable this group is, making acting on UNHCR's appeal even more urgent today," Ms. Pagonis said.

The agency pledged its continued support to the Government in boosting the national asylum system and in protecting refugees and asylum-seekers currently in South Africa, numbering over 125,000.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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ITALY: UN AGENCY CONCERNED OVER HOW NEW MEASURES WILL AFFECT ASYLUM

ITALY: UN AGENCY CONCERNED OVER HOW NEW MEASURES WILL AFFECT ASYLUM New York, May 23 2008 10:00AM The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<" http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/4836a3c96.html">UNHCR) today expressed its concern over how newly approved measures in Italy would affect asylum.

Illegal immigration would be criminalized as part of a draft security package under the new provisions, which were approved by the Italian Council of Minister on Wednesday in Naples.

"While we understand that states face considerable challenges in dealing with illegal immigration we are concerned about the potentially prejudicial impact of these new measures on asylum in Italy," UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told reporters in Geneva, noting that the agency is looking forward to receiving the full text of the measures to review them in detail.

Under this new package, rejected asylum seekers could potentially have to leave Italy without having their appeals heard, while asylum seekers, who often have no other option than to arrive irregularly, could be charged with committing a crime, she added.
2008-05-23 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL VOICES CONCERN AT RENEWED CLASHES IN BURUNDI

SECURITY COUNCIL VOICES CONCERN AT RENEWED CLASHES IN BURUNDI New York, May 22 2008 8:00PM The Security Council today expressed concern at the recent confrontation between rebels and Government forces in Burundi and called for both parties in the small African country to end their hostilities and fully implement the 2006 comprehensive ceasefire agreement.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated their concern at the recent confrontation between the Palipehutu-Forces nationales de liberation (FNL) and the national defence forces of Burundi, following attacks by the FNL in violation of the comprehensive ceasefire agreement," Deputy Permanent Representative Karen Pierce of the United Kingdom, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council, said in a press statement.

Ms. Pierce said Council members "noted with satisfaction" that an FNL delegation had recently returned to the capital Bujumbura and that the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism had resumed its work.

"They urged the parties to seize this opportunity to definitively consolidate peace in Burundi, by engaging without reservations in dialogue to overcome their differences, and to reach rapidly a concerted, peaceful and sustainable solution to the current crisis," she said.

They also welcomed the continued engagement of the UN Peacebuilding Commission and reiterated their support for the work of the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) to enable the country to return to peace and stability.

In recent weeks more than 100 people have been killed in and around the capital. The Palipehutu-FNL is the last major rebel hold-out after the brutal civil war between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority was officially ended by the comprehensive ceasefire agreement in 2006.

Speaking to reporters after he briefed the Council, Youssef Mahmoud, the Secretary-General's Executive Representative in Burundi and Head of BINUB, expressed concern about "the continued political stalemate and paralysis in the National Assembly."

He also backed efforts to encourage the remaining leadership of the FNL to return to Burundi from the Tanzanian city of Dar-es-Salaam, where they are currently based.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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HUMAN SECURITY THREATENED BY DIVERSE GROUP OF CHALLENGES - ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT

HUMAN SECURITY THREATENED BY DIVERSE GROUP OF CHALLENGES – ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT New York, May 22 2008 7:00PM Challenges ranging from hunger and poverty to armed conflict and from environmental degradation to international terrorism all pose a threat to human security and illustrate the need to devise solutions that are both integrated and people-centred, President Srgjan Kerim today told the General Assembly's first-ever thematic debate on the issue.

<"http://www.un.org/ga/president/62/statements/humansecurity220508.shtml">Speaking at the one-day forum at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Kerim said it was a time "for a holistic approach focused on people, their protection and empowerment" and one that moves beyond the understanding of security as state security only.

The 2005 World Summit referred to the concept of human security, noting that "all individuals, in particular, vulnerable people, are entitled to freedom from fear and freedom from want, with an equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential."

The President said at today's debate that the international community should enhance its cooperation given the interconnectedness of people's insecurities.

"As the global food crisis illustrates, a well-coordinated and integrated response by the international community is needed to address both the prevention stage as well as the full range of factors that affect people's well-being."

He called for a "new culture of international relations" with the principle of human security as its foundation.

Speaking to reporters later, Mr. Kerim said: "It was stressed today that human security is relevant in many, many critical areas, important parts of the activities of people and of the global challenges of today."

The debate's keynote speaker, Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, also said the issue must be reframed to include the concepts of survivability and resilience.

Global imbalances in the realms of population growth, poverty, food, resources, ecology, migration, energy, money, peace and cultural understanding are "multipliers" of human security, in that they can exponentially affect lives by either providing stability or instability, he observed.

The Prince noted that "States have not relinquished their sovereignty to cooperate with one another more effectively, and market-driven solutions have proven incapable of addressing the systemic problems that transcend national borders."

In his speech, he also said that representatives from all sectors – government, business and civil society – must establish a global programme of action to bring about an end to poverty and ensure adequate food supplies, a clean environment and stable purchasing power, among others.

"When we say we are looking at human security, what we mean is that we want to alleviate the present situation by creating a system so that, as the future keeps arriving, it arrives in the form of better and better present situations," he said. "The consequences of what we do now must bring about a better present moment in which to live."

In 2006, an open-ended forum comprising Member States from all regions called Friends of Human Security – of which the Prince is a member – was established to encourage collaboration among nations on the topic.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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DEADLY VIOLENCE BETWEEN MALIAN FORCES, TUAREG REBELS ALARMS SECRETARY-GENERAL

DEADLY VIOLENCE BETWEEN MALIAN FORCES, TUAREG REBELS ALARMS SECRETARY-GENERAL New York, May 22 2008 7:00PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern today about the situation in Mali, where clashes yesterday between Government forces and ethnic Tuareg rebels in the north-east of the West African country have resulted in numerous fatalities.

"This latest incident underscores the urgent need to find an immediate and lasting solution to this recurrent conflict so that Mali can focus on its development priorities and consolidation of its democracy," the Secretary-General said in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3173">statement issued by his spokesperson.

Mr. Ban said he looked forward to being briefed in more detail by his Special Representative for West Africa, Said Djinnit, who is scheduled to visit Mali in the coming days.

Media reports say that more than 30 soldiers and rebels died, and many others were injured, in the clashes at an army garrison in the town of Abeibara, close to the borders with Algeria and Niger.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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NEPAL STILL FACES CHALLENGES AFTER SUCCESSFUL ELECTION, UN ENVOY STRESSES

NEPAL STILL FACES CHALLENGES AFTER SUCCESSFUL ELECTION, UN ENVOY STRESSES New York, May 22 2008 6:00PM The political parties in Nepal will have to reach agreement on how to form a new government and then successfully draft a new constitution to give the country a chance of lasting stability and economic development, according to the United Nations' top envoy to the country.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative to Nepal Ian Martin briefed the Security Council on the situation in the country today and afterwards told reporters that Nepal still faces "very considerable challenges" following the elections for a new Constituent Assembly last month.

"The most immediate challenge is to reach agreement among the political parties on the basis for forming a new government, which ideally should provide stability and economic development while the new constitution is drafted," Mr. Martin said, adding that it was widely accepted that the Maoists would lead the new administration.

The Constituent Assembly will hold its first meeting next week, but the UN envoy said that drafting a new constitution would be a "profound challenge" since "the positions that the political parties put before the electorate are far apart," especially on the question of what kind of federalism the country should adopt.

Mr. Martin also said that the peace process in Nepal remains incomplete, noting that there are still two armies in the country and that there has been no agreement so far on "what is referred to in the peace agreement as the integration of the Maoist army and the democratization of the Nepal army." He added that other political parties were insistent that they would not join a Maoist-led Government unless violent attacks from the Maoist Young Communist League were halted.

The UN envoy listed a number of important commitments of the peace process that have not yet been implemented: compensation for victims of the conflict, investigation of disappearances and the return of property and of displaced persons to their homes. "When you combine those with some of the fresh wounds of election violence, they require an active process of local reconciliation," Mr. Martin stressed.

"Public security, which is one of the deepest wishes of people throughout the country, is not going to prevail until Nepal's consistent pattern of impunity is brought to an end," he added, saying there has not been a single prosecution in civilian courts of even the most egregious human rights violations on either side of the armed conflict, or of many killings since.

Mr. Martin deplored the recent beating to death of businessman Ram Hari Shrestha by members of the Maoist army.

In a related development today, the Maoist army's Vice-Chairman said that the army would cooperate fully with the police and a Government commission of inquiry into the businessman's death.

The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) is due to wrap up its operations in the country in July. Mr. Martin said he would be engaging with political leaders on his return to the country to see whether there was a continuing need for a UN role beyond the normal activities of world body's agencies in Nepal.

After today's briefing, Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom, which holds the rotating Council presidency this month, said it was clear that UNMIN had contributed significantly to helping Nepal end its long-standing conflict and enter a democratic transition.

Mr. Sawers said the mission's future remains to be considered, given its mandate is due to expire so soon.

"We'll need to consider whether there is a role for the UN after that, but we will first look to the Government of Nepal to let us have their views and their requests for a role for the UN in that country well in advance of the 23 July date for the end of the mandate," he said.

"If there is no request, then the mandate for the UN Mission in Nepal would come to an end, but there may be scope for a scaled-down role for the United Nations there."
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES ACCORD TO END LEBANESE POLITICAL CRISIS

SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES ACCORD TO END LEBANESE POLITICAL CRISIS New York, May 22 2008 6:00PM The Security Council has welcomed this week's accord to resolve the long-running political stand-off in Lebanon and called for the agreement, which paves the way for a president to finally be elected and a national unity cabinet to be established, to be implemented fully.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/sc9337.doc.htm">presidential statement issued today, the Council congratulated the leaders and people of Lebanon for the deal, reached yesterday in Doha, Qatar, under the auspices of the Arab League.

It "constitutes an essential step towards the resolution of the current crisis, the return to the normal functioning of Lebanese democratic institutions, and the complete restoration of Lebanon's unity and stability," according to the statement, read out by Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom, which holds the Council presidency this month.

The agreement has been reached after deadly violence between pro- and anti-Government militias erupted recently in the capital, Beirut, and elsewhere. Since last November, when the office became vacant, there have been 18 failed attempts to conduct a parliamentary vote to select the next president.

Under the accord, a new president will be chosen, a national unity cabinet will be set up and the country's electoral laws will be addressed.

Council members said they also welcomed the decision to continue the national dialogue on ways to reinforce the authority of the State over the entire territory so as to guarantee the sovereignty and safety of the State and the people.

In addition, they noted the agreement bans the use of weapons and violence as a means to settle disputes, regardless of their nature or the circumstances.

The statement, which echoes a similar statement from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday, stressed the need for the accord to be implemented in its entirety, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions and with the 1989 Taef agreement ending the civil war.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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FORMER BARBADIAN OFFICIAL AND FAMILY NGO HONOURED BY UN AGENCY

FORMER BARBADIAN OFFICIAL AND FAMILY NGO HONOURED BY UN AGENCY New York, May 22 2008 6:00PM A former deputy prime minister from Barbados and the non-governmental organization (NGO) Family Care International both received awards today from the United Nations Population Fund (<"http://www.unfpa.org/">UNFPA).

Dame Billie Antoinette Miller and the New-York based Family Care International were recognized for their "outstanding work in contributing to population and development issues, and in improving the health of individuals."

Ms. Miller was the first woman to serve as a minister in her home country and made a powerful speech for gender equality at last year's General Assembly, as well as chairing a major committee at the milestone International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994.

Family Care International seeks to ensure safe motherhood, promote sexual and reproductive health for adolescents, and to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, working out of eight field offices in Africa and South America.

Presenting the awards, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Kiyotaka Akasaka said: "Both have made significant contributions to providing life-saving information and services to individuals. Thanks to their efforts, countless people have been able to plan pregnancies, avoid recourse to unsafe abortion, practice responsible sexual behaviour, and prevent the spread of HIV."

The awards were presented today at a ceremony at UN headquarters in New York.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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CONDITIONS WORSENING FOR WORKERS IN OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES, UN REPORT FINDS

CONDITIONS WORSENING FOR WORKERS IN OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES, UN REPORT FINDS New York, May 22 2008 5:00PM The situation for workers in the occupied Arab territories is deteriorating, with rates of working poverty rising, genuine employment declining and individual frustration growing, according to the latest annual report on the issue from the United Nations International Labour Organization (<"http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_093578/index.htm">ILO).

Only one in three people of working age living in the occupied Arab territories, including the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights, was employed for all or part of the time, the report said. Unemployment is now hovering at above 20 per cent.

The report, based on missions to the region earlier this year, indicated that about half of all Palestinian households are dependent on food assistance from the international community, especially given the recent worldwide spike in the price of many basic foods.

In November last year, about 40 per cent of the population in Gaza and 19 per cent in the West Bank were classed as living in extreme poverty – an actual slight improvement on the comparable figures from a year earlier after the Palestinian Authority was able to resume wage payments to civil servants.

Prepared by the International Labour Office, the secretariat of the Geneva-based ILO, the report voices concern about the growing gap between the hopes and aims of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians and the reality on the ground.

"With the devastation of military action, and the continuing fine net of restrictions on movement, there is no doubt that economic and social hardship is mounting in the occupied Arab territories," it says, adding that the problems are compounded by what it called the systematic disregard of Arab workers' right to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment.

Institutions in the region that represent free and democratic employers and workers are also facing interference in their right to organize, according to the ILO.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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SOLUTION TO FOOD CRISIS MUST ADDRESS INEQUALITIES - UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF

SOLUTION TO FOOD CRISIS MUST ADDRESS INEQUALITIES – UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF New York, May 22 2008 4:00PM A wide-ranging approach addressing inequalities and the rights of marginalized groups is essential in tackling the current global food crisis, the top United Nations human rights official said in Geneva today.

While it is crucial to respond with humanitarian support in the short term, a medium- and longer-term plan must centre on human rights, High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour told a special session on the food crisis at the Human Rights Council.

"Such focus helps to analyze and confront the differing impact of the crisis on people," she noted. "It contributes to clarify the imbalances in a society that trigger or exacerbate the food crisis."

Mr. Arbour added that a rights-based approach will also take into account the voices of marginalized groups, along with human rights institutions, civil society organizations and others.

Such a solution could also help to defuse tensions and prevent civil unrest, as well as avert violations of civil and political rights in response to protests.

The current food emergency, she observed, was triggered by the confluence of several factors, including imbalances in supply and demand, unfair trade practices and distorted incentives and subsidies.

"Yet at its core and in its punitive effects, this crisis boils down to a lack of access to adequate food," the High Commissioner told the Council at the start of the day-long event, adding that this access is a right protected by international law.

Not only must the impact of the crisis on marginalized people must be studied, but the root causes of such discrimination – such as exclusion from access to land, productive resources and decent work – must be eliminated, she said.

If such comprehensive action is not taken, a "domino effect" which affects other rights, including the right to health or to education, could result, Ms. Arbour cautioned.

She emphasized the key role of States, which by human rights law must resolve such situations. "States' obligations regarding the right to food and freedom from hunger also entail the adoption of national strategies to ensure food and nutrition security for all."

The current crisis "transcends national boundaries," the High Commissioner said, calling for cooperation among States in addressing the problem.

In his address to the Council, Olivier De Schutter, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, underscored how the crisis should not be viewed as one that is solely humanitarian or macro-economic in nature, but as one that is focused on the right to food.

"What distinguishes a natural disaster from a violation from human rights is that, in the latter situation, we are capable of moving along the chain of causation, from the situation of the malnourished of the hungry to specific acts or abstentions by duty-holders," he said.

It is up to individual countries to outline their plans regarding the right to food, the independent expert said. "At the same time, the international community must ensure that an enabling environment is created, allowing such national strategies to flourish, and providing financial and technical assistance where needed."

The independent expert also called for stepped-up efforts to assist the agriculture sector in developing nations, in the face of soaring input prices.

"We must feed the hungry now, but we must also prevent famines from occurring tomorrow," he pointed out.

In a related development, poor countries relying on food imports are expected to spend 40 per cent more on food this year than they did last year, according to a new report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

According to the latest Food Outlook, this year's food import bill for the Low Income Food Deficit Countries (LIFDSs) is forecast to reach $169 billion this year.

FAO characterized this as a "worrying development," noting that by the end of this year imports could cost four times as much as they did in 2000.

"Food is no longer the cheap commodity that it once was," said the agency's Assistant Director-General Hafez Ghanem, stressing that soaring food prices will likely exacerbate the food deprivation suffered by 854 million people. "We are facing the risk that the number of hungry will increase by many more millions of people."

Although the global production outlook is favourable, this is unlikely to translate into the decline of many agriculture commodities because of the need to replenish stocks and rising utilization.

FAO predicts record cereal production this year, but tight markets will result in continued price volatility.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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UN OFFICIALS DEPLORE DEATH SENTENCES IN CASE OF MURDERED CONGOLESE JOURNALIST

UN OFFICIALS DEPLORE DEATH SENTENCES IN CASE OF MURDERED CONGOLESE JOURNALIST New York, May 22 2008 3:00PM The United Nations' top human rights official and its Special Envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today condemned the sentencing to death of three civilians by a Congolese military tribunal in connection with the murder of journalist Serge Maheshe last year.

The trio is among a group of people facing charges of complicity in the June 2007 murder of Serge Maheshe who was working for Radio Okapi, a UN and Swiss-funded broadcaster for the UN Mission in the DRC (<"http://www.monuc.org/News.aspx?newsID=17392">MONUC).

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour and UN Special Envoy Alan Doss denounced irregularities in the trial, saying that the military court had refused to explore other credible leads in the case and to ask for ballistic expertise on the weapon used for the crime. They also said there had been repeated threats against the defendants, the defence lawyers and independent observers of the trial.

"I condemn the practice of military tribunals which continue to judge civilians in violation of international norms and the Congolese Constitution," Ms. Arbour said.

"The lack of willingness shown by the judicial military authorities to establish the truth about this murder and the violations of international norms on fair trials are equally deplorable."

Welcoming the acquittal of two other accused civilians in the case, Ms. Arbour and Mr. Doss said many questions remained unanswered and appealed to Congolese authorities to pursue the case in accordance with their obligations under international law.

In August last year four civilians were initially sentenced to death on the basis of confessions, which were subsequently retracted. Military magistrates were accused of obtaining the confessions under duress, but no independent inquiry was carried out to investigate these allegations.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON PAYS TRIBUTE TO ROLE OF FORMER INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVANTS

BAN KI-MOON PAYS TRIBUTE TO ROLE OF FORMER INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVANTS New York, May 22 2008 3:00PM The former staff of the United Nations can play a vital role as mentors and guides "to a whole new generation of international civil servants" at a time when the Organization is facing unprecedented demands, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

In a message to the annual meeting of the Association of Former International Civil Servants, held in New York, Mr. Ban noted that the world body is being called on to provide solutions to the world's most intractable problems, from climate change to food security to peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

While the current UN staff are "proving worth of these tasks… there is much they can learn from all of you," he said, in a message delivered on his behalf by Netta Avedon, the chief of staff development in the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM).

"Your accumulated wisdom and institutional memory complement their own youthful energy and dedication. That is why I welcome and encourage regular contact between us."

In his message the Secretary-General also urged the former staff members to be strong public advocates for the UN.

"Many of you already defend and explain our Organization through speeches, talks, articles and other outreach efforts. I am grateful for this support and encourage every one of you to contribute to this effort."
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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ARMED MEN AMBUSH PEACEKEEPERS SERVING WITH UN FORCE IN DARFUR

ARMED MEN AMBUSH PEACEKEEPERS SERVING WITH UN FORCE IN DARFUR New York, May 22 2008 3:00PM A Nigerian battalion serving with the hybrid United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (<"http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/unamid/">UNAMID) has been ambushed by dozens of men armed with machine guns, rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, the mission reported today.

About 50 to 60 armed men on horseback, dressed in military camouflage, ambushed the battalion yesterday afternoon along the new airport road near El Geneina in West Darfur state. They stole rifles, ammunition, telephones and cash.

The ambush occurred as the UN Mission in Sudan (<"http://www.unmis.org/english/en-main.htm">UNMIS) warned that continuing attacks on the staff and assets of aid agencies working in Darfur are threatening humanitarian access and worsening the already perilous conditions faced by many locals.

The hijacking of the North Darfur State Water Corporation's drilling rig by an armed group in March, for example, has meant that as many as 180,000 people may not have access to clean water this year.

In a related development, UNAMID has sent a fact-finding mission to an area of North Darfur where recent fighting over water resources has led to the reported killing of nine civilians.

Meanwhile, UNAMID has issued a statement in which the leadership and staff have voiced their deep sorrow at learning of the deaths of 46 members of a former Nigerian contingent with the mission.

The peacekeepers had just returned to Nigeria after a tour of duty in Darfur when their vehicle was involved in a road accident.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY DISTRIBUTES BLANKETS TO VICTIMS OF XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

UN AGENCY DISTRIBUTES BLANKETS TO VICTIMS OF XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA New York, May 22 2008 2:00PM The United Nations refugee agency has distributed blankets and mats to the victims of a wave of violent xenophobic attacks in South Africa's Gauteng province since last weekend that have killed dozens of people and forced an estimated 13,000 people to flee their homes.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/48344abb2.html">UNHCR) said it has handed out about 2,000 blankets and 2,000 mats in several police stations across Gauteng, which is centred on Johannesburg, the country's most populous city.

Many of the displaced – who include refugees, asylum-seekers and other migrants – have sought protection from the angry mobs at police stations, but are sleeping in the open nearby, according to a statement issued by UNHCR yesterday.

The South African Government has opened "joint operation centres" at police stations and community centres to house some of the displaced and to coordinate aid delivery from humanitarian agencies to the victims.

UNHCR staff who have visited some of the centres say many lack sufficient toilets and washing facilities to house the sudden arrivals. In one community hall in the town of Germiston, about 2,800 people have crowded in to find shelter.

One of the arrivals, Filizarda Mbanza, told UNHCR staff that she fled her shack on the outskirts of Germiston at the weekend after a neighbour told her that a crowd was approaching.

"I was terrified!" she said. "My husband was at work and I was alone with the baby. What was I to take from our shack? The warnings were drawing closer and I was in a panic. I had to get out [of] there before my baby and I were attacked."

Ms. Mbanza, who has a three-month-old baby, said she does not know if her husband is still alive.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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CHINA: UN SUPPLIES MEDICAL KITS AND TELECOMS EQUIPMENT FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

CHINA: UN SUPPLIES MEDICAL KITS AND TELECOMS EQUIPMENT FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF New York, May 22 2008 2:00PM Emergency health kits capable of providing assistance to 30,000 people for up to one month have been rushed into the quake-affected areas of Sichuan province in China by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).

One hundred satellite terminals have been deployed to provide accurate coordination of relief and rescue operations by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as UN aid agencies continue their humanitarian efforts.

State media report that over 41,000 people lost their lives as a result of the massive temblor on 12 May, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale. Some 32,000 people are missing, while more than 250,000 others have sustained injuries. Roughly 5 million people have been left homeless.

WHO is sending an expert team to collaborate with the Government on rebuilding its health infrastructure, while about 5,000 chlorine disinfection tablets, drinking-water treatment units and mobile toilets are being supplied to control the outbreak and spread of communicable diseases such as diarrhoea.

In a statement issued today, <"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/en/">WHO said that it promotes the construction of hospitals and health facilities that can survive the impact of natural disasters, including high-intensity earthquakes. In most cases a very small increase in construction costs is sufficient to enable health facilities to withstand such disasters.

ITU said the 100 mobile satellite terminals they are supplying are easily transported by road and air and can be used by both humanitarian workers and quake victims.

"I would like to assure the Government that <"http://www.itu.int/newsroom/index.html">ITU is ready to provide expertise in carrying out telecommunication network damage assessments aimed at paving the way for the rehabilitation of the damaged telecommunications structure," said Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau.

The hand-held Thuraya satellite phones use both satellite and GSM networks and can provide accurate GPS coordinates to support relief and rescue efforts.

The UN has contributed $8 million from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1109">CERF) to the Chinese Government, and for use by the world body's agencies working on the ground.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/news">UNHCR) is supplying tents and emergency shelter, while the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) is providing relief food supplies of rice, wheat flour and cooking oil.

Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) is taking part in a mission organized by the Government to provide immediate psycho-social assistance for children suffering from emotional trauma following the tremors, and is also providing tents, blankets and school kits.

The UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) has allocated $100,000 for emergency relief activities, part of which will be put towards coordinating the aid response.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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LOSS OF ANIMAL SPECIES AND CROPS IS 'DEVASTATING' - SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN

LOSS OF ANIMAL SPECIES AND CROPS IS 'DEVASTATING' – SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN New York, May 22 2008 1:00PM The extinction of animal species, as well as the reliance on a narrow range of crops, is a major threat to the planet's development and security, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today in a <"http://www.cbd.int/doc/speech/2008/sp-2008-05-22-ibd-sg-en.pdf">statement to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.

"This Day serves as a reminder of the importance of the Earth's biodiversity, and as a wake-up call about the devastating loss we are experiencing as irreplaceable species become extinct at an unprecedented rate," he said.

About a fifth of domestic animal breeds are at risk of extinction, with an average of one lost each month, and out of the 7,000 species of plants that have been domesticated over the 10,000-year history of agriculture, only 30 account for the vast majority of food consumed every day.

"Relying on so few species for sustenance is a losing strategy," the Secretary-General said. "Climate change is complicating the picture," he added, saying that livestock production accounted for more greenhouse gas emissions than transport.

"In a world where the population is projected to jump 50 per cent by the year 2050, these trends can spell widespread hunger and malnutrition, creating conditions where poverty, disease and even conflict can metastasize."

In a separate <"http://www.cbd.int/doc/speech/2008/sp-2008-05-22-ibd-es-en.pdf">statement marking the Day, from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Convention on Biological Diversity, the CBD's Executive Secretary Ahmed Djoghlaf said: "If current extinction rates continue, it will be hard to provide sufficient food for a global population that is expected to reach nine billion by mid-century."

At the ongoing meeting on the CBD in Bonn, Germany, delegates are deciding on measures that would move the world closer to the globally-agreed goal of reversing the loss of biodiversity by 2010. Under the Convention, countries are working to protect soil biodiversity, curb the loss of pollinators, and maintain the variety of foodstuffs needed to ensure proper food and nutrition.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY PLEDGES TO HELP PAKISTAN TACKLE ABUSIVE CHILD LABOUR PRACTICES

UN AGENCY PLEDGES TO HELP PAKISTAN TACKLE ABUSIVE CHILD LABOUR PRACTICES New York, May 22 2008 10:00AM The United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) has partnered with the European Commission (EC) for a five-year project to help Pakistan curb abusive child labour and take 10,000 children out of hazardous workplaces.

The 545 million Pakistani rupee, or €5.2 million Euro, scheme will focus on children working in conditions ranging from exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances to long, tedious working hours.

The "Combating Abusive Child Labour II" programme will be implemented by ILO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Manpower, provincial labour departments, employers and workers organizations, local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions and the media, among others.

Donglin Li, the Director of ILO's Pakistan office, underscored his agency's commitment to curbing the worst forms of child labour by 2016 within the framework of the ILO Decent Work Agenda.
2008-05-22 00:00:00.000

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UN COUNTER-TERRORISM TASK FORCE NEEDS SUSTAINABLE FUNDING - ASSEMBLY CHIEF

UN COUNTER-TERRORISM TASK FORCE NEEDS SUSTAINABLE FUNDING – ASSEMBLY CHIEF New York, May 21 2008 7:00PM The United Nations task force charged with coordinating the world body's counter-terrorism efforts needs guaranteed and sustainable funding, rather than the current voluntary model, so that it can carry out its work, General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim told a briefing at UN Headquarters today.

Addressing an informal briefing of Member States by the Secretary-General's Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, Mr. Kerim said the group – established three years ago – has already played an important role in identifying where the UN can assist in global efforts against terrorism.

But the task force has no standing resources of its own and has to attract funds on a voluntary basis, the Assembly President said.

"I commend the governments for providing funding for various working groups, but it is also important to ensure a stable and sustainable central support for the task force," he said. "Indeed, there is a need to complete the institutionalization of the task force, as supported by the General Assembly when it adopted the Strategy [in September 2006]."

Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Strategic Planning and chair of the task force, told the briefing that the voluntary funding model "has significantly slowed the pace" of the work of the task force.

"We have needed to collect, process and transfer funds to set the working groups on their feet financially, to help them bring on relevant experts, and to get them what they need administratively from the UN system," he said. "And we have been doing so with a skeletal staff run out of my office."

On 4 September, the General Assembly will meet in plenary session to review the implementation of the strategy so far.
2008-05-21 00:00:00.000

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IRAQ'S NATIONAL SYMPHONY PLAYS FOR UNITY IN FIRST MAJOR PERFORMANCE IN YEARS - UN

IRAQ'S NATIONAL SYMPHONY PLAYS FOR UNITY IN FIRST MAJOR PERFORMANCE IN YEARS – UN New York, May 21 2008 6:00PM The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra (INSO) today gave a concert in Baghdad to promote unity and dialogue, its first significant performance in years, the United Nations announced.

More than 400 people attended the performance, held to commemorate the World Day for Cultural Diversity, for Dialogue and Development. It was also broadcast live on Iraqi television.

The concert, organized by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (<"http://www.uniraq.org/">UNAMI), was the first of its kind in the war-torn Middle Eastern nation and was held under both the UN emblem and the Iraqi flag.

Intended to remind the world of what Iraqis can offer and to preserve the country's cultural heritage, the orchestra's Iraqi and classical repertoire was selected from culturally diverse folklore, both Arab and Kurdish, along with traditional tunes and classical concertos.

Part of the concert – which was addressed by Staffan de Mistura, head of UNAMI, and Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Iraqi Speaker of Parliament – was conducted by Iraqi cellist and the Orchestra's Director Karim Wasfi, while the other portion was led by renowned international conductor Oliver Gilmour.

"Without culture a country will literally pack up," Mr. Gilmour, the first guest conductor to be invited since before United States-led forces invaded in 2003, told UN Radio, underscoring the crucial role played by the arts.

He said that a concert such as this is a source of price and "engenders a feeling of quasi-normality."

The conductor paid tribute to the orchestra's members, who represent different sects and ethnicities and who have faced danger in attending rehearsals. "In many ways what they do is inspirational and it illustrates, I think, their indomitable spirit and the power of music," he observed.
2008-05-21 00:00:00.000

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CHINA: UN STEPS UP AID EFFORTS FOR VICTIMS OF DEADLY QUAKE

CHINA: UN STEPS UP AID EFFORTS FOR VICTIMS OF DEADLY QUAKE New York, May 21 2008 5:00PM The United Nations is continuing to rush aid to victims of last week's devastating earthquake that struck Sichuan province in China's south-west.

According to state media, over 41,000 people lost their lives as a result of the quake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale. Some 32,000 people are missing, while more than 250,000 others have sustained injuries. Roughly 5 million people have been left homeless.

The UN refugee agency is supplying 11,000 tents to provide emergency shelter for 55,000 people, in response to yesterday's request by the Government.

"This urgently needed aid is an expression of our solidarity with those suffering as a result of this terrible disaster," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres.

The final details of the delivery of the tents, manufactured in China for the agency, are currently being hammered out with Chinese authorities. It is hoped that they will be delivered as soon as possible.

For its part, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is purchasing a second round of relief food supplies, comprising rice, wheat flour and cooking oil, to feed 100,000 people for three weeks.

The 473-ton shipment of aid is slated to arrive in Sichuan province by the end of the week and will be distributed as part of Red Cross emergency packages.

"WFP hopes that this food will offer strength to the survivors of this terrible tragedy," said Anthea Webb, the agency's Representative to China. "By supplying food now, we aim to allow the Government and local partners to focus on settling the survivors into safe accommodation."

The first batch of WFP supplies – enough instant noodles to feed 100,000 people for one week – reached Mianyang, a city in north-west Sichuan, and is ready to be delivered.

The WFP-managed UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) is sending airlifts of aid from Brindisi, Italy.

The Italian Government has sent two shipments of supplies, including a field hospital, tents, high-energy biscuits and medicines. So far, one arrived in Chengdu over the weekend while another is expected to touch down in China on Thursday.

WFP is organizing a third flight – on behalf of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Irish Government – containing additional tents and blankets.

Meanwhile, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is taking part in a mission organized by the Government to provide immediate psycho-social assistance for children suffering from emotional trauma following the tremors.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) assembled the team – including UNICEF professionals, psycho-social recovery specialists and senior government officials – in response to reports of children exhibiting signs of severe stress related to the massive earthquake.

"It is important to reach out quickly to children who have been affected by the traumatic experiences they have been through," said Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative and Chair of the UN Disaster Management Team for China.

"After the 2007 Yunnan earthquake, when UNICEF provided technical assistance for child psycho-social support we found 95 per cent of children were naturally resilient and could be helped through community-based psycho-social care," Dr. Nwe added. "The remaining 5 per cent needed to be referred for psychological treatment."

Efforts to collect information on children separated from their parents have been impeded by damaged infrastructure, the agency noted. If children are suddenly separated from their families, their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation increases.

UNICEF has also procured more than $400,000 worth of supplies, including tents, blankets and school kits.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has allocated $100,000 for emergency relief activities, part of which will be put towards coordinating the aid response.

Also today, the UN contributed $8 million from its Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to the Chinese Government, and these funds will be used by six of the world body's agencies working on the ground.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster," said Khalid Malik, UN Resident Coordinator in the country.
2008-05-21 00:00:00.000

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UN TO HOST SECOND MEETING OF GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS

UN TO HOST SECOND MEETING OF GREEK AND TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADERS New York, May 21 2008 5:00PM The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders will meet at the official residence of the United Nations Envoy to Cyprus this Friday for the second round of talks aimed at reuniting the two communities on the Mediterranean island, it was announced today.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters that the meeting will allow the leaders – Demetris Christofias (Greek Cypriot) and Mehmet Ali Talat (Turkish Cypriot) – to review progress in the process they launched in March aimed at reuniting the country's communities.

This will be their second formal meeting since Mr. Christofias' election in February.

The meeting will be held at the residence of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Cyprus, Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.

Last month, substantive talks among six working groups began after an agreement between representatives of the two leaders was brokered by the UN.

At the time, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe told the Security Council that he was optimistic that Cyprus could soon be reunified, but also cautioned that the upcoming negotiations between the two sides would not be easy.

"I think the entire world would be delighted to see Cyprus move forward on its negotiation," he told reporters after briefing the 15-member body. "We would like to see this settled as soon as possible."
2008-05-21 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN SUBMITS REPORT ON FEBRUARY VIOLENCE IN FAR WEST TO AUTHORITIES

DR CONGO: UN SUBMITS REPORT ON FEBRUARY VIOLENCE IN FAR WEST TO AUTHORITIES New York, May 21 2008 4:00PM The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) said today that it has sent a report on the February 2008 violence in the Bas-Congo province to the Congolese authorities.

The report deals with human rights abuses committed by Government forces and by members of the Bunda Dia Kongo (BDK) armed movement during the February stand-off between the two sides in the far west of the country.

MONUC expects the report to be released to the public after the Congolese Government has confirmed they have received it.

The Congolese national police have been involved in violent and sometimes deadly clashes with the BDK politico-religious movement since the beginning of the year.

Meanwhile, the UN mission notes an overall decrease in the number of violations of recent agreements between the Government and various armed groups in North and South Kivu provinces in the east of the country.

Over the weekend, the UN's Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator Ross Mountain visited Goma, the main town in North Kivu Province, to assess the security and humanitarian situation in the area.

MONUC noted "with satisfaction" a decrease in the number of ceasefire violations by different military factions in the Kivus. The UN mission also called on all armed groups in the provinces and in other parts of the country to release child combatants in their ranks.

After discussing the impact of the global food crisis on already extremely vulnerable populations in the Kivus, Mr. Mountain said that the UN, in close consultation with the Congolese authorities, was looking for rapid solutions to improve the situation.
2008-05-21 00:00:00.000

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UN CULTURAL AMBASSADORS CALL FOR EDUCATION FOR ALL

UN CULTURAL AMBASSADORS CALL FOR EDUCATION FOR ALL New York, May 21 2008 3:00PM A group of celebrity ambassadors with 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) today called for greater efforts to provide "education for all" at their annual meeting at the agency's headquarters in Paris.

"Education is a fundamental human right, yet millions of children and adults around the world are still deprived of access to basic education and technology" said Princess Firyal of Jordan and French musician Jean Michel Jarre on behalf of the 19 Goodwill Ambassadors present at the meeting.

In their statement, the ambassadors also said that respect for cultural diversity and languages is a key to social development and peace, and added that there should be a renewed focus on the environment. "Now is the time to face up to the challenges of an over-exploited planet and to take steps to preserve it for generations to come," they said.

The Goodwill Ambassadors committed themselves to work on raising awareness about global warming.

"2008 is the International Year of Planet Earth. This is a timely opportunity for us all to be less self-centred and to strive for a better future" added Jean Michel Jarre.

Meeting on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and during the International Year of Languages, the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors noted that half of the world's 7000 languages currently face extinction. They also made a plea to governments to promote bi- and multilingual education, and to respect mother languages in all countries.
2008-05-21 00:00:00.000

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