UN DAILY NEWS from the
UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE
31 August, 2016
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UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE
31 August, 2016
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UN CALLS FOR 'BREAKTHROUGH' IN BRINGING NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY INTO FORCE
The United Nations today spoke up for an early entry into force a global treaty that bans nuclear explosions on the Earth's surface, in the atmosphere, underwater and underground, with a senior official describing the treaty as a "low-hanging fruit."
"I urge Member States to do everything possible to facilitate a breakthrough," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a General Assembly meeting to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests in a message read on his behalf by the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Kim Won-soo.
"We welcome any and all efforts to bring about a complete testing ban," said Mr. Ban in the message.
To date, 183 countries have signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and 164 have ratified it. For the treaty to enter into force, ratification is required from the so-called Annex 2 States. Of these, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States, have yet to ratify it.
In the message, the Secretary-General urged immediate action by the eight remaining Annex II countries.
"Any one of them can and should be the first to ratify," he said. "That will encourage others to follow suit and generate a cascade of benefits for the broader disarmament and non-proliferation agenda."
Many thousands of nuclear weapons remain in our world today and the proliferation of all kinds of weapons remains one of the biggest threats to global peace and security
He also called for action by the more than twenty non-Annex II States that have yet to sign or ratify the treaty.
According to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), over 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out between 1945 and 1996, when the CTBT opened for signature: by the United States (1000+), the Soviet Union (700+), France (200+), the United Kingdom and China (45 each). Three countries have broken the de facto moratorium and tested nuclear weapons since 1996: India and Pakistan in 1998, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2016.
Today's event was held to mark International Day against Nuclear Tests, which has been observed annually on 29 August, following the declaration of that day in a resolution unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2009.
The resolution called for increasing awareness and education "about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world." The resolution's adoption also commemorated the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan in 1991.
CTBT 'low-hanging fruit'
Also addressing the event was the CTBTO Executive Secretary, Lassina Zerbo, who said the treaty is a "low hanging fruit" and a vital step to achieve the world free of nuclear weapons. But a world free of nuclear tests needs to come first.
The 20th anniversary of the CTBT is an occasion to celebrate what has been achieved, but more importantly, it must be a time for reflection and an opportunity to cast light on the need for the treaty to enter into force, he said.
At the outset of the meeting, General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft said that the CTBT must also be seen as an important tool in global endeavour to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. He also noted that moratoriums on nuclear testing have had a positive impact on the international security environment.
"Tests conducted by DPRK, the only violator in this century, were strongly condemned by the international community and I join in that condemnation," he said.
Recalling the testimony of a survivor of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945, Mr. Lykketoft stressed the need for continued systematic and sustained efforts to reduce nuclear weapons globally and strive for their total elimination.
"Many thousands of nuclear weapons remain in our world today and the proliferation of all kinds of weapons remains one of the biggest threats to global peace and security," he said.
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UN ENVOY TELLS SECURITY COUNCIL THAT MILITARY ESCALATION IN YEMEN AIDING SPREAD OF TERRORIST GROUPS
The United Nations envoy for Yemen told the Security Council today that the military escalation in Yemen will provide opportunities for the spread of terrorist groups, as Al Qaida and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) continue to wreak havoc in many parts of Yemen.
"For example, a suicide attack in Aden killed and injured tens of Yemenis on 29 August. The Yemeni Army's growing ability to confront extremist groups, evidenced by the recent detention of suspected AQAP [Al Qaida in the Arab Peninsula] militants in Zinjibar and Hadramout, is encouraging," the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, , Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, told the Council.
"However, the absence of the state in many parts of Yemen, in addition to the chaos created by war, will continue to facilitate the expansion of the terrorist groups which represents a real threat to the region," he added.
Yemen has been engulfed in violence for several years now – a confrontation between the country's Houthis (Ansar Allah) and the Government of Yemen in early 2014 led to a Houthi advance on the capital in 2014, and an ensuing conflict which has involved support from outside parties. The United Nations has been heavily involved in efforts to resolve the crisis, and repeatedly said that there is no military solution to the Yemeni crises and has called for a return to peaceful negotiations.
Until they recently went into a break, Kuwait had been hosting peace talks – facilitated by the UN envoy – with the Yemeni sides. The break went into effect in early August.
In reference to these talks, Mr. Cheikh Ahmed said the recent departure from Kuwait without an agreement had betrayed the expectations of millions of Yemenis who had hoped that the talks would bring an end to the conflict and open the way for Yemen's return to a peaceful and orderly transition.
The end of the Kuwait talks was followed by a "severe breakdown of the Cessation of Hostilities and a dangerous escalation in military activities," the UN envoy said.
"Extensive military confrontations," he continued, "have been on-going in recent weeks in Sana'a, Taiz, Al Jawf, Shabwa and Mareb governorates and along the border between Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," and "have involved the use of artillery, airstrikes and ballistic missiles and have resulted in tens of casualties, extensive destruction and renewed displacement."
The Special Envoy also highlighted numerous violations of international humanitarian and human rights law that he said have accompanied the fighting. Some of these incidents – such as an attack on a rural hospital in Hajjah – have been strongly condemned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
During the briefing, Mr. Cheikh Ahmed also highlighted what he called a "worrying disrespect for the human rights of minority groups," as documented by human rights organisations. Citing the detention, in Sana'a, of at least 60 members of the Baha'i community, including six children, without charge, he echoed the call from the human rights groups "for the immediate release of those still in detention, while appealing to all parties to fulfil their obligations and release all prisoners and detainees."
The Special Envoy also said that from his meetings with representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States, and again with the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, there was consensus on the need for a full and comprehensive political solution, "involving clearly sequenced political and security measures, firmly grounded in the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanism, Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) and the National Dialogue Conference outcomes."
He said, however, that the resumption of talks will only be possible if all the parties maintain their commitment to a negotiated settlement and refrain from unilateral actions.
"I am extremely concerned by the announcement by Ansar Allah and former President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, of the formation of a Supreme Political Council with broad administrative, security, economic, and legislative powers," Mr. Cheikh Ahmed said. "These actions breach the commitments provided by the both Ansar Allah and the GPC to engage constructively in the peace process as requested by this Council and creates a new potential impediment to reach a peaceful settlement."
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UN SECRETARY-GENERAL 'DEEPLY CONCERNED' AT REPORTS OF VIOLENCE IN WAKE OF GABON ELECTIONS
Taking note of the official announcement of provisional results of Gabon's presidential election, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed deep concern about reports of arson and clashes between protesters and security forces in the country's capital, Libreville.
According to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson, the UN chief also called on all concerned actors to refrain from further acts of violence that could undermine peace and stability of the country.
"He also calls on the authorities to ensure that the national security forces exercise maximum restraint in their response to protests," the spokesperson said in the statement. "He reiterates his call on all political leaders to address their differences peacefully and to address any disputes they may have through existing constitutional and legal channels."
Yesterday, in telephone conversations with the Gabonese leaders vying for the country's presidency, the Secretary-General had voiced his concerns over early calls on the polls results, outside of any official process and had urged them to impress upon their supporters the need to exercise restraint.
The statement today also noted that the UN chief has asked his Special Representative for Central Africa, Abdoulaye Bathily, to accompany Gabon's political stakeholders in their efforts to calm the situation and to peacefully resolve the contentious issues emanating from the electoral process. It added that the Secretary-General will continue to monitor the situation closely."
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NUCLEAR TESTS: 20 YEARS AFTER ITS ADOPTION, THE TEST BAN TREATY IS YET TO GET INTO FORCE
Adopted 20 years ago by the United Nations General Assembly, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has not yet got into effect, and will only come into force once ratified by eight specific countries that have not done it yet.
These countries are: China, Egypt, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.
Since taking office in 2013 as head of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), Dr Lassina Zerbo has been striving for the entry into force of the Treaty.
He has also sought to strengthen the position of the CTBTO as a centre of excellence for monitoring compliance with the Treaty.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is a key element in the process of non-proliferation, let us solve that key element; let us use it as a backbone to move on to a world free of nuclear weapons.
The CTBTO's global monitoring network is now 90% complete, with around 300 stations, some in the most remote and inaccessible areas of the Earth and sea. The network captures four types of data: seismic, hydro-acoustic, infrasound and radionuclide. The system detected all four nuclear tests declared by DPRK.
Dr Lassina Zerbo was in New York this Wednesday for an informal meeting of the UN General Assembly to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests.
In the margin of the meeting, Dr Zerbo met the UN News Centre to discuss the achievements of his Organization in terms of surveillance but also to deplore the fact that the Treaty has not been into effect, 20 years after being opened for signature.
UN News Centre: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. What has been achieved in the past 20 years, including during your three years as the head of CTBTO?
Lassina Zerbo : The last 20 years, let me tackle the issue both politically and technically. Politically, I think we have achieved near universalization. 183 countries have signed the treaty. 164, maybe 166 in the next couple of weeks, would have ratified the treaty. This is nearly universal. We're talking about over 90 percent of the international community that says no and never to nuclear testing. So politically it is an achievement. But politically this achievement seems to be darkened – if I can use this word – by the fact that eight remaining countries are basically taking hostage the international community by not ratifying the treaty to allow its entry into force. And this is the problem we have. And we need some action; we need political will, to try to move the situation.
Now technically I think we have done it all. We have now an international monitoring system that is effective. Although 92% completed, but we have proven that the 92% completion of the international monitoring system provides better than what it was anticipated at the design of the system. We have an onsite inspection capability that is working- we have proven it through an exercise in Jordan last year when we brought people from all countries- Middle East included: we had Israelis, Iranians, Jordanians, Egyptians, working together for an exercise to try and build the technical capability of the international monitoring system and the verification regime of the test ban treaty.
So those are successes; successes that have a little bit of political problem. Now where do we move from there? We have a technical success, and a lack of political action and political will. The past 3 years, our work has been- I wouldn't say to promote, because the promotion is done, after 20 years if you talk about promotion, it means you have done nothing. It's not about promotion but it was more about keeping the issue relevant, and raising the awareness of the CTBT at the highest level possible for the international community and our leaders to see the urgency of the entry into force of the treaty. This is where we are today.
UN News Centre: What do you think of the initiative from the United States to submit a draft resolution to the Security Council calling for the end of nuclear tests?
Lassina Zerbo :The issue of the Security Council resolution coming as an initiative of the Obama Administration are taken from what the media has been reporting on. We are hearing various vibes about the Security Council resolution- positive, negative. But for my part as head of the organization that serves the purpose of this treaty, anything that pushes the agenda of the entry into force forward and closer, we buy it. Is the resolution something that would help the eight remaining countries as a background to move onto their ratification? Maybe, who knows? Is the resolution stopping or circumventing the ratification process from those countries? I would not think so. Even if President Obama succeeds in getting the resolution by consensus at the Security Council, it would not stop the Senate to advise and consent on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. So it is its responsibility, and this is US domestic politics. A resolution is for the international community and a ratification is a country's responsibility: to advise and consent in Parliament, to advise and consent the President. I don't think they contradict. This is my personal view on the resolution. The resolution can help. If it helps, thank you and we will take it.
UN News Centre: The next review cycle of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) will start in May 2017. Are you optimistic about the willingness of the international community to get a nuclear weapon free world?
Lassina Zerbo :First, let me start how it ended last year. It ended with no consensus document but there were consensus issues in the NPT review conference last year, which is basically the CTBT. The CTBT was a consensus topic. I could say, I am optimistic- if the international community takes it that they should focus on the consensus issue to build upon them before moving onto the issues that are off serious difficulty right now. Is it possible to get immediately a world free from nuclear weapon? It is my wish too, but we have a low hanging fruit; that is the ratification and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is a key element in the process of non-proliferation, let us solve that key element; let us use it as a backbone to move on a world free of nuclear weapon. For me, if the international community cannot get an agreement on saying 'no and never to nuclear testing,' I'll find it difficult to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. We all need to contribute to that, we might not achieve it in our life time, but it is all about what we want to prepare for the future generation. And I think we all have a moral responsibility in there.
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SENIOR UN OFFICIAL DEEPLY CONCERNED OVER REPORTS OF CHILDREN USED IN FIGHTING ISIL IN IRAQ
The top United Nations humanitarian official in Iraq has expressed deep concern over reports that boys are being sent to areas near front lines in the country's war, possibly to join armed groups fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
"Involving children in fighting is totally unacceptable," said the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Lise Grande, in a news release issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today, expressing deep concern at the reports of recruitment of children in at least one displacement camp in the country.
"Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of civilians during the conflict," she added.
Ms. Grande, who is also the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Iraq, further warned that hundreds of thousands of civilians will require protection and assistance, given that the battle to retake Mosul, the second largest city in the country, is likely to start soon.
Reminding that international humanitarian law prohibits all parties to the conflict from recruitment of minors or their use in hostilities and that it requires the parties ensure the protection of civilians and allow them to leave conflict zones safely, Ms. Grande said: "Under no circumstances can civilians be used as human shields. This violates all principles of humanity."
The news release added that humanitarian actors in the country issued a so-called Flash Appeal in July, urgently requesting $284 million to prepare for a response in Mosul. A Flash Appeal occurs within the context of any major sudden onset disaster that requires a coordinated response beyond the capacity of the government plus any single UN agency to respond to, and it outlines specific response plans to address acute humanitarian needs, normally for up to six months. Humanitarian agencies have also sought funding for the regular 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan which provides assistance for 7.3 million Iraqis.
However, to date, less than 20 per cent of the Flash Appeal and only about 53 per cent of the $861 million required for on-going operations of humanitarian partners has been received.
"Everybody has to do everything possible to ensure [the civilians] live and receive the assistance they need," said Ms. Grande.
The news release also flagged that the UN is deeply concerned over reports of mass graves of thousands of civilians in areas formerly under the control of ISIL.
According to OCHA, the crisis in Iraq is one of the largest, most complex and volatile in the world. More than 10 million Iraqis currently require some form of humanitarian assistance, including 3.4 million civilians who are internally displaced, many for the second or third time.
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MYANMAR'S PROMISING PATH TO RECONCILIATION TO REQUIRE COMPROMISE, BAN TELLS PEACE CONFERENCE
Addressing a major peace conference in Myanmar, the United Nations chief today highlighted that the country's path to reconciliation is a promising one, but that after decades of conflict it will not be easy and will require compromise for all involved.
"The long civil war has cost numerous lives and robbed successive generations of their dignity, tranquillity and normalcy. It is now clear that there can be no military solution to your differences," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw, in a speech at the opening of the 21st Century Panglong Conference, which brings together representatives from the government, the military, civil society and ethnic armed organisations.
"I urge you to accept that no party involved in this reconciliation process can expect to achieve all its aims. Conversely, every side must win something if the process is to succeed," he added. "This will require goodwill on all sides, and a recognition that success is in the vital interest of all the people of Myanmar, regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or socio-economic status."
Landmark elections in November 2015 brought the National League for Democracy Party to power. Since assuming office in April 2016, it has embarked on a process of national reconstruction as well as a revived national political dialogue process with various ethnic armed groups and others to unify the country.
According to the UN Department of Political Affairs, even though the democratization process remains a work-in-progress, much credit is due to the people of Myanmar for their achievements thus far and to the administration of former President U Thein Sein, who ushered in the reform process with the election of a civilian government after the 2010 general election.
In his speech, the UN chief said that the gathering marked a historic transition since former President Sein opened the doors to democratic reforms six years ago.
"This is the first time that such a peace process has been initiated in the seventy-year history of conflict and division between the Union Government and armed ethnic groups," Mr. Ban said. "Around the world, we have seen the tragedies that can ensue when leaders deny the need for democratic change – Myanmar shows what is possible, when leaders listen to their people's genuine aspirations, genuine concerns of the people and genuine dreams of where this country should proceed."
The Secretary-General said it was encouraging that the different ethnic armed organizations with divergent interests and aspirations came together to form a single team to negotiate the country's Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in October last year.
"This agreement was crucially important, and the new Government has undertaken efforts to make it more inclusive. The 21st Century Panglong Conference represents the result of those efforts," he said, while also urging participants, as they "to demonstrate the wisdom needed to address complex and unresolved issues, and to pave the way for a unified negotiation track that is inclusive of all interests and constituencies."
Mr. Ban emphasized that such steps will require sensitivity and flexibility, and respect for both signatories and non-signatories, and will need to be truly consultative in order to reach sustainable solutions.
The UN chief also reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of the United Nations to help Myanmar with its reforms, in particular the national reconciliation process. "We will continue our efforts to smooth differences, lower tensions and move parties towards better understanding and dialogue in line with the goals and values of the United Nations Charter," he said.
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BAN NOTES DEVELOPMENTS IN BRAZIL, EXTENDS BEST WISHES TO NEW PRESIDENT
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken note of the decision by the Brazilian Senate to impeach President Dilma Rousseff and of the subsequent swearing in of acting President Michel Temer as President of Brazil.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson today, Mr. Ban also extended his best wishes to President Temer as he begins his tenure.
"[The Secretary-General] trusts that under President Temer's leadership, Brazil and the United Nations will continue their traditional close partnership," said the statement.
The UN chief further thanked President Rousseff for her commitment and support to the work of the UN throughout her tenure.
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UN EXPERTS URGE SUDAN TO DROP CHARGES CARRYING DEATH PENALTY AGAINST SIX HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS
A group of United Nations human rights experts today urged the Sudanese authorities to drop charges – which carry the death penalty – brought against six human rights activists in the country.
"The charges brought against them appear to be directly linked to their work in the defence of human rights, while exercising their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association," said the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, in a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
"This sentence is likely to have a chilling effect among activists and human rights defenders in Sudan," he added.
The six individuals were either working with or affiliated to a prominent Khartoum-based human rights organisation, Training and Human Development (TRACKS). They were detained about three months ago, but are yet to face trail, the human rights offices noted. The six have been charged by the country's State Security Prosecution Office with criminal conspiracy, undermining the constitutional system, waging war against the State, espionage, and terrorism – charges which all carry the death penalty.
"The death penalty is an extreme form of punishment. lf used at all, it should only be imposed after a fair trial that respects the most stringent due process guarantees as stipulated in international human rights law," the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard, said in the news release. "I am seriously concerned that any trial of these six people would not uphold such principles."
According to OHCHR, the activists faced constant targeting by agents from the Sudan's Intelligence and Security Service over the past two years. Their offices have been raided twice, and their documents, equipment and passports confiscated. They were also allegedly detained and tortured several times at the intelligence services office, where they were questioned about TRACKS' activities.
In the news release, the experts also voiced their concern at the increasing harassment and intimidation of key civil society members in the country and curbs to freedom of expression and association, which are also guaranteed under the country's constitution.
"There is an urgent need for the Government of the Sudan to allow them to carry out their activities in an open, safe and secure environment," the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Aristide Nononsi, said.
Mr. Nononsi had previously expressed concern regarding the case against the TRACKS members to the Sudanese authorities. He last visited the country in April 2016. The news release added that the experts' appeal to the Sudanese Government has been endorsed by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst.
The activists facing the charges are the Director of TRACKS, Khalafalla Mukhtar; TRACKS employees Arwa Elrabie, Midhat Hamadan and Alhassan Kheiri; and Mustafa Adam and Raye Imany Leyla, who are both affiliated to the organisation.
Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
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UN AID CHIEF EXTREMELY CONCERNED OVER EVACUATION OF SYRIAN TOWN OF DARAYYA, CITES NEED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH HUMANITARIAN LAW
The top United Nations humanitarian relief official has expressed extreme concern over the recent evacuation of the entire population of the besieged Syrian town of Darayya, following an agreement between representatives of Darayya and the Syrian Government – and highlighted how the move does not comply with international law.
"The UN was not a party to this agreement, and was not informed of the evacuation until a few hours before it took place," the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, said in an overnight statement.
Let us be clear, all sieges, a medieval tactic, must be lifted. This should not be through any type of agreement which results in the forced displacement of the civilian population.
"The United Nations works on the ground at the request of both the Government of Syria and the people of Darayya to address humanitarian and protection needs of all those affected by the evacuation," Mr. O'Brien added, "however, agreements resulting in a mass evacuation of civilians after a prolonged period of besiegement do not comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law."
The UN official said the evacuation should not be precedent setting for other besieged areas in Syria, and those displaced should be allowed to return voluntarily, in safety and in dignity, to their homes as soon as the situation allows it.
"Let us be clear, all sieges, a medieval tactic, must be lifted," Mr. O'Brien said. "This should not be through any type of agreement which results in the forced displacement of the civilian population."
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – which Mr. O'Brien heads –the evacuation of Darayya on 26-27 August followed four years of unrelenting siege, during which children starved, people resorted to eating grass and the town was subjected to an onslaught of fighting, including aerial bombardment, and severe restrictions on freedom of movement for civilians, as well as on commercial and humanitarian goods.
In his statement, the Emergency Relief Coordinator also said he was "gravely concerned" over the deteriorating situation in other besieged areas in Syria where people have little physical protection and limited access to basic life-saving assistance, including the neighbourhood of Al Waer in Homs city.
"Despite the reports of a current pause in fighting, the estimated 75,000 people in Al Waer have been subjected to an increase in indiscriminate and aerial attacks over the past week causing the death and injury of many civilians, including children, the reported destruction of homes and first responder stations, as well as increased restrictions on freedom of movement," Mr. O'Brien noted.
He once again reiterated his call on all parties for the immediate lifting of sieges of civilians in Syria, including Madaya, Deir-Ez-Zor city, Douma, Foah and Kefraya and other besieged locations, for an end to indiscriminate attacks on civilian-populated areas and civilian infrastructure, and to take all necessary measures to ensure protection for all civilians as required under international humanitarian and human rights law.
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UN-SUPPORTED 'HISTORIC' TRAINING TO MONITOR CEASEFIRE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND FARC-EP STARTS IN COLOMBIA
Following a recent agreement to end more than 50 years of conflict between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), a seven-day training session on monitoring and verifying their bilateral ceasefire has begun in the country's western city of Popayan, with United Nations support.
Instructors from the Government, FARC-EP and the UN Mission in Colombia are training 80 men and women who will form part of the tripartite verification and monitoring mechanism at national and regional levels, according to a news release from the UN Mission.
The Mission added that the three entities involved described the session as "historic."
"This first training session is an important step towards building a stable and lasting peace," the UN Mission said. "Not only does it mark the beginning of the realization of the agreements reached in Havana but it also marks the full commitment of the parties with a robust and transparent monitoring and verification mechanism to give full guarantees to all Colombians."
Sessions will cover the verification methodology, logistical aspects, security, gender issues and operational procedures for the transitional local zones and points for normalization, where the separation of forces and the laying down of arms is to take place. The sessions also include theoretical and practical aspects of the Final Agreement, especially related to the bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and protocols covering the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism.
In June, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon travelled to Havana, where he witnessed the signing of the agreement on the ceasefire and the laying down of arms. He noted that the "peace process validates the perseverance of all those around the world who work to end violent conflict not through the destruction of the adversary, but through the patient search for compromise."
The UN Mission in Colombia's international observers include representatives from eight countries from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC): Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay.
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UN AGENCY LAYS FOUNDATION FOR ITS BIGGEST LOGISTICS BASE IN GAZA
The United Nations relief agency charged with the well-being of Palestinian refugees has started work on what will become its largest logistics base in the Gaza Strip.
"Construction of the logistics base started this month and will include building a warehouse compound, an open area container yard, an administration building and a fuel station," said the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in a press release today.
The base will serve as UNRWA's main warehouse for the storage of basic food and non-food items. It is being constructed in Rafah, in southern Gaza, and will also support distribution activities through 12 distribution centres across the area. In addition, it will be used as maintenance workshop and fuel station for the UNRWA operations in the southern governorates of Gaza, the agency noted.
It is expected to be completed by September 2017 and will operate with approximately 200 UNRWA personnel, including people hired through its Job Creation Programme.
The agency said that the construction of the base has been supported by a $10 million contribution from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
The base is part of a comprehensive project signed between the UN agency and SFD in May 2015 which also includes rebuilding and repairing housing units and supporting the education and health sectors in Gaza with a total contribution $62 million.
"Over the past several years, UNRWA was able to construct many projects - including schools, housing projects and health centres - which would not have been possible without the trust and partnership that exists between UNRWA and Saudi Arabia," Bo Schack, the Director of UNRWA Operations in Gaza said at the ceremony for laying the cornerstones on 25 August.
"Their ongoing support to Palestine refugees in Gaza through UNRWA is commendable," he added.
UNRWA is a UN agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection and microfinance.
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SOMALIA: UN ENVOY CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK ON MOGADISHU HOTEL
The United Nations envoy in Somalia has spoken out against the bombing yesterday of a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, that killed at least 13 people and injured more than 20.
The Secretary-General's Special Representative in Somalia, Michael Keating, "strongly condemned" the truck bomb attack on the SYL Hotel in the capital, according to a statement issued yesterday by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
In the statement, UNSOM stated that at the time of the blast several senior government officials and members of the country's federal parliament were attending a meeting inside the hotel, which is located near the presidential palace and the federal parliament building, but none were among the fatalities.
The militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility. UNSOM highlighted that greater loss of life was averted as security guards halted the explosives-laden vehicle as it was approaching one of the gates.
"Violent extremists have once again bombed a hotel in the Somali capital," said Mr. Keating in the statement, noting that the bombing marked the third such attack on the SYL Hotel since the beginning of 2015.
"On each previous occasion, its management and staff have repaired the damage and reopened its doors for business in short order," he added. "The SYL Hotel provides powerful evidence of the extraordinary resilience of the Somali people, who refuse to be cowed by al-Shabaab's campaign of terror."
Mr. Keating also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.
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The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.
The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
When the white man came we had the land and they had the bibles; now they have the land and we have the bibles.
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The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless.
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Post message: afrocarpus@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: afrocarpus-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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List owner: afrocarpus-owner@yahoogroups.com
__________________________________________________________________
Please consider the environment before printing this email or any attachments.
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Find Friends in Africa:
http://www.datinginafrica.com/
The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.
The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
When the white man came we had the land and they had the bibles; now they have the land and we have the bibles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Post message: afrocarpus@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: afrocarpus-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: afrocarpus-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: afrocarpus-owner@yahoogroups.com
__________________________________________________________________
Please consider the environment before printing this email or any attachments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find Friends in Africa:
http://www.datinginafrica.com/
.
__,_._,___
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