tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33785586760159524672024-03-29T07:58:57.447+03:00ИНТЕРНЕТ-НОВОСТИOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.comBlogger44647125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-26516811550483339632030-09-12T05:11:00.000+03:002019-09-12T08:14:30.333+03:00SDG progress ‘in danger’ of going backwards without change in direction, new UN report reveals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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11 September 2019<br />
<a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/sdgs">SDGs</a><br />
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The current worldwide sustainable development model is threatening to reverse years of progress, if strategies don’t drastically change, an independent group of scientists has concluded in a major new report launched on Wednesday.<br />
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The UN report will be at the centre of discussions during the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgsummit">UN summit on the SDGs</a> later this month.<br />
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Worsening inequalities and potentially irreversible damage to the natural environment on which we all depend, demands concerted action, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/">(DESA)</a>, urged in a <a href="https://trello.com/c/aimPF4Gt/4-press-release-11-september-2019-english-french">statement</a> on the report findings, compiled by a team of 15 UN-appointed experts.<br />
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“Achieving human well-being and eradicating poverty for all of the Earth’s people—expected to number 8.5 billion by 2030—is still possible,” they highlighted, “but only if there is a fundamental—and urgent—change in the relationship between people and nature.”<br />
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The report, <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/globalsdreport/2019">“The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development,”</a> points to understanding the relationships between individual SDGs and the “concrete systems that define society today” to devise a plan to ameliorate global instability. <br />
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At the request of countries to evaluate progress of the 2030 SDG <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/">Agenda</a>, adopted in 2015, the Global Report on Sustainable Development (GDSR) consists of surveys on scientific findings from ocean livelihoods, to sustainable consumption, production, and disaster risk management, among other issues.<br />
Science-backed recommendations<br />
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The current roadmap for development has generated prosperity for “hundreds of millions,” the scientists said, but at the cost of other resources and a growing inequality that undermines global growth. <br />
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Boosting economies via increasing consumption for example, is exhausting the planet’s materials and creating toxic by-products which threaten to overwhelm the world. At the current rate of consumption, “use of material is set to almost double between 2017 and 2060, from 89 Gigatons to 167 Gigatons”, resulting in consequential “increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and other toxic effects” from resource extraction, they stressed. <br />
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The status quo must change, scientists said, in order to eschew further loss in “social cohesion and sustainable economic growth,” curb biodiversity losses, and save a “world close to tipping points with the global climate system.” <br />
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For this to happen, all sectors must come together in coordinated action, the report urges. Increasing investment in science for sustainability, is one key approach, and acknowledging that achievement of the SDGs requires economic growth be divorced from environmental degradation, while reducing inequalities.<br />
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The experts noted that “the extensive transformation that is needed will not be easy, and the report suggests that a deep scientific understanding is needed to anticipate and mitigate the tensions and trade-offs inherent in widespread structural change.” <br />
Key points of intervention <br />
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According to the report, there are 20 points of intervention that can be used to accelerate progress toward multiple goals and targets in the next ten years.<br />
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Among these, basic services must be made universally available—healthcare, education, water and sanitation infrastructure, housing and social protection— as a prerequisite” toward eliminating poverty.<br />
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In addition, ending legal and social discrimination, scaling up trades unions, nongovernmental organizations, women’s groups and other communities will “be important partners in efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda”, the experts said.<br />
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Inefficient food and energy systems are depriving some 2 billion people of food security, while 820 million are undernourished, and 2 billion adults are overweight. Production processes are causing severe environmental impact. <br />
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Transitioning to renewable energy systems could help reduce the 3 billion who rely on pollutants for cooking, and avoid premature deaths, estimated at 3.8 million each year, they cited. Meanwhile, the energy access gap has left close to one billion without access to electricity at all. Increases in renewable energy supply in the past decade have corresponded with price drops in clean fuel technology—around 77 per cent for solar power and a 38 per cent drop for onshore wind.<br />
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With an estimated two-thirds of the global population projected to live in cities by 2050, the experts said achieving the 2030 Agenda will require “more compact and efficient” urban areas that will be nature-based in infrastructure—but the ecosystem’s services and resources “must be safeguarded.”<br />
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What the scientists call “the global environmental commons” - the rainforests, oceans, and atmosphere - need support from governments, international actors and the private sector to ensure good practices.<br />
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The full report and its recommendations will be presented during the High-Level Political Forum at the 2019 SDG Summit that will convene heads of State and Government in New York on 24 and 25 September.<br />
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</span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/09/1046132">https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/09/1046132</a><br />
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OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-3470521518443616812025-09-29T06:39:00.000+03:002018-09-30T09:20:55.552+03:00Глава МИД Азербайджана призвал поддержать кандидатуру Баку для проведения «ЭКСПО – 2025»<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br />Министр иностранных дел Азербайджана Эльмар Мамедъяров выступил в Генассамблеи ООН<br /> <br /><br />28 сентября 2018</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /><a href="https://news.un.org/ru/news/topic/un-affairs">ООН</a><br /><br /><br />Азербайджан поддерживает инициативы главы ООН по предупреждению войн и поддержанию мира, привержен выполнению Целей устойчивого развития и продвигает идеи мультикультурализма. Об этом заявил министр иностранных дел Азербайджана Эльмар Мамедъяров, выступая в ходе общих прений 73-й сессии Генассамблеи. При этом он напомнил об «оккупации Арменией» одной пятой территории Азербайджана и призвал международное сообщество «усилить давление на Ереван, чтобы добиться выполнения соответствующих резолюций Совета Безопасности».</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br />Министр иностранных дел Азербайджана рассказал с трибуны Генассамблеи об успехах его страны в развитии экономики и ее участии в многочисленных региональных проектах – строительстве транспортных коридоров, объектов инфраструктуры и создании высокотехнологичных коммуникационных магистралей.<br /><br />По его словам, устойчивый экономический рост позволяет Азербайджану оказывать помощь развивающимся странам, а также государствам, которые справляются с последствиями стихийных бедствий. Азербайджан, по его словам, борется с коррупцией и активно сотрудничает с правозащитными механизмами ООН.<br /><br />Глава МИД Азербайджана сообщил, что Баку претендует на проведение международной выставки «ЭКСПО – 2025» и призвал страны, которым в ноябре предстоит определить победителя, поддержать кандидатуру Азербайджана. «Страны Восточной Европы, Кавказа и бассейна Каспия никогда не принимали у себя ЭКСПО», - сообщил Мамедъяров, подчеркнув, что избрание Баку позволит расширить географию проведения выставки.<br /><br />По словам министра, Азербайджан как «один из признанных центров мультикультурализма» провел многочисленные международные мероприятия, направленные на укрепление межкультурного диалога. «Представители всех этнических и религиозных групп проживают в Азербайджане в мире и гармонии», - подчеркнул он.<br /><br />Вместе с тем, глава МИД Азербайджана напомнил, что пятая часть территории его страны находится «под оккупацией со стороны Армении», а «один из девяти жителей страны является беженцем или внутренним переселенцем». Он призвал международное сообщество оказать давление на власти Армении, чтобы добиться немедленного выполнения соответствующих резолюций Совета Безопасности ООН.<br /><br />«Новое руководство Армении должно понимать, что его обещания армянскому народу о превращении Армении в экономически развитое и процветающее государство невозможно выполнить, не установив мир и добрые взаимоотношения с соседями, не уважая их суверенитет и территориальную целостность», - подчеркнул Эльмар Мамедъяров.<br /><br />Как заявил министр, в Азербайджане считают, что не существует «альтернативы миру, стабильности и взаимовыгодному региональному сотрудничеству».</span><br />
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OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-85307526547779703122024-12-31T04:58:00.000+03:002016-09-07T06:35:16.163+03:00В ООН представили предварительную глобальную повестку дня на период после 2015 года<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #444444; color: white;"><br /><a href="http://static.un.org/News/dh/photos/large/2014/December/2015-Time-for-Global-Action_Ru.jpg"><img src="http://static.un.org/News/dh/photos/large/2014/December/2015-Time-for-Global-Action_Ru.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />04.12.2014 — В четверг Генеральный секретарь ООН Пан Ги Мун представил государствам-членам предварительный текст обобщенного доклада о целях устойчивого развития на период с 2015 по 2030 годы. Он называется «Путь к достойной жизни: покончим с голодом, преобразуем жизнь всех людей и защитим планету». Глава ООН призвал начать новую эру устойчивого развития, в центре которого был бы человек, защита его прав и сохранение планеты, на которой мы живем.<br /><br />«В следующем году у нас появится беспрецедентная возможность предпринять далеко идущие действия по обеспечению нашего благополучия, необходимость в которых назрела уже давно», - заявил Пан Ги Мун, представляя новые предложения на суд государств-членов ООН. Они станут основой для переговоров, которые должны увенчаться принятием глобальной повестки дня на следующие пятнадцать лет, начиная с 2015 года. <br /><br />В этот период человечество должно добиться выполнения 17 задач в таких областях, как ликвидация нищеты, борьба с голодом, охрана здоровья, обеспечение гендерного равноправия, борьба с изменением климата, стимулирование экономического роста и создание рабочих мест, улучшение доступа к современным источникам энергии, расширение услуг в области водоснабжения и санитарии.<br /><br />Они придут на смену Целям тысячелетия в области развития, которые мировые лидеры приняли в 2000 году. Тогда они поставили восемь конкретных задач в области сокращения бедности, материнской и детской смертности, обеспечения доступа к образованию, водоснабжению и санитарии, борьбы с инфекционными заболеваниями и защиты окружающей среды. <br /><br />Генеральный секретарь напомнил делегатам, что процесс разработки новых целей носил беспрецедентно инклюзивный характер, и добавил, что в его докладе содержатся «контуры универсальной революционной глобальной повестки дня, в центре которой находятся люди и планета, которая опирается на права человека и глобальное сотрудничество».<br /><br />«В том, что касается развития, мы находимся на пороге самого важного года, начиная с создания самой Организации Объединенных Наций, - говорится в докладе Генерального секретаря. - Мы должны придать новый смысл обещанию «вновь утвердить веру в основные права человека, в достоинство и ценность человеческой личности», и вывести мир на путь устойчивого развития. Нам дана историческая возможность - и обязанность - срочно предпринять смелые и решительные действия с тем, чтобы наполнить достоинством жизнь всех людей, никого не оставляя за бортом». <br /><br />В течение ближайших месяцев государствам предстоит договориться об окончательных параметрах повестки дня на период после 2015 года. Пан Ги Мун приветствовал усилия Открытой рабочей группы, которая сформулировала 17 целей в области устойчивого развития и 169 конкретных показателей, достижение которых поможет покончить с бедностью, достичь всеобщего благоденствия и защитить планету. <br />http://www.un.org/russian/news/story.asp?NewsID=22793#.VIEPw9KsVv5<br />http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode</span><br />
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OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-74020298679549534142024-03-29T07:51:00.004+03:002024-03-29T07:58:24.990+03:00Security Council Again Fails to Hold Meeting Marking Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Bombing in Former Yugoslavia<main role="main"><section><article><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>9592ND MEETING (PM)<br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>SC/15649</div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><time datetime="2024-03-28T12:00:00Z">28 March 2024</time></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><h1><br></h1></div><div><div><div><div><div><p>For the second time this week, the Security Council today did not hold a meeting, requested by the Russian Federation, to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1999 aerial bombing campaign carried out by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) against the former Yugoslavia, having failed to adopt the provisional agenda to do so after a procedural vote was requested by France. (For background, see Press Release <a href="https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15642.doc.htm">SC/15642</a>.)</p><p>At the outset of the meeting, the representative of France underscored that the Council is charged with addressing international security crises that are referred to it — “not a forum for discussions on historical questions, particularly those of the last century”. However, the organ is open, at any time, to discussing the question of Kosovo, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) or the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999) — as was the case when it opened its doors to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in February.</p><p>Adding that another meeting concerning Kosovo will be held in April, he stressed that the Council is here “to deal with current crises”. And, while meetings requested by any Council member on such crises — some of which involve permanent Council members — can be organized, he observed that the organ “is not here to replace historians, lawyers or jurisdictions”. On that basis, he requested a procedural vote on the provisional agenda and encouraged those present not to support organizing today’s meeting.</p><p>The representative of the Russian Federation then took the floor to say that France’s delegation is manipulating procedure, adding that France, the United Kingdom and the United States misled the Council by claiming that the Russian Federation did not consult others about the meeting despite earlier discussions on this issue. Recalling a recent decision by the Council of Europe regarding Kosovo’s membership, which contradicted resolution 1244 (1999), he asked whether such decision — “a direct continuation of the monstrous destructive line of the West in the Balkans” — became part of “history” as soon as it was adopted.</p><p>Likewise, he asked France’s representative whether the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is as old as the United Nations, should also be considered “a thing of the past”. Against this backdrop, he urged Council members to support a discussion on the Kosovo issue, highlighting NATO’s responsibility for civilian casualties during the bombing of the former Yugoslavia.</p><p>The representative of the United States, meanwhile, rejected claims of procedural juggling, pointing out that the Russian Federation has itself called procedural votes on the provisional agendas for certain Council meetings. On 31 January 2022, for example, that country called such a vote to prevent the Council from discussing the build-up of hundreds of thousands of its troops along its border with Ukraine. He added that if the Russian Federation “insists on calling votes for every meeting, we expect — for the sake of consistency — it will also call votes on its own meetings”.</p><p>Retaking the floor, France’s representative pointed out that the subject of Kosovo is on the Council’s agenda, and that the April meeting scheduled on that item — to which the parties themselves will be invited — will provide the opportunity to discuss this issue “in an updated way”. Adding that this discussion could be prolonged “forever”, he invited the Council President to put the provisional agenda to a vote. Responding, the representative of the Russian Federation said that the West is prepared to look into history when there is a need but is not prepared to do so when it does not see one.</p><p>The Council then voted and, by a tally of 6 in favour (Algeria, China, Guyana, Mozambique, Russian Federation, Sierra Leone) to none against, with 9 abstentions, the provisional agenda was not adopted as it did not obtain the required number of votes.</p><p>Speaking after the vote, the representative of Sierra Leone said that his delegation voted in favour of adopting the provisional agenda because the Council’s rules of procedure state that its President may call a meeting at the request of any Council member. Further, Article 35 of the Charter of the United Nations allows for discussion on any issue that has implications for the maintenance of international peace and security. He expressed hope that Council members can “come together and find common ground on the issue of holding procedural votes before every meeting”.</p><p>The representative of the Russian Federation, expressing disappointment over the voting results, said they “confirm that Western countries are overrepresented in the Council”. He continued: “We regret the fact that the Council, because of the Western troika, refused to discuss its own agenda item on the maintenance of international peace and security.” Highlighting the destructive consequences of NATO’s campaign in the former Yugoslavia, he stressed that Western States try to hide the truth about their actions and warned: “So far you have been able to avoid this discussion, but it will not be easy to avoid responsibility for your actions”.</p><p>China’s representative also voiced regret over the result of the vote, noting the importance of Council meetings that review the lessons of important episodes in history — such as the 1999 aerial bombing campaign carried out by NATO against the former Yugoslavia. Recent disruptions to the organ’s workflow are in nobody’s interest, he stressed, noting the Council’s heavy agenda and urging cooperation, at least on procedural matters — “the only way to keep the Council functioning”.</p><p>The representative of Japan, Council President for March, thanked Council members and the Secretariat for their support and noted that, while “it has been a busy month”, the Council was able to rally to consensus on several important issues.</p><p><br></p><p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode<br></p><p>https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15649.doc.htm<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></section></main>OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-14187020719136744172024-03-29T02:53:00.001+03:002024-03-29T02:54:59.171+03:00Gaza: World court issues fresh measures for Israel as crisis deepens<div><br></div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Index/26-01-2024-ICJ-South-Africa-Israel.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="The International Court of Justice delivers its ruling in the case of South Africa v. Israel in The Hague in January. (file)" title="The International Court of Justice delivers its ruling in the case of South Africa v. Israel in The Hague in January. (file)" loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>© ICJ-CIJ/ Frank van Beek</div> </div><div>The International Court of Justice delivers its ruling in the case of South Africa v. Israel in The Hague in January. (file)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><span>28 March 2024</span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/law-and-crime-prevention" hreflang="en">L</a></span></span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/law-and-crime-prevention" hreflang="en">aw and Crime Prevention</a></div><div><div><div><p><span lang="EN-GB">The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday issued new provisional measures for Israel as the humanitarian situation in bombarded and besieged Gaza continues to deteriorate.<br></span></p></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>The world court issued the <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240328-pre-01-00-en.pdf">new order</a> in response to a recent request made by South Africa, which submitted a case in December accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, based on its continuing offensive following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel which left almost 1,200 dead and more than 240 taken hostage. </p><p>Since then, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes and attacks, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry.</p><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>CIJ_ICJ</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/CIJ_ICJ/statuses/1773376361362489490"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><h2><strong>Israel to ensure aid deliveries</strong></h2><p>The <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/">ICJ</a> provisional measures state that Israel, “in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza, in particular the spread of famine and starvation”, shall take “all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations, <strong>the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance </strong>to Palestinians throughout Gaza”.</p><p>The measures outline that the required aid includes food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care.</p><h2><strong>Orders to open more land crossings</strong></h2><p>The fresh ICJ order also calls on Israel, as a signatory to the <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145432">Genocide Convention</a>, to undertake those measures, “<strong>including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points </strong>and maintaining them open for as long as necessary”.</p><p>Additional measures call for Israel to ensure “with immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group” under the Genocide Convention.</p><p>This includes “by preventing, through any action, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance”, according to the ICJ.</p><p>The court also decided that Israel shall submit a report to the ICJ on all measures within one month.</p><h2><strong>UN: All Member States must abide by ICJ decisions</strong></h2><p>UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reminded journalists at his daily briefing that the ICJ operates independently.</p><p>“We do believe as a matter of principle that all Member States abide by decisions of the court,” he said.</p><p>The ICJ was established by the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/charter-united-nations/index.html">UN Charter</a> as the <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/statute">principal judicial organ</a> of the UN.</p><p>Read our explainer on the ICJ <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145392">here</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1148096<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-8321244156776041692024-03-28T20:08:00.001+03:002024-03-28T20:09:10.341+03:00Bold action needed now to address ‘cataclysmic’ situation in Haiti<div><br></div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/21-03-2024_WFP_Haiti.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Children in Haiti line up for a hot meal and water distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Port-au-Prince." title="Children in Haiti line up for a hot meal and water distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Port-au-Prince." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>© CAPAC/Jean Vadler Presume</div> </div><div>Children in Haiti line up for a hot meal and water distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Port-au-Prince.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>28 March 2024</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/humanitarian-aid" hreflang="en">Humanitarian Aid</a></span></span><div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Immediate and bold action is required to tackle the “cataclysmic” situation in Haiti, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said in a report issued on Thursday.</span><span> </span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>Corruption, impunity, and poor governance, compounded by increasing levels of gang violence, have eroded the rule of law in the Caribbean country and brought State institutions close to collapse.</p><p>The impact of generalised insecurity on the population is dire and deteriorating, severely affecting human rights.</p><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>UNHumanRights</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/UNHumanRights/statuses/1773323662084415704" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><h2>Prevent further suffering </h2><p>“Tackling insecurity must be a top priority to protect the population and prevent further human suffering. It is <strong>equally important to protect institutions essential to the rule of law, which have been attacked to their very core</strong>,” <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/haiti-cataclysmic-situation-demands-immediate-and-bold-action-un-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>said</u></a> UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5576-situation-human-rights-haiti-report-united-nations-high" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>report</u></a> covers the period from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024 and includes information provided by both the Human Rights Service of the UN’s special political mission in Haiti, <a href="https://binuh.unmissions.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BINUH</a>, and the High Commissioner’s Designated Expert on the human rights situation in the country, William O’Neill. </p><h2>Killings and sexual violence </h2><p>The number of casualties of gang violence significantly increased in 2023, with 4,451 people killed and 1,668 injured. The number of victims skyrocketed in the first three months of this year, with <strong>1,554 killed and 826 injured up to 22 March</strong>. </p><p><strong>Gangs continued to use sexual violence to brutalise, punish and control</strong> people, the report found. Women have been raped during gang attacks on neighbourhoods, in many cases after seeing their husbands killed in front of them. </p><p>Some women are forced into exploitative sexual relations with gang members. In addition, the rape of hostages continues to be used to strongarm families into paying ransoms. <strong>Sexual violence remains severely underreported and largely unpunished</strong>.</p><h2>Gangs recruit children </h2><p>Gangs continue to recruit and abuse children – both boys and girls – who are unable to leave their ranks for fear of retaliation. In some instances, young gang members have been killed for trying to escape. Daily life is also disrupted by restrictions imposed by gangs on the movement of people, goods and services. </p><p>With gang violence intensifying, and the national police unable to counter it, so-called “<strong>self-defence brigades</strong>” have continued to emerge and take justice into their own hands, the report said. At least 528 cases of lynching were reported in 2023, and a further 59 this year. </p><p>Additionally, despite an arms embargo, there is a reliable supply of weapons and ammunition for the gangs <strong>coming through porous borders</strong>, resulting in the gangs often having superior firepower to the police. </p><h2>Deploy multinational mission </h2><p>The report calls for tighter national and international controls to stem trafficking of weapons and ammunition to Haiti and reiterates the need for the urgent deployment of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to back-up the police force. </p><p>The UN <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1141802">authorized</a> the mission’s deployment in October 2023 and Kenya has offered to lead it. </p><p>“It is essential that the mission effectively integrates human rights into the conduct of its operations and establishes a compliance mechanism to mitigate and minimize harm,” Mr. Türk said. </p><h2>Call for accountability </h2><p>However, enhancing security alone will not bring long-lasting solutions, according to the report, which called for policies aimed at restoring rule of law and preventing violence.</p><p>“<strong>Widespread corruption and dysfunction of the justice system greatly contribute to the pervasive impunity</strong> for grave human rights violations, and they need to be addressed urgently,” said Mr. Türk. </p><p>“Accountability is paramount to restore public trust in the rule of law and the state institutions,” he added. </p><h2>Children in crisis </h2><p>Separately, the UN Children’s Fund (<a href="https://www.unicef.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UNICEF</a>) this week <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/armed-violence-deepening-malnutrition-crisis-children-haiti" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>warned</u></a> that the armed violence is deepening the nutrition crisis for Haiti’s youngest citizens. </p><p>Recent findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis revealed an alarming <strong>19 per cent increase in the number of children estimated to suffer from severe acute malnutrition</strong>. </p><p>Additionally, 1.64 million people are facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity, which increases the risk of child wasting and malnutrition, especially in eight areas of the country. </p><h2>Education under fire </h2><p>UNICEF strongly condemned an arson attack by armed groups on a school in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Monday. The school was left burnt, depriving over 1,000 children of their right to education. </p><p>The number of schools forced to close due to violence and insecurity has risen in recent months, <a href="https://www.unicef.org/haiti/en/press-releases/unicef-condemns-school-arson-armed-groups-downtown-port-au-prince" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>said</u></a> Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti. </p><p>As of the end of January, a total of 900 schools had temporarily closed, affecting roughly 200,000 children. Threats to school security are particularly acute in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and in the northern part of nearby Artibonite province. </p><p>"In a country facing increasingly complex conflicts and instability, education can never be considered merely an option; <strong>it must be acknowledged as a necessity</strong>, a matter of survival, and a key to social stability,” he said. </p><h2>UN support continues </h2><p>UNICEF and other agencies are continuing their lifesaving operations in Haiti.</p><p>The UN humanitarian affairs office, <a href="https://www.unocha.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OCHA</a>, <a href="http://c//Users/Dianne.Penn/Downloads/Humanitarian%20Developments%20in%20Port-au-Prince%20#12-27%20March%20ENG%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>reported</u></a> that more than two million litres of water have been distributed over the past month to displaced people, and more than 263,000 hot meals have been provided since the end of February. </p><p>The UN sexual and reproductive health agency, <a href="https://www.unfpa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UNFPA</a>, continues to offer integrated services through mobile clinics. For example, <strong>230 people, including 130 women, received services at one its mobile clinics held on Tuesday</strong>.</p><p>UNFPA has completed a needs assessment in supported health facilities in Ouest and Artibonite provinces.</p><p>Plans are underway to <strong>deploy medical equipment to 14 health facilities next week</strong>, including ultrasound scanners, electrosurgical units, anaesthesia machines and delivery tables. </p><p>The two provinces will also receive emergency reproductive health kits covering post-rape treatment, midwifery supplies, reusable equipment, repair of cervical and vaginal tears, among others, in future deployments. </p><p> A $624 million humanitarian appeal for Haiti, announced last month, is only around seven per cent funded.</p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1148086<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-55945741454040899792024-03-28T19:40:00.002+03:002024-03-29T07:58:15.003+03:00Security Council Fails to Extend Mandate for Expert Panel Assisting Sanctions Committee on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea<div><main role="main"><section><article><div><br></div><div><div id="main-wrapper" class="layout-main-wrapper clearfix"><div id="main" class="container"><div class="row row-offcanvas row-offcanvas-left clearfix"><main class="main-content col order-first" id="content" role="main"><section class="section"><div id="block-un3-press-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block block-un3-press-content"><div class="block-content"><article class="node node--type-press node--view-mode-full clearfix"><div class="node__content clearfix"><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-field-un-bodies"><div class="block-content"><div class="field field--name-field-un-bodies field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item"><div class="item-list"><ul class="shs clearfix shs-linked list-group"><li class="list-group-item"><a href="https://press.un.org/en/security-council" hreflang="en">Security Council</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50"><div class="layout__region layout__region--first"><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-field-meeting-info"><div class="block-content"><div class="field field--name-field-meeting-info field--type-string field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item">9591ST MEETING (AM)</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-field-symbol"><div class="block-content"><div class="field field--name-field-symbol field--type-string field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item">SC/15648</div></div></div></div></div><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-field-dated"><div class="presser-header-date block-content"><div class="field field--name-field-dated field--type-datetime field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item"><time datetime="2024-03-28T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">28 March 2024</time></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-field-display-title"><div class="block-content"><div class="field field--name-field-display-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item"><h1 class="page-header"><br></h1></div></div></div></div></div><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-field-subtitle"><div class="h3 block-content"><div class="field field--name-field-subtitle field--type-string field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item">Text Rejected on Account of Veto Cast by Russian Federation</div></div></div></div></div><div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-block-node-press-body"><div class="block-content"><div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden"><div class="field__items"><div class="field__item"><p>The Security Council today failed to adopt a resolution that would have extended until 30 April 2025 the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea due to a veto cast by the Russian Federation — a permanent member of the Council — while numerous speakers underscored that Moscow’s veto fuels suspicion and weakens the global non-proliferation architecture.</p><p>If adopted, the resolution — presented by the United States — would have further decided that this mandate shall also apply with respect to the measures imposed in resolutions 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017), 2375 (2017), 2397 (2017) and 2664 (2022).</p><p>By other terms, it would have requested the Panel to submit its confidential midterm report no later than 23 August 2024 and its final report no later than 14 February 2025.</p><p>Speaking before the vote, the representative of the United States said that, for 14 years, the 15-member organ had come together unanimously to renew the mandate of the Committee’s Panel of Experts, which conducts credible, fact-based, independent investigations of Pyongyang’s unlawful weapons programmes and sanctions evasion efforts. Over the past year, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has accelerated its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes, in violation of multiple Council resolutions. Just last week, it launched a new round of ballistic missiles, he observed, stressing: “These provocations are a direct threat to the non-proliferation regime and the peace and security of all Member States.” Washington, D.C.’s approach to this mandate renewal has been inclusive and transparent: “We negotiated in good faith for weeks to seek compromise and consensus among all Council members […] we did not rush to a vote; rather, we undertook a careful, methodological approach,” he added.</p><p>The representative of the Russian Federation, stating that the situation on and around the Korean Peninsula has “changed fundamentally” in recent years, said that the sanctions regime the Council adopted through resolution 1718 (2006) is “losing its relevance” and is “detached from reality”. Further, the unprecedented policy of a coalition of Western countries — led by the United States — to strangle Pyongyang calls into question the possibility of resolving future problems on the Peninsula. Underscoring that this “dangerous turn of events” affects the Russian Federation’s national security, he added that recent years have made clear that sanctions have neither achieved the international community’s stated aims nor normalized the situation on the Peninsula. They have also not encouraged dialogue and yet impose a heavy burden on the population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.</p><p>Noting that it is only with respect to that country that open-ended sanctions have been introduced and applied — with no provisions to alter the restrictions imposed — he stressed that it is “high time” for the Council to update the sanctions regime. The Panel of Experts “is now a weapon”, he said, stating that its work increasingly plays into the West’s hands by printing biased information, analysing newspaper headlines and assessing poor-quality photos. The Panel focuses on “trivial matters that are not commensurate with the problems facing the Peninsula”, he emphasized. Recalling that his delegation has urged the Council to hold an open, honest review of its sanctions against Pyongyang and adapt its measures to “rapidly changing circumstances”, he said that these ideas are not present in today’s draft. He added that his delegation does not see “any added value” in the Panel’s work and cannot support the United States’ draft.</p><p>The representative of the Republic of Korea highlighted the Panel of Experts’ role in guiding the Member States through “the complex web” of Pyongyang’s sanctions regime and “putting differences arising from geopolitical tensions behind”. Given that country’s continued provocations, advancement of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and sophisticated sanctions evasion, he warned that the “failure to adopt this resolution will result in the abolishment of the Panel” — something that the Council’s permanent members should avoid by all means. “Let us stand united for the sake of nuclear non-proliferation and international peace and security,” he concluded.</p><p>By a vote of 13 in favour to 1 against (Russian Federation), with 1 abstention (China), the Council rejected the draft, owing to the negative vote cast by a permanent member.</p><p>Speaking after the vote, the representative of the United States expressed deep disappointment over the outcome of today’s vote, which was “an attempt by one Council member to silence an independent objective investigation into [Pyongyang’s] Security Council violations”. “Why would any Council member not vote in support of this mandate renewal and break the 14 years of unanimous adoption?” he asked, adding: “The answer is clear; the Panel began reporting in the last year on Russia’s blatant violations of Security Council resolutions in addition to [Pyongyang’s] persistent sanctions evasion efforts within Russia’s jurisdiction.”</p><p>Stressing that Moscow “owns this failure”, he warned that today’s vote will only embolden the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to act with further impunity as it jeopardizes global security through the development of long-large ballistic missiles and sanctions evasion efforts. And China, with its abstention, once again showed the Council where it stands on curbing Pyongyang’s proliferation. Moscow has done more today than obstruct the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), it has undermined the prospect of a peaceful diplomatic resolution of one of the world’s most dangerous nuclear proliferation issues. And even though it silenced the Panel of Experts today, “[it] will never silence those of us who stand in support of the global non-proliferation regime,” he asserted.</p><p>The representative of the Russian Federation, who voted against, countered that today’s statements by Western States show that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have “dropped their masks and clearly demonstrated why they really want to extend the mandate of the 1718 Committee Panel of Experts — to use it to channel unfounded insinuations against the Russian Federation”. He also said that the delegation of the United States — which has used its veto four times in the last five months to allow Israel to kill and starve Palestinian civilians and has declared in the Chamber that the organ’s decisions are “non-binding” — “does not have the right to give lessons to others”.</p><p>The speaker for China, who abstained, observed that over the past decade, the Council has adopted more resolutions to strengthen the sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, resulting in extremely stringent sanctions mechanisms. However, “sanctions are not an end in itself”; instead, they should serve the denuclearization of the Peninsula and the final political settlement of the political issue. The harsh sanctions against Pyongyang have not led to achieving the above-mentioned goals; rather, they have exacerbated tensions and confrontation, with a serious negative impact on the humanitarian situation on the ground. The original intention of China and the Russian Federation in jointly introducing the draft resolution is to activate the reversal clause and adjust the sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the humanitarian and livelihood field. “Sanctions should not be set in stone or be indefinite,” he stressed, calling on all parties to positively consider the Russian Federation’s draft resolution.</p><p>Numerous Council members — among them, the representatives of Guyana, Slovenia, Ecuador and Sierra Leone — expressed regret over today’s veto, noting that it deprives the organ of a key tool to ensure the implementation of its resolutions and weakens the international non-proliferation architecture.</p><p>The representative of the Republic of Korea said that the Panel of Experts — one of the Council’s most vibrant and significant subsidiary bodies — “has been taken hostage by one permanent member [which] puts its blind self-centredness over the Council’s collective responsibility for maintaining international peace and security”. Noting the Russian Federation’s proposal to include a one-year sunset clause on the entire sanctions’ regime tied to the renewal of the Panel’s mandate, he pointed out that Moscow “employed an all-too-familiar and obvious tactic by insisting on completely unacceptable conditions without any room for compromise”. At this moment, “Russia seems to be more interested in embracing or encouraging the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] for its provision of munitions and ballistic missiles for the conduct of its war in Ukraine at the expense of the nuclear-non-proliferation regime and the proper functioning of the Security Council,” he asserted, adding: “This is almost comparable to destroying a CCTV to avoid being caught red-handed.”</p><p>“Who can seriously doubt the need to have an independent Panel of Experts allowing us to document the violations of this Council’s resolutions?” asked France’s delegate, voicing concern over Pyongyang’s recent ballistic-missile tests, launch of a military satellite into orbit and support of Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine.</p><p>“This veto undermines the Panel’s work, the integrity of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and this Council’s credibility in upholding resolutions,” echoed his counterpart from the United Kingdom, dismissing the claims of ignored requests for the review of the text. Moscow vetoed the resolution “to gain the freedom to evade and breach sanctions in pursuit of weapons to be used against Ukraine”, she asserted.</p><p>Switzerland’s delegate added that Moscow’s arguments are not convincing and its veto “only fuels suspicion” regarding violations of sanctions measures investigated by the Committee. While the Committee’s task is hampered, its mandate remains intact, she stressed, reiterating that “arms shipments from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are a flagrant violation of international law.”</p><p>“Nobody — except for proliferators — would benefit from weakening the global non-proliferation regime,” underscored the representative of Japan, Council President for March, speaking in his national capacity. “It is irresponsible and shameful” that Moscow has been violating relevant resolutions by procuring military equipment and munitions from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for use in its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. He noted that the voices of the wider membership will be heard during the General Assembly meeting that will be convened in response to today’s veto.</p><p>The speaker for Malta pointed out that today’s text “represented a set of significant compromises”: it accommodated requests to link mandate renewal to broader discussions on sanctions and dialogue on the file, as well as made the midterm report confidential. Yet, despite these significant changes — and even though most Council members supported a technical rollover — this compromise was vetoed by the Russian Federation. Stressing that any discussion on sanctions architecture should be kept separate from the Panel’s mandate renewal, she underscored: “Panels of Experts are independent and impartial, and their mandates ought to be treated this way.” In the absence of the Panel’s reports, Pyongyang’s relentless evasion of sanctions will continue to grow unchecked. “This is a sad disservice to regional and international peace and security,” she observed.</p><p>For his part, Algeria’s delegate urged members to find common ground and reach a consensus on renewing the Panel of Experts’ mandate, adding: “Unity within the Security Council is paramount in confronting global peace and security challenges.”</p><p>At the outset of the meeting, a procedural vote was requested by the Russian Federation on the meeting's provisional agenda. Having received the requisite number of votes in favour, the Council adopted the agenda and proceeded with the meeting.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></div></div></section></main></div></div></div><p><br></p><p>https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15648.doc.htm<br></p></div></article></section></main></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-73930518169849688502024-03-27T20:30:00.004+03:002024-03-27T20:31:41.965+03:00Security Council Hears Briefing on Democratic Republic of Congo<main role="main"><section><article><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>9590TH MEETING (AM)</div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div>SC/15646</div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><time datetime="2024-03-27T12:00:00Z">27 March 2024</time></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><h1><br></h1></div><div><div><div><div><div><p><strong>(Note: The final summary of this meeting will be available at a later time.)</strong></p><p>The Security Council met this morning to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Briefing the Council were Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jacquie-Anna, National Technical Secretariat for the Implementation of UNSCR 2250.</p><p><u>Briefings</u></p><p><strong>Statement by Bintou Keita to come.</strong></p><p>JACQUIE-ANNA, civil society representative from the <u>National Technical Secretariat for the Implementation of resolution 2250 (2015</u>), said that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the third country in the world after Finland and Nigeria to have a national action plan to implement resolution 2250 (2015). The secretariat is a new structure that works tirelessly for the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda. Young people and women comprise a large proportion of the population in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are the most vulnerable to the consequences of war. The secretariat’s mission is to promote young people at the decision-making table, she said, adding: “In a country with a high proportion of young people, ignoring and excluding them would be a suicide.” </p><p>For two decades, the aggression against the Democratic Republic of Congo by Rwanda — disguised as a rebellion known as the RCD, the CNDP, or the M23 terrorist group — has destroyed everything in its path. This has caused anxiety in young people who have lost all hope. It makes them fall prey to violent extremism and child recruitment. “A youth without education has known nothing but war, violence, and bloodshed,” exposed to abuses in refugee or displaced person camps where they are “stripped of everything”, she said. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has no more future, given that its youth are savagely destroyed by the effects of Rwanda’s war of aggression.</p><p>She detailed the use of rape and other forms of sexual abuse as a weapon of war by the Rwandan occupation army. The Congolese women in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo lost their dignity, with thousands of them living with the moral dilemma of having to kill their children who were conceived by rape. “How long will this situation last? How many women will have to be raped in front of their husbands and children, how many young people will have to see their future stolen from them and be recruited into armed groups?” she asked. The international community is good at beautiful speeches and rhetoric — however, “is anyone going to wake up and say no?”</p><p><u>Statements</u></p><p>The representative of <u>France</u> condemned the resumption of M23 offensives — as well as Rwanda’s support for that group, which must end without delay. The deployment of anti-air systems on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is “a new threshold crossed”, he observed, also condemning the actions of armed groups in the eastern part of that country. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected, and he pointed out that these events have exacerbated the humanitarian situation as another 500,000 people have been displaced in North Kivu since October 2023. Underscoring the importance of dialogue, he expressed support for regional efforts towards this end — especially those held in Angola — and underlined the need for a plan to disarm and demobilize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. He also condemned attacks against MONUSCO, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.</p><p>The representative of <u>Malta</u>, concerned by the alarming escalation of conflicts and displacement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, said armed groups must lay down their weapons. Their sophisticated weaponry also demands the Council’s serious attention. Concerned about attacks on MONUSCO, she called for prioritizing dialogue, including through the Luanda process. Welcoming recent electoral milestones, she pointed to irregularities in that process and noted the increasingly insecure environment. She noted age-verification assessments by the Mission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to prevent recruitment of child soldiers. “This essential endeavour must be sustained,” she said, through close collaboration between the Congolese authorities and UNICEF even after MONUSCO’s departure. Despite the country’s efforts to improve the human rights situation, the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty is concerning. Any withdrawal of MONUSCO forces must be accompanied by the bolstering of national armed forces, she said, calling for the integration of gender analysis into the transition process, including through collaboration with civil society organizations. </p><p>The representative of <u>Ecuador</u> voiced concern over the humanitarian and security situation in the country, especially considering the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO. Spotlighting reports of the use of sophisticated weapons and equipment — evidence of external military support to the M23 — he condemned that these weapons were used against United Nations peacekeepers. As well, the public threats of the M23 against MONUSCO and the dissemination of false information that seeks to discredit the Mission should be condemned. Calling for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, he reiterated the need for humanitarian corridors to assist the 7 million displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On reports of possible war crimes, serious human rights abuses, and sexual and gender-based violence, he underscored that “the perpetrators of these crimes must not go unpunished”.</p><p>The representative of <u>Sierra Leone</u>, also speaking for <u>Algeria</u>, <u>Guyana</u> and <u>Mozambique</u>, welcomed the holding of presidential, national, provincial legislative and partial communal elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 20 December 2023. He also noted the outcome of such elections, as well as the related appeals process contesting the results, and encouraged all stakeholders to abide by them in the interest of peace and national development. He encouraged national authorities, in the aftermath of elections, to facilitate a process of national reconciliation and to “uphold a governance system that reflects the national aspirations and character of the country”. He then expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pointing out that prolonged armed violence has created significant challenges to the provision of humanitarian aid. Support for the 2024 humanitarian response plan — which is currently only 14 per cent funded — is crucial to addressing food insecurity and improving access to essential services.</p><p>Noting the approaching deadline for the completion of phase one of MONUSCO’s withdrawal — 30 April 2024 — he emphasized the importance of establishing a strong State presence in all areas from which the Mission will withdraw. “This is critical to avoid creating a security vacuum and to effectively administer these areas,” he said. Also stressing the need for the deployment of well-trained and equipped national defence and security forces to areas currently covered by MONUSCO, he stressed that the absence of these and other complementary measures “would only worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC, as was the case with the withdrawal of the East African Community Regional Force”. Further, he expressed concern over the use of increasingly sophisticated weaponry by armed groups and demanded the cessation of any support by any external party to such groups. Among other points, he stressed the significance of maintaining and enforcing sanctions against those threatening the peace, security or stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.</p><p>The representative of <u>China</u> expressed concern about the escalating violence and border security incidents resulting in a large number of civilian casualties and displacement. Urging M23 and other armed groups to immediately stop fighting, he stressed the importance of dialogue and called on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance. Countries of the Great Lakes region share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, he pointed out, adding that the international community should support their efforts to strengthen dialogue and manage conflicts. Highlighting in particular the mediation efforts made by Angola and Burundi, he said the United Nations should follow the approach of African solutions to African problems. Underlining the role of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, he called for more cooperation between the SADC Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO while expressing support for the latter’s disengagement plan. </p><p>The representative of the <u>United States</u> observed that the aggressive military incursion into the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by the UN-sanctioned M23 has put the Mission’s uniformed and civilian personnel under immense strain. Washington, D.C., supports MONUSCO’s peacekeepers who risk their lives daily to protect civilians and combat armed groups. He further condemned M23’s appalling human rights abuses — including sexual and gender-based violence — against civilians. The UN should immediately engage the Rwandan Government at the highest levels to underscore the importance of peacekeeper safety and security and re-evaluate Rwanda’s credibility as a constructive participant in peacekeeping. He also expressed concern about the capacity of the Congolese Armed Forces and national police to fill the security void, especially as violence in North Kivu threatens to spread further.</p><p>The representative of the <u>Republic of Korea</u> urged all armed groups — particularly M23 — to immediately cease their offensive in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the same time, all parties to the conflict must engage constructively in diplomatic dialogue to find a negotiated solution, and regional efforts — such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes — should be revitalized. He also condemned attacks targeting MONUSCO positions and assets. While reiterating that the primary responsibility for the safety of UN personnel rests with host States, he urged the Mission to continue its strategic communications with local communities to effectively address the sophisticated disinformation campaigns that fuel these attacks. Noting over 400 human rights violations predominantly linked to the conflict were reported monthly in 2023, and 6 million individuals have been displaced in the eastern provinces, he said: “The escalating human rights and humanitarian crises demand urgent attention.” Further, he commended the Mission’s role in supporting the electoral process, including through the delivery of electoral materials.</p><p>The representative of the <u>Russian Federation</u>, expressing concern over the escalation involving M23, stated that offensive action by that group must cease. He also condemned the shelling of population centres and camps for the internally displaced and called for the unblocking of land routes to Goma. Emphasizing that the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo directly impacts that in the Great Lakes Region, he said that settling the crisis is in regional countries’ interest. However, only political decisions will create genuine conditions for lasting stabilization. To that end, he urged intensified mediation efforts to overcome tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali and called for the cessation of “any kind of State interaction with illegal armed groups”. Adding that MONUSCO’s presence is an important stabilizing factor, he said — in light of its upcoming withdrawal — that, while a security vacuum cannot be allowed, the timetable the Council established must be followed.</p><p>The representative of the <u>United Kingdom</u> urged all parties to immediately end attacks on peacekeeping troops and deconflict activities to allow MONUSCO to fulfil its mandate. He warned that the Mission’s withdrawal from South Kivu risks leaving a security vacuum, urging the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to protect the civilian population, which is increasingly vulnerable to armed group attacks. He also condemned the actions of all armed groups, calling on external actors to end their support for violent armed groups in that country, including M23, whose activities have resulted in mass civilian displacement. “Without serious efforts on all sides to de-escalate and end hostilities, the devastating humanitarian impact of the conflict will continue,” he cautioned, noting that London has pledged $126 million to be delivered through a three-year humanitarian programme to address this enormous need.</p><p>The representative of <u>Switzerland</u> condemned the recent attack on MONUSCO and wished a speedy recovery to the injured peacekeepers. Noting “incessant attacks by the ADF, CODECO and Zaire and ongoing clashes between the FARDC and the M23,” she said the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Only a political solution can lead to lasting peace, she said, expressing concern about the possible transformation of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to a wider regional conflict. Calling on parties to resume negotiations, she welcomed the efforts made within the framework of the Luanda process. Calling on Rwanda to withdraw support to the M23, she highlighted that group’s change of tactics in North Kivu and said all efforts must be undertaken to protect the civilian population there. While the country has the primary responsibility to protect its civilians, it is also obliged to protect United Nations peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, she noted. </p><p>The representative of <u>Slovenia</u> said that the “alarming” escalation in the eastern part of the country is adding to insecurity and destabilization in the wider Great Lakes region. He condemned the M23 offensive in North Kivu, especially around Saké and Goma, stressing that “no military action can resolve the conflict”. M23 must immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied territories, in line with the Luanda road map, and all States must cease support to armed groups. Given the escalating security situation in North Kivu, the withdrawal of MONUSCO requires strategic planning. A safe, orderly, responsible, gradual and sustainable withdrawal that maintains a protective environment for civilians must remain the focus of the ongoing partnership between the host country and the UN. Synchronizing the deployment of Congolese national security forces with MONUSCO’s withdrawal is critical to ensure a seamless transition. He also pointed out that the withdrawal should be based on the prevailing conditions on the ground and the ability of national forces to assume responsibility for protecting civilians, especially women and children. </p><p>The representative of <u>Japan</u>, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to express regret over reports of the entry of large quantities of sophisticated weapons into the theatre of conflict, as well as of the alleged presence of disguised foreign troops. “Ongoing support of any kind, by any State, to M23 and any other armed groups must be stopped now,” she underscored, as it only exacerbates insecurity and increases the possibility of “all-out regional conflict”. Noting that the worsening security, human-rights and humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is making it more challenging to conduct a gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO, she stressed that the concurrent establishing of effective State authority is essential to avoid any security vacuum and ensure the rule of law. On that, she reported that her country continues to support the Government’s efforts to develop community policing.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode<br></p><p>https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15646.doc.htm<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></section></main>OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-8189354666642436092024-03-27T06:52:00.001+03:002024-03-27T06:52:56.915+03:00Security Council on Government Efforts in Past Year to Prevent Non-State Actors from Acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction<div><main role="main"><section><article><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><time datetime="2024-03-26T12:00:00Z">26 March 2024</time></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><h1>1540 Committee Chair Briefs </h1></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><p><strong>(Note: The final summary of this meeting will be available at a later time.)</strong></p><p>Ahead of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of a resolution aiming to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, the head of the Security Council Committee tasked with its implementation today briefed the organ on the work of that subsidiary body over the past year.</p><p>On 28 April 2004, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1540 (2004) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, affirming that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The resolution obliges States, inter alia, to refrain from supporting non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using such weapons and their means of delivery.</p><p>At the outset of the meeting, a procedural vote on the meeting’s provisional agenda was requested by the representative of the Russian Federation. Having received the requisite number of votes in favour, the Council adopted the agenda and proceeded with the meeting.</p><p>José Javier de la Gasca (Ecuador), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), briefing the Council on the Committee’s work since 23 March 2023, stated that the Council’s recognition of the severe threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to international peace and security was a “pivotal moment” in the international community’s response to prevent it. “States have continued to make efforts towards the full implementation of the resolution, which remains a long-term task,” he reported.</p><p>Noting that the Committee held seven formal and one informal meeting in 2023 and has held three formal meetings to date in 2024, he acknowledged that Member States are in the best position to identify effective national practices. To that end, he recognized the need to promote the sharing of experience, including through voluntary peer reviews and other means, to evaluate and reinforce effective practices. </p><p>Alongside detailing other facets of its activities, he said that the Committee approved the appointment of five candidates to its Group of Experts in February 2024, which will allow the Group to be better resourced to assist the Committee in its work. “The Committee will continue discussing the issue of the remaining vacancy in the spirit of cooperation,” he added, also informing the Council of the Committee’s intention to hold an open briefing this year in accordance with resolution 2663 (2022) on the status of implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15644.doc.htm<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></section></main></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-62938842834924905552024-03-26T21:07:00.001+03:002024-03-26T21:08:39.718+03:0027 марта начнётся голосование на парламентских выборах за рубежом( Южная Корея)<div><header><section><div><nav><div>2024-03-26 11:45:31<br></div></nav></div></section></header><div><div><section><div><div><div><br></div></div></div><div><div><div><img src="https://worldimg.kbs.co.kr/src/images/news/202403/240313034409_64_i.jpg" alt="27 марта начнётся голосование на парламентских выборах за рубежом "></div><p>Photo : YONHAP News</p></div>С 27 марта по 1 апреля состоится голосование на выборах в Национальное собрание РК 22-го созыва, в котором примут участие избиратели, проживающие за рубежом. По данным Центризбиркома, для их проведения организованы 220 избирательных участках в 115 странах. Они будут открыты с 8:00 до 17:00 по местному времени. Для участия в голосовании зарегистрировались 147.989 избирателей, проживающих за рубежом. Это на 34,6% меньше по сравнению с президентскими выборами в 2022 году, и на 14% меньше, чем на предыдущих парламентских выборах в 2020 году. Заполненные бюллетени доставят в РК дипломатической почтой и распределят по окружным избирательным комиссиям. Они будут обработаны после окончания голосования 10 апреля вместе с бюллетенями, заполненными на избирательных участках внутри страны. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=r&Seq_Code=77576<br></div></section></div></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-73870959411857132252024-03-26T20:20:00.003+03:002024-03-26T21:08:54.730+03:00UN envoy backs demand for immediate Gaza ceasefire amid ‘cataclysmic suffering’<div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/26-03-2024-UN_Photo-SECCO.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="A wide view of the Security Council as it holds a procedural vote on the agenda of the meeting. On the screen is Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland." title="A wide view of the Security Council as it holds a procedural vote on the agenda of the meeting. On the screen is Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe</div> </div><div>A wide view of the Security Council as it holds a procedural vote on the agenda of the meeting. On the screen is Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>26 March 2024</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a><br><span><span></span></span><div><div><p>The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Tuesday issued a fervent plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and release of all hostages, amid “cataclysmic” suffering in the Gaza Strip and continuing violence in the occupied West Bank.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>The call by Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland followed Monday’s adoption by the <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> of a <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147951">resolution “demanding” an immediate ceasefire</a> in the enclave for the remainder of Ramadan, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.</p><p>However, intense hostilities have continued between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters, with <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147966">reports of many killed overnight</a>, including children.</p><p>Briefing ambassadors in the Council, he reiterated the UN’s frequent condemnation of the brutal 7 October attacks by Hamas and other groups on communities in southern Israel, stressing that “<strong>nothing can justify these acts of terror</strong>”.</p><h2>Immense scale of death, suffering</h2><p>He said he was “appalled” by the immense scale of death, destruction and suffering wrought by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, with civilian killings at a rate that is unprecedented.</p><p>“<strong>Nothing can justify the collective punishment</strong> of the Palestinian people,” he emphasized.</p><p>“The life-threatening conditions facing the more than 1.7 million internally displaced persons within an ever-diminishing space in Gaza must be addressed immediately. I am extremely concerned by the possible nightmare of more than one million people being displaced again if Israel proceeds with its planned ground operation in Rafah.”</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/25-03-2024_UNICEF_Gaza-01.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" alt="The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains catastrophic." title="The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains catastrophic." loading="lazy" width="1170" height="530"></div><div><div>© UNICEF/Eyad El Baba</div> </div><div>The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains catastrophic.</div></div><h2>Protect humanitarians</h2><p>With an “imminent” famine in the north and “horrifying” levels of suffering across Gaza, Mr. Wennesland called on Israel to <strong>fulfil its obligations under international law</strong>, and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access into and throughout the Strip.</p><p>He noted that humanitarian work in Gaza is extremely dangerous and that aid convoys continue to face attacks, he stressed that the UN and aid partners must be able to deliver assistance safely.</p><p>“This means that <strong>humanitarian locations, movements, and workers must be protected</strong> more effectively, and that the UN be allowed the equipment it needs to increase staff safety.”</p><p>The Special Coordinator also <strong>welcomed the opening of a maritime corridor</strong> to deliver vital additional humanitarian assistance by sea, but reiterated that “for aid delivery at scale there is no meaningful substitute to delivery by land”.</p><h2>Alarm over attacks in West Bank</h2><p>Turning his attention to the occupied West Bank, Mr. Wennesland expressed <strong>deep concern over continued violence and casualties,</strong> urging Israeli security forces to exercise maximum restraint.</p><p>“I am alarmed by attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including in the proximity of Israeli Security Forces,” he said, adding that attacks by Palestinians against Israelis must also cease.</p><p>“All perpetrators must be held accountable.”</p><p>Mr. Wennesland also emphasized the importance of upholding the status quo at Holy Sites in Jerusalem, particularly during Ramadan.</p><p>“I note that prayers at the Holy Sites have proceeded with some minimal confrontations thus far, and welcome all efforts to preserve calm. <strong>All sides must refrain from unilateral steps that would escalate tensions during this sensitive time</strong>,” he urged.</p><figure role="group"><div><div></div></div><figcaption>Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland briefing the Security Council via video link.</figcaption></figure><h2>Expansion of Israeli settlements</h2><p>Mr. Wennesland also raised alarm over the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures.</p><p>“The <strong>ever-expanding settlement footprint</strong>, including outposts, further entrenches the occupation, while severely impeding the exercise by the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination,” he said, reiterating that Israeli settlements “have no legal validity, and are in in flagrant violation of international law.</p><p>The Special Coordinator also voiced concern over the ailing Palestinian economy, calling on the international community to extend fiscal relief to the Palestinian Authority (PA), and on the PA to continue carrying out crucial reform.</p><h2>Two-State solution</h2><p>Mr. Wennesland underscored the importance of helping strengthen the PA to enable it to effectively govern.</p><p>“Ultimately, <strong>any substantial solution for Gaza, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is political</strong>,” he said.</p><p>“It is imperative to set the conditions for an agreed political framework that can outline tangible, irreversible steps towards ending the occupation and establishing a two-State solution – Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side-by-side in peace and security, on the basis of UN resolutions, previous agreements, and international law, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.”</p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147981<br></p><p><br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-18852996979967187532024-03-26T09:07:00.001+03:002024-03-26T09:11:11.720+03:00Постпред РФ назвал дипломатической агрессией срыв Парижем заседания СБ ООН по Югославии<div><br></div><div><div></div><div><div></div></div><div><main><div><a href="https://tass.ru/"><div></div></a></div><section><div><div><div><div><span>25 марта, 23:58</span></div></div></div></div><div><div><br><img alt="Постоянный представитель России при ООН Василий Небензя. Валерий Шарифулин/ ТАСС" src="https://cdn-storage-media.tass.ru/resize/976x648/tass_media/2024/03/25/w/1711408838516358_wIyIcFL7.jpg"></div><div><br></div></div><div><h4>Агрессия была проявлена в отношении свободы слова, подчеркнул постоянный представитель России при организации</h4></div><div><br></div><article><p><span>ООН, 25 марта. </span></p><p><span>Совет Безопасности ООН из-за "дипломатической агрессии" Франции не смог провести запрошенное РФ заседание по агрессии НАТО против Югославии, заявил постоянный представитель России при ООН Василий Небензя.</span></p><div><div><img alt="" aria-hidden="true" src="https://cdn-storage-media.tass.ru/resize/488x324/tass_media/2024/03/20/h/1710925215265597_hvmUu5KK.jpg">"Сегодня, в 25-летие агрессии НАТО против Югославии, мы наблюдаем очередной акт дипломатической агрессии со стороны Франции, которая входит в НАТО. В этот раз это случилось в Совете Безопасности ООН. Агрессия была проявлена в отношении свободы слова, свободы выражения в высшем органе ООН. Франция и другие члены ООН прибегают к процедурным маневрам, чтобы не допустить созыва Совета Безопасности по вопросу чрезвычайной важности, который имеет серьезные последствия для Сербии, нынешней ситуации в Косове, равно как и для всего региона Западных Балкан", - сказал он журналистам.</div></div><p><span>Перед этим члены Совета Безопасности ООН не приняли российскую повестку дня заседания. Алжир, Китай, Россия выступили за, 11 стран воздержались. Против не выступил никто, однако повестка была отклонена из-за отсутствия девяти необходимых голосов в поддержку.</span></p><p><span>24 марта 1999 года началась военная операция НАТО против Союзной Республики Югославия. Главной целью воздушно-наступательной операции Allied Force ("Союзная сила") руководство альянса назвало "предотвращение геноцида албанского населения в Косове". По данным НАТО, за время операции, продолжавшейся 78 дней, авиация стран альянса совершила 38 тыс. боевых вылетов.</span></p><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div><p><span>Согласно исследованиям военных экспертов, было выпущено 3 тыс. крылатых ракет, сброшено около 80 тыс. тонн бомб, в том числе кассетных и с обедненным ураном. В результате бомбардировок, по сербским данным, погибли от 3,5 тыс. до 4 тыс. человек, ранения получили около 12,5 тыс., две трети из которых - это мирные жители.</span></p><p><span><br></span></p><p><span> https://tass.ru/politika/20354645<br></span></p></article></section></main></div></div><div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode<br></div>OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-46306445885058656452024-03-26T09:02:00.004+03:002024-03-26T09:04:11.856+03:00Reuters: кандидат от оппозиции набрал на выборах в Сенегале более 53% голосов<div><br></div><div><div>25 МАР, 20:20<br></div><div><div><div><span></span></div></div><article><br><div><p>Действующий президент страны Маки Саль и представитель правящей коалиции Амаду Ба поздравили Диомайе Файя с победой в первом туре президентских выборов</p><p>ПРЕТОРИЯ, 25 марта. </p><p> Кандидат от оппозиции Бассиру Диомайе Фай набрал на состоявшихся накануне в Сенегале президентских выборах 53,7% голосов избирателей. Об этом сообщило агентство <a href="http://reuters.com/" target="_blank">Reuters</a> со ссылкой на данные Национальной автономной избирательной комиссии Сенегала.</p></div><div><div><p>Основной конкурент Диомайе Файя, представитель правящей коалиции Амаду Ба получил 36,2%.</p><p>Агентство отмечает, что эти данные имеют предварительный характер и поступили после подсчета бюллетеней на 90% избирательных участков. Официальные результаты выборов еще не обнародованы.</p><p>Между тем действующий президент Сенегала Маки Саль и Амаду Ба уже поздравили Диомайе Файя с победой в первом туре президентских выборов.</p><p><br></p><p> https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/20352767/amp<br></p><p><br></p><p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode<br></p></div></div></article></div></div>OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-71646835352161201262024-03-26T02:03:00.003+03:002024-03-26T02:05:20.316+03:00World News in Brief: 17 million Yemenis need health support, cholera in Somalia, OCHA chief stepping down, Haiti crisis update<div><br></div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/25-09-2023-IOM_Yemen-05.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="A young child is provided with healthcare in Aden, Yemen. " title="A young child is provided with healthcare in Aden, Yemen. " loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>© IOM/Rami Ibrahim</div> </div><div>A young child is provided with healthcare in Aden, Yemen.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>25 March 2024</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a></span></span><div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Conflict in Yemen entered its 10th year on Monday, as UN humanitarians </span><a href="https://www.emro.who.int/media/news/yemen-conflict-enters-10th-year-with-over-17-million-people-in-need-of-health-aid.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span lang="EN-US">issued a warning</span></a><span lang="EN-US"> that over half the country’s populations are in desperate need of aid. </span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>According to the UN health agency (<a href="http://www.who.int/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WHO</a>), almost 18 million people need medical assistance and half of that number are children.</p><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>WHOYemen</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/WHOYemen/statuses/1772313793793564734" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><p>Nearly one in two under-fives also suffer from moderate to severe stunting, said WHO, pointing out that this adds up to nearly 2.4 million children.</p><p>“It’s important to step back and remember that hungry children, disease outbreaks, hospitals shutting down … are not to be normalized,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.</p><p>Fighting in Yemen between the internationally recognised government in Aden and mainly Houthi rebels who occupy the capital, Sana’a and other territory, has been accompanied by a significant decline in international support.</p><h3><strong>Increasingly vulnerable</strong></h3><p>This has left communities vulnerable to worsening conditions, including climate change.</p><p>Last year, natural shocks - particularly heavy rains and flash-flooding – were the main cause of new displacement in Yemen, the UN health agency said.</p><p>It noted that some 4.5 million individuals are still internally displaced today, with women and children accounting for about eight in 10 of those affected.</p><p>In the last five years, funding for WHO activities in the country has fallen by 45 per cent. This year, the UN agency needs $77 million to provide essential health assistance.</p><p>WHO today supports 96 therapeutic feeding centres, enough to help around 30,000 children per year.</p><p>It also provides nutrition screening services in more than 270 districts. These centres have achieved 96 per cent cure rates which is well above the international standard.</p><h2><strong>Deadly cholera infections spreading fast in Somalia, warn UN aid teams</strong></h2><p>Cholera has killed nine people in the last week across Somalia and more than 50 in recent months, <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalia-2024-awdcholera-outbreak-flash-update-no2-24-march-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UN aid teams said on</a> Monday.</p><p>The alert from UN aid coordination office, <a href="https://www.unocha.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OCHA</a>, confirms that the preventable disease is spreading, with increasing numbers of infections reported in Hirshabelle, Puntland and South West states.</p><p>The outbreak is expected to escalate when the Gu rains start next month, especially in high-risk districts located along the Shabelle and Juba River basins.</p><h3><strong>Cases rise in the capital</strong></h3><p>The Somali capital, Mogadishu, has also seen a spike in cholera cases in the last two weeks while the UN health agency, WHO, reported three times more infections so far in 2024 than in the last three years.</p><p>More than six in 10 of the deceased have been children under five in an outbreak that’s being driven by high levels of malnutrition, poor access to clean water and toilets along with open defecation.</p><p>As part of the ongoing aid response, about 1.4 million cholera vaccine doses have been approved. More than 100 cholera kits have also been prepositioned across the country, with enough supplies to treat 10,500 patients.</p><h2><strong>UN relief chief stepping down</strong></h2><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>UNReliefChief</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/UNReliefChief/statuses/1772305309341462621" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><p>The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, announced on Monday that he is stepping down from the top aid job for health reasons.</p><p>He informed the Secretary-General of his decision earlier in the day but he will remain in post until the end of June to ensure a smooth transition, said the Deputy UN Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, briefing correspondents.</p><p>Mr. Griffiths said it had been "the privilege of my life" to be in the role of relief chief in a post on X, thanking all partners and supporters for championing those caught up in crises.</p><p>“The Secretary-General extends his deep gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Griffiths for his tremendous leadership and service to the United Nations and the humanitarian community in advocating for people affected by crises and mobilizing resources to address their needs”, said Mr. Haq.</p><p>Mr. Griffiths, who heads the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), took on the job in July 2021, at a time of mounting humanitarian needs and shrinking resources.</p><p>“He advocated tirelessly for life-saving aid to reach those most in need and for the resources needed to do so” and has played a “key role” in leading the humanitarian response, negotiating solutions to some of the most intractable crises. </p><h2><strong>Haiti: Insecurity and violence continues</strong></h2><p>Violence and insecurity is continuing to disrupt aid operations in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince said OCHA on Monday, while WHO warned that less than half of health facilities in the capital are functioning at their normal capacity.</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/21-03-2024_WFP_Haiti.jpg/image1024x768.jpg" alt="Children in Haiti line up for a hot meal and water distributed by WFP in Port-au-Prince." title="Children in Haiti line up for a hot meal and water distributed by WFP in Port-au-Prince." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>© CAPAC/Jean Vadler Presume</div> </div><div>Children in Haiti line up for a hot meal and water distributed by WFP in Port-au-Prince.</div></div><p>The crisis stemming from years of political and economic upheaval has crippled healthcare relief operations and hindered access to the few remaining facilities.</p><p>As an example of the volatile environment stemming from the rampant gang activity and human rights abuses which have gripped the capital, Bernard Mevs hospital, which had recently reopened, was forced to suspend its operations again due to insecurity, said Mr. Haq.</p><p>Despite the challenges, WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health and local partners with supplies and logistics, including water, sanitation and hygiene and disease surveillance in centres for displaced people.</p><h3>Hot meals in hard to reach areas</h3><p>For its part, the World Food Programme’s (<a href="http://www1.wfp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WFP</a>) Haiti chief, Jean-Martin Bauer, said that yesterday they were able to provide more than 17,500 hot meals to displaced people each day.</p><p>“We’ve also been able to provide food rations to people in very difficult neighbourhoods, including Cité Soleil”, he said.</p><p><a href="https://www.unicef.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UNICEF</a> and its partners continue to provide psychosocial support to those impacted and humanitarians continue to strongly appeal to all parties to urgently allow unhindered, safe access to people in need.</p><p><br></p><p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode<br></p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147941<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div>OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-88427902766024313292024-03-26T01:57:00.002+03:002024-03-26T01:59:08.393+03:00UN pays tribute to victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade<div><br></div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/assets/2012/04/14733/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Shackles used to bind slaves on display at the Transatlantic Slave Trade exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York. (file)" title="Shackles used to bind slaves on display at the Transatlantic Slave Trade exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York. (file)" loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>UN Photo/Mark Garten</div> </div><div>Shackles used to bind slaves on display at the Transatlantic Slave Trade exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York. (file)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>25 March 2024</span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/human-rights" hreflang="en">Human Rights</a></span></span><div><div><p>Top UN officials, including the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly on Monday paid tribute to the millions of men, women and children who suffered as a result of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, one of most devastating chapters in human history.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>Addressing a commemorative meeting to mark the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/rememberslavery/observance" target="_blank">International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade</a>, Assembly President Dennis Francis highlighted the harrowing journeys endured by millions during the so-called Middle Passage, emphasizing the stripping of their identities and dignity.</p><div><div></div></div><p>“It is inconceivable that the enslaved were cruelly regarded as mere commodities for sale and exploitation,” he <a href="https://www.un.org/pga/78/2024/03/25/pga-remarks-at-the-general-assembly-commemorative-meeting-to-mark-the-international-day-of-remembrance-of-the-victims-of-slavery-and-the-transatlantic-slave-trade/" target="_blank">said</a>.</p><p>“Together with their children born into slavery, perpetuating the vicious cycle of bondage and suffering – enduring untold horrors at the hands of their oppressors,” he added.</p><h2>Pursuance of justice</h2><p>Assembly President Francis paid tribute to revolutionary figures such as Samuel Sharpe, Sojourner Truth, and Gaspar Yanga, who bravely fought for freedom, paving the way for abolitionist movements and inspiring generations to challenge injustice.</p><p>He emphasized the ongoing impact of slavery’s legacy, calling for accountability and reparations as essential components of pursuing true justice, stressing the urgent need to address systemic racism and discrimination faced by people of African descent, both historically and in contemporary society.</p><p>“It is incumbent upon States, institutions, and individuals to acknowledge their roles in perpetuating these legacies of injustice – and to take meaningful steps towards reparatory justice,” he said.</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/26-03-2024-UN_Photo_PGA.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" alt="Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, addresses a commemorative meeting to mark the International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade" title="Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, addresses a commemorative meeting to mark the International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade" loading="lazy" width="1170" height="530"></div><div><div>UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe</div> </div><div>Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, addresses a commemorative meeting to mark the International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade</div></div><h2>Echoes continue today</h2><p>Also on Monday, Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General, delivered a <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-03-25/secretary-generals-remarks-the-general-assembly-the-international-day-of-remembrance-of-the-victims-of-slavery-and-the-transatlantic-slave-trade-delivered" target="_blank">message on behalf of the UN chief</a>, further amplifying the call for remembrance and justice.</p><p>Reading the Secretary-General’s message, Mr. Rattray echoed the sentiments of honouring the millions who suffered under the brutal regime of slavery.</p><p>“For four hundred years, enslaved Africans fought for their freedom, while colonial powers and others committed horrific crimes against them,” he said.</p><p>“Many of those who organized and ran the Transatlantic slave trade amassed huge fortunes,” he continued, noting that the enslaved were deprived of education, healthcare, opportunity, and prosperity.</p><p>“This laid the foundations for a violent discrimination system based on white supremacy that still echoes today.”</p><p>Mr. Rattray underscored the need for reparatory justice frameworks to help overcome generations of exclusion and discrimination, urging united effort towards a world free from racism, discrimination, bigotry and hate.</p><p>“Together, as we remember the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, let’s unite for human rights, dignity and opportunity for all.”</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147956<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-86623287500294699472024-03-25T18:15:00.002+03:002024-03-25T18:17:18.593+03:00UPDATING LIVE: Security Council passes resolution demanding 'an immediate ceasefire' during Ramadan<div><br></div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/25-03-2024_SC_US.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, votes on the resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan." title="Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, votes on the resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, votes on the resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>25 March 2024</span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a></span></span><div><div><p>The <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">UN Security Council</a> on Monday passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and "the urgent need to expand the flow" of aid into Gaza. There were 14 votes in favour with the United States abstaining. <strong>Follow live coverage here</strong>.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div><p><strong>11:01 AM</strong></p><h3>Council must focus on solutions, after deafening silence: France</h3><p>French Ambassador and Permanent Representative Nicholas de Rivière welcomed the adoption of the resolution, stressing that “it was high time” that the <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> act. </p><p>“The adoption of this resolution demonstrates that the Security Council can still act when all of its members make the necessary effort to discharge their mandate,” he said.</p><p>“The Security Council’s silence on Gaza was becoming deafening, it is high time now for the Council to finally contribute to finding a solution to this crisis,” he added, noting that it is not yet over and that the 15-member body, will have to remain mobilized and immediately get to work.</p><p>“It will have to, following Ramadan, which finishes in two weeks, [the Council] will have to establish a permanent ceasefire,” the Ambassador added, stressing also the importance of the two-State solution.</p><p><strong>10:55 AM</strong></p><h3>Resolution must make a difference: Republic of Korea</h3><p>The <strong>Republic of Korea’s Ambassador Hwang Joonkook</strong>, said it was the first ever resolution from the E-10 to be adopted on this Middle East agenda and represents a huge breakthrough.</p><p>But for today’s resolution to have concrete significance, it must have a tangible impact in Gaza itself, he said.</p><p>“The situation must be different before and after this resolution. This will only be possible when both Israel and Hamas respect and faithfully implement this resolution.”</p><p>They must understand this resolution reflects the consensus of the international community, starting right now with a ceasefire. </p><p><strong>10:46 AM</strong></p><h3>Supporting crucial talks: US</h3><p><strong>US Ambassador and Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield</strong> said that in adopting the resolution, the Security Council “spoke out in support” of the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the US, Qatar and Egypt to bring about an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, secure the immediate release of all hostages, and help alleviate the tremendous suffering of Palestinian civilians in need in Gaza.</p><p>“The United States fully supports these critical objectives,” she said.</p><p>“In fact, they were the foundation of the resolution we put forward last week – a resolution that Russia and China vetoed.”</p><p>Emphasizing that her country’s support for the objectives “is not simply rhetorical,” Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said that the US “is working around the clock to make them real on the ground, through diplomacy.”</p><p>She urged Council members to be clear that a ceasefire could have come “months ago” had Hamas been ready to release the hostages, accusing the group of throwing roadblocks in the path of peace.</p><p>“So today my ask to the members of this Council…is ‘speak out and demand unequivocally that Hamas accepts the deal on the table’,” she said.</p><p><strong>10:47 AM</strong></p><h3>Resolution must be implemented: UN chief</h3><p>Reacting <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1772271978293948899" target="_blank" title="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1772271978293948899" rel="noopener noreferrer">immediately after the vote</a>, <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/">Secretary-General António Guterres</a> said on X that the long-awaited resolution must be implemented; the Council’s failure to so “would be unforgivable.”</p><p><strong>10:40 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>Algeria says draft will end the ‘bloodbath’ in Gaza</strong></h3><p><strong>Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Benjama</strong> said the draft will put an end to the massacres that have been going on for five months.</p><p>“The bloodbath has gone far too long,” he said. “Finally, the Security Council is finally responding to the calls of the international community and the Secretary-General.”</p><p>The draft conveys a clear message to the Palestinian people, he said.</p><p>“The international community, in its entirety, did not abandon you,” he said. “Adopting today’s resolution is on the beginning to meet the aspiration of the Palestinian people…to put an end of the bloodbath without any conditions.”</p><p><strong>0:39 AM</strong></p><h2>Draft resolution passes, US abstains</h2><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/25-03-2024_SC_Vote.jpg/image1024x768.jpg" alt="UN Security Council votes on resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan." title="UN Security Council votes on resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>UN Security Council votes on resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan.</div></div><p>The Russian verbal amendment did not pass due to lack of votes.</p><p>But in the substantive vote, there were 14 in favour, with the US abstaining. The resolution therefore has passed.</p><p><strong>10:36 AM</strong></p><p>The sticking point is the removal of the word "permanent" from an earlier version of the draft. It now calls for an "immediate ceasefire".</p><h3><strong>Russia proposes amendment</strong></h3><p><strong>Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia</strong> said the fact that word “permanent” in operative paragraph one was replaced with weaker language is “unacceptable”.</p><p>“We all received instructions for a vote on the text that contained the word ‘permanent’” and anything else could be seen as permission for Israel to continue its attacks, he said.</p><p>As such, his delegation proposed an oral amendment to return the word “permanent” to the draft.</p><p><strong>10:27 AM</strong></p><p>Israel and Yemen will be taking part in the meeting together with the Observer State of Palestine.</p><p>Those who wish to make a statement before the vote are speaking.</p><p><strong>Mozambique's Ambassador Pero Afonso</strong> is introducing the draft on behalf of the 10 elected members (E-10) of the Council.</p><p>He said it was essential to end the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip, which is a matter of "grave concern to the entire international community" and a clear threat to peace and security. </p><p>There is a mandate under the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/charter-united-nations/index.html">UN Charter</a> to work towards these key aims and this is the main motivation for introducing this text.</p><p>He said the E-10 group have always supported the call for an immediate ceasefire as a "fundamental" starting point. But the draft resolution also demands the immediate release of all hostages and full humanitarian access to them.</p><p>"Given the utmost urgency of the situation" we call on all members to vote in favour of the resolution and work towards a comprehensive ceasefire and a lasting peace in the Middle East, he said. </p><p><strong>10:25 AM</strong></p><p>The meeting has finally got underway. Ambassador Yamazaki has led a minute's silence in honour of those who died in the terrorist attack in Moscow on Friday.</p><p><strong>10:13 AM</strong></p><p>These are unusual scenes going on now in the Chamber. The Russian Ambassador is in a large huddle with many other top diplomats, including the Palestinian Observer and the Ambassador for Malta. There are clearly negotiations still going on over the draft that's due to be voted on.</p><p>Only a few of the ambassadors are already at the table. It looks like we won't see the gavel come down for a while yet.</p><p><strong>10:07 AM</strong></p><p>Japan holds the presidency of the Security Council for March. Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki will get the meeting underway soon but delegations are still filing into the Council Chamber, some huddled together in animated discussion. </p><p><strong>09:30 AM</strong> - Disagreement in the Council has seen several rounds of drafts quashed by one or more of its five veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States) since the war began in October following the Hamas-led terror attacks on southern Israel.</p><p>The current draft that ambassadors will consider around the iconic horseshoe table in the Security Council Chamber this morning is only four operative paragraphs long and was prepared by its non-permanent members.</p><h2><strong>Three main demands: Ceasefire, return hostages, let aid into Gaza</strong></h2><p>The resolution is a bare-bones call for a ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, which began on 11 March. It also demands the return of about 130 hostages seized in Israel and held in Gaza and emphasizes the urgent need to allow ample lifesaving aid to reach a starving population in the besieged enclave.</p><p>The demand to end hostilities has so far eluded the Council following the Israeli forces’ invasion of Gaza in October after Hamas attacks left almost 1,200 dead and 240 taken hostage.</p><p>Since then, Israel’s daily bombardment alongside its near total blockade of water, electricity and lifesaving aid has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the health ministry there, where a recent <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147656">UN-backed report</a> showed an imminent <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147661">famine</a> unfolding.</p><h3><strong>Growing calls to end the war</strong></h3><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/16-10-2023-UNICEF-Gaza-Tal-al-Hawa.jpg/image1024x768.jpg" alt="Missile attacks on Gaza are continuing." title="Missile attacks on Gaza are continuing." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>© UNICEF/Eyad El Baba</div> </div><div>Missile attacks on Gaza are continuing.</div></div><p>While a week-long ceasefire in November saw an exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinians detained in Israel, fighting resumed and has only escalated, as the death toll and malnutrition in Gaza continues to soar along with ever louder calls to end the war and rapidly address the stark humanitarian suffering.</p><p>Previous rejected drafts contained basically the same provisions as this new one, as did resolutions 2712 and 2720 that were adopted in late 2023, but points of contention persist among the membership while calls continue to demand that the 15-member Council take a stronger stand to end the conflict.</p><p>Read <strong>our explainer</strong> on what happens when the Security Council deadlocks <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142587">here</a>, and follow our coverage as the meeting unfolds.</p><h3><strong>What’s the new draft resolution calling for?</strong></h3><ul><li>The Council would demand “<strong>an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan</strong> respected by all parties <strong>leading to a permanent sustainable ceasefire</strong>”</li><li>It would also demand “<strong>the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages</strong>, as well as <strong>ensuring humanitarian access</strong> to address their medical and other humanitarian needs” and “that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain”</li><li>Other provisions would have the Council emphasize “the <strong>urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance</strong> to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip.</li><li>In this regard, the draft would have the Council reiterate its demand for the <strong>lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale</strong>, in line with international humanitarian law as well as resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).</li></ul><h3>Here are HIGHLIGHTS from the <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147656">Council’s meeting on Friday</a>:</h3><ul><li>A US-proposed draft to end the war in Gaza was vetoed by permanent Council members China and Russia, in a vote of 11 favour to three against (Algeria, China, Russia) and one abstention (Guyana)</li><li>Several ambassadors voiced their support for a new draft proposed by the “E-10” group of non-permanent Council members, which calls for an immediate ceasefire</li><li>The vetoed draft would have made imperative an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza, with an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance” to all civilians and lifting “all barriers” to delivering aid</li><li>Council members disagreed over elements of the draft, and some highlighted glaring exclusions despite having raised multiple concerns with the US during negotiations</li><li>Ambassadors largely supported swift action to bring food and lifesaving aid at scale into Gaza, where concerns of famine grew as Israel continues to block and slow walk shipments into the besieged enclave</li><li>Some Council members called for pursuing the two-State solution to the ongoing conflict</li><li>Israel’s ambassador was invited to speak, calling the draft’s failure to pass and condemn Hamas “a stain that will never be forgotten”</li></ul><h4><em>More to come</em></h4></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><em><br></em></div><div><em><br></em></div><div><em>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147931<br></em></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-68911023155136998562024-03-24T11:14:00.002+03:002024-03-24T11:15:32.230+03:00Итоги выборов президента Словакии подтверждают необходимость их второго тура<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><span>24 МАР, 02:41</span><span></span></div></div><article><br><div><p>Центральное статистическое управление республики сообщило, что после подсчета голосов пришедших в субботу на выборы президента избирателей на 96,83% из 5 938 действовавших избирательных участках никто из девяти кандидатов не смог заручиться необходимой для занятия высшего государственного поста поддержкой свыше 50% сограждан, принявших участие в голосовании</p></div><div></div><div><div><p>БРАТИСЛАВА, 24 марта. </p><p> Центральное статистическое управление Словакии проинформировало, что после подсчета голосов пришедших в субботу на выборы президента республики избирателей на 96,83% из 5 938 действовавших избирательных участках никто из девяти кандидатов не смог заручиться необходимой для занятия высшего государственного поста поддержкой свыше 50% сограждан, принявших участие в голосовании.</p><p>В Словакии предстоит второй тур выборов, в который выходят экс-глава МИД республики, либерал Иван Корчок, заручившийся после подсчета голосов на 96,83% участках поддержкой у 41,71% избирателей, а также спикер парламента, социал-демократ Петер Пеллегрини. Он получил 37,53% голосов. Явка избирателей составила 51,49%.</p><p>Таким образом подтвердились итоги экзитпола о необходимости второго тура выборов. Его дата определена на 6 апреля. Словацкие СМИ утверждают, что ни Корчок, ни Пеллегрини не смогут после завершения подсчета голосов на всех избирательных участках собрать свыше 50% голосов пришедших к урнам для голосования и таким образом стать президентом по итогам первого тура выборов.</p><p><br></p><p> https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/20338749/amp<br></p></div></div></article></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-70987764315756289562024-03-24T05:25:00.003+03:002024-03-24T05:27:20.479+03:00At Rafah border crossing to Gaza, UN’s Guterres calls for immediate ceasefire<div><br></div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/23-03-2024-SG-Egypt-02.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the media at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza." title="UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the media at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>UN Photo/Mark Garten</div> </div><div>UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the media at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>23 March 2024</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/culture-and-education" hreflang="en">Culture and Education</a></span></span><div><div><p>UN Secretary-General <a href="https://www.un.org/sg/en/node/218387">António Guterres</a> told journalists at the Rafah border crossing into Gaza that it is time for a ceasefire and for an "ironclad commitment by Israel" to allow unhindered aid deliveries into the besieged enclave as he began his annual Ramadan solidarity trip on Saturday with planned visits to Egypt and Jordan. </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>In a <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/04/1135407">tradition</a> that started when he served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to shine a light on Muslim communities in distress, Mr. Guterres arrived in Cairo on Saturday, where he reiterated his urgent calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the cessation of violence, notably in Gaza and Sudan. His visit underscores the UN’s commitment to addressing pressing humanitarian concerns in conflict zones.</p><p>During his time in Egypt, the Secretary-General will journey to northern Sinai, a region deeply impacted by conflict. There, he met with UN humanitarian workers in Rafah on the Egyptian side to discuss strategies to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the midst of conflict.</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/23-03-2024-SG-Egypt-01.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" alt="UN Secretary-General António Guterres (left) meets a Palestinian patient at a hospital in El Arish in Egypt." title="UN Secretary-General António Guterres (left) meets a Palestinian patient at a hospital in El Arish in Egypt." loading="lazy" width="1170" height="530"></div><div><div>UN Photo/Mark Garten</div> </div><div>UN Secretary-General António Guterres (left) meets a Palestinian patient at a hospital in El Arish in Egypt.</div></div><h2><strong>Meetings with Palestinian families</strong></h2><p>Early Saturday, the UN chief met with Palestinian civilians from Gaza and their families at the General Hospital in El Arish, Egypt, speaking with women and children who had been injured during the ongoing conflict.</p><p>He met with a 10-year-old boy who had lost his left hand and one of his legs. His brother had been killed and another sibling injured.</p><p>"Listening to the testimony of those that have been wounded, that have seen their parents and other members of their family killed or wounded, that have suffered so much, you cannot avoid feeling heartbroken...and to clearly say 'we must silence the guns'; we need an immediate ceasefire in Gaza," he said.</p><h2><strong>'Stuck in a non-stop nightmare'</strong></h2><p>At the nearby Rafah border crossing with Gaza Saturday afternoon, he told journalists that Ramadan is a time for spreading the values of compassion, community and peace. His visit comes a day after China and Russia vetoed a US-proposed draft resolution that would have had the <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> deem it imperative to impose a ceasefire and get sorely needed aid into the enclave.</p><p>“It is monstrous that after so much suffering over so many months, Palestinians in Gaza are marking Ramadan with Israeli bombs still falling, bullets still flying artillery still pounding and humanitarian assistance still facing obstacle upon obstacle,” he said.</p><p>“Fasting with you on Ramadan, I am deeply troubled to know so many people in Gaza will not be able to have a proper iftar.”</p><p>Palestinians in Gaza – children, women, men – remain stuck in a non-stop nightmare, he said, with communities obliterated, homes demolished, entire families and generations wiped out and hunger and starvation stalking the population.</p><div><div></div></div><h2><strong>Aid delays are a ‘moral outrage’ </strong></h2><p>“Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all,” he said, pointing to a long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates and the “long shadow of starvation on the other”.</p><p>“That is more than tragic; moral outrage,” he said, adding that “any further onslaught will make everything worse” for Palestinian civilians, hostages and all people of the region.</p><h2><strong>Calls for hostage release and ceasefire now</strong></h2><p>All this demonstrates that it’s more than time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for “an ironclad commitment by Israel for total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza”, he said, emphasizing that in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, it’s time for the immediate release of all hostages. </p><p>He also urged all UN Member States to support the “lifesaving work led by the backbone of all Gaza relief operations, <a href="https://www.unrwa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UNRWA</a>”, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees.</p><p>Pledging to continue working with Egypt to streamline the flow of aid, he had a message for Palestinians in Gaza: “you are not alone.”</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/22-03-2024_UNRWA_Gaza.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" alt="UN staff deliver humanitarian supplies in the north of the Gaza Strip." title="UN staff deliver humanitarian supplies in the north of the Gaza Strip." loading="lazy" width="1170" height="530"></div><div><div>© UNRWA</div> </div><div>UN staff deliver humanitarian supplies in the north of the Gaza Strip.</div></div><h2><strong>‘It’s time to truly flood Gaza with aid’</strong></h2><p>“People around the world are outraged by the horrors we are all witnessing in real time,” he said. “I carry the voices of the vast majority of the world who have seen enough, who have had enough and who still believe that human dignity and decency must define us as a global community.”</p><p>That is “our only hope”, he said. </p><p>“It’s time to truly flood Gaza with lifesaving aid; the choice is clear: either surge or starvation,” he said. “Let’s choose the side of help – the side of hope – and the right side of history.”</p><p>“I will not give up,” he stated, “and all of us must not give up in doing all we can for our common humanity to prevail.”</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/12-03-2024-UNRWA-Gaza.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" alt="Children in Gaza hold lanterns to celebrate the advent of Ramadan." title="Children in Gaza hold lanterns to celebrate the advent of Ramadan." loading="lazy" width="1170" height="530"></div><div><div>© UNRWA</div> </div><div>Children in Gaza hold lanterns to celebrate the advent of Ramadan.</div></div><h2><strong>Annual Ramadan solidarity trip</strong></h2><p>In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Mr. Guterres will partake in a Ramadan iftar with refugees from Sudan, who have fled their homeland due to ongoing hostilities there.</p><p>He is expected to emphasize the importance of peace and stability, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, urging all parties to observe a cessation of hostilities.</p><p>Moreover, the Secretary-General will engage in discussions with Egyptian officials, furthering diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges and foster cooperation in conflict resolution.</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/05-04-2023_SG_Ramadan.jpg/image1024x768.jpg" alt="UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks with UN News about his annual Ramadan solidarity visits. (file)" title="UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks with UN News about his annual Ramadan solidarity visits. (file)" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>UN video</div> </div><div>UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks with UN News about his annual Ramadan solidarity visits. (file)</div></div><h2><strong>Visits to UNRWA in Jordan</strong></h2><p>Following his engagements in Egypt, Mr. Guterres will proceed to Amman, Jordan, continuing his Ramadan solidarity trip. In Jordan, he will visit facilities of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which provides essential services to the population, highlighting the UN’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities amid crises.</p><p>During his time in Amman, the Secretary-General will share in a Ramadan iftar with Palestine refugees and UN staff, underscoring the importance of compassion and unity during times of adversity.</p><p>He is also scheduled to hold meetings with Jordanian officials, reinforcing collaborative efforts to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability.</p><p>As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and humanitarian emergencies, Secretary-General Guterres’ Ramadan solidarity trip serves as a reminder of the UN’s unwavering commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and fostering peace in the most challenging of circumstances.</p><h3>More to come...</h3></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147901<br></div><div><br></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-41483104059099613732024-03-23T08:44:00.003+03:002024-03-23T08:47:10.110+03:00Участники саммита в Брюсселе обязались развивать атомную энергетику для достижения климатических целей<div>СВО, конфликт ( война)</div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/21-3-2024_Nuclear_Powerplant.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="В последние десятилетия атомная энергия вызывает все больший интерес в мире." title="В последние десятилетия атомная энергия вызывает все больший интерес в мире." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>Unsplash/Л. Лехотски</div> </div><div>В последние десятилетия атомная энергия вызывает все больший интерес в мире.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>21 марта 2024</span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/ru/news/topic/climate-change" hreflang="ru">Климат и окружающая среда</a></span></span><div><div><p>Участники Саммита по ядерной энергии в Брюсселе приняли декларацию, в которой подтвердили «твердую приверженность атомной энергетике как ключевому компоненту глобальной стратегии, направленной на сокращение выбросов парниковых газов, обеспечение энергетической безопасности, а также на содействие долгосрочному устойчивому развитию и переходу к чистой энергетике».</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>«Мы полны решимости сделать все возможное, – говорится в документе, – для выполнения этого обязательства путем расширения сотрудничества со странами, которые решили развивать гражданский ядерный потенциал в целях сокращения выбросов парниковых газов, а также для перехода от ископаемого топлива в энергетических системах – справедливым, упорядоченным и равноправным образом».</p><p>Брюссельский саммит стал международным форумом самого высокого уровня, посвященным исключительно теме ядерной энергии. Его сопредседателями были премьер-министр Бельгии Александер Де Кро и Генеральный директор Международного агентства по ядерной энергии (МАГАТЭ) Рафаэль Мариано Гросси.</p><p>«Этот исторический саммит опирался на импульс, полученный на Конференции ООН по климату КС-28, где мир, наконец, согласился, что нужно инвестировать в ядерную энергию, чтобы достичь климатических целей, – сказал глава МАГАТЭ. – Нужно наметить конкретные шаги, которые позволят направить такие инвестиции. Настало время действовать».</p><blockquote><p>Война в Украине открыла нам в Европе глаза на то, что в обеспечении наших энергетических потребностей мы больше не можем зависеть от других</p></blockquote><p>В последние десятилетия атомная энергия вызывает все больший интерес во многих странах, поскольку позволяет сократить потребление ископаемого топлива и одновременно удовлетворить растущую потребность в низкоуглеродной электроэнергии, подачу которой можно регулировать в зависимости от спроса. </p><p>«Война в Украине открыла нам в Европе глаза на то, что в обеспечении наших энергетических потребностей мы больше не можем зависеть от других, – сказал премьер-министр Бельгии Александер Де Кро. – Нам необходимо вернуть контроль над ситуацией и максимально диверсифицировать наши источники энергии. Европа заново открыла для себя геополитическую реальность энергетической политики. В то же время нам необходимо ускорить темпы энергетического перехода, если мы хотим достичь климатических целей, намеченных на 2050 год».</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> https://news.un.org/ru/story/2024/03/1450591<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-22877634336780511372024-03-23T06:09:00.002+03:002024-03-23T08:47:30.677+03:00World News in Brief: Sex trafficking and child recruitment in Sudan, new mass grave in Libya, children at risk in DR Congo<div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/19-02-2024-WFP-South-Sudan-03.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Families arrive in South Sudan after fleeing fighting in Sudan." title="Families arrive in South Sudan after fleeing fighting in Sudan." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>© WFP/Hugh Rutherford</div> </div><div>Families arrive in South Sudan after fleeing fighting in Sudan.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div></section><div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>22 March 2024</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a></span></span><div><div><p><span lang="EN-CA">Independent UN human rights experts on Friday </span><a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/sudan-trafficking-sexual-exploitation-and-recruitment-children-rise-warn-un"><span lang="EN-CA">expressed alarm</span></a><span lang="EN-CA"> over increased reports of sexual slavery and trafficking in Sudan, especially of women and girls.</span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>This is being compounded by an increase in child and forced marriage, and the recruitment of boys by combatants in the continuing war between rival generals that erupted nearly a year ago.</p><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>UN_SPExperts</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/UN_SPExperts/statuses/1771217708920479760"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><p>All this is happening against the backdrop of the deteriorating <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/sudan-25-million-people-dire-humanitarian-need-say-un-experts">humanitarian crisis</a> in the country that has caused an unprecedented mass displacement of over nine million people.</p><p>Access to support for victims and survivors has reportedly deteriorated since December, eight months after the outbreak of conflict between Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/Home.aspx">Human Rights Council</a>-appointed experts said.</p><h3><strong>Girls sold at ‘slave markets’</strong></h3><p>Young women and girls, including internally displaced persons, are reportedly being trafficked, they said.</p><p>“We are appalled by reports of women and girls being sold at slave markets in areas controlled by RSF forces and other armed groups, including in North Darfur,” the experts said.</p><p>Some of the cases of child and forced marriage are occurring due to family separation and gender-based violence, including rape and unwanted pregnancies. </p><p>“Despite previous <a href="https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28540">warnings</a> to both Sudanese authorities and RSF representatives, we continue to receive reports of recruitment of children to actively participate in hostilities, including from a neighbouring country,” the experts said. </p><p>“The recruitment of children by armed groups for any form of exploitation – including in combat roles – is a gross violation of human rights, a serious crime and a violation of international humanitarian law,” they said. </p><p>Special Rapporteurs and other independent experts are not UN staff and are independent of any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work.</p><h2><strong>Mass grave found in Libya highlights migrant horrors</strong></h2><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>UNmigration</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/UNmigration/statuses/1771179292736552966"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><p>A mass grave <a href="https://www.iom.int/news/discovery-mass-grave-65-migrants-bodies-libya">has been found</a> in southwest Libya containing at least 65 migrants who are believed to have died while being smuggled through the desert.</p><p>According to the UN migration agency (<a href="https://www.iom.int/">IOM</a>), which sounded the alarm on Friday, increasing numbers of people are dying on dangerous routes to northern Africa and beyond.</p><p>Without legal pathways for migrants, “such tragedies will continue to be a feature along this route,” the agency warned.</p><h3><strong>Questions remain</strong></h3><p>The circumstances are not clear surrounding the deaths of those found in the mass grave and their nationalities are also unknown. </p><p>Libyan authorities had launched an inquiry, IOM said, urging the “dignified recovery, identification and transfer of the remains of the deceased migrants” and for their families to be notified.</p><p>According to the UN agency’s Missing Migrants Project, at least 3,129 people died or disappeared in 2023 along the so-called “Mediterranean route”. </p><p>Even before the discovery of the mass grave, it was already the deadliest migratory route in the world.</p><h2><strong>Massive rise in displacement in DR Congo poses dire threat to children</strong></h2><p>A major upsurge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that has displaced at least 400,000 people in North Kivu since the beginning of the year is exposing children to unacceptable levels of violence, said the UN Children’s Fund (<a href="https://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF</a>) on Friday.</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/22-03-2024_WFP_DRC.jpg/image1024x768.jpg" alt="People displaced by conflict are living in a temporary camp near Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo." title="People displaced by conflict are living in a temporary camp near Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>© WFP/Benjamin Anguandia</div> </div><div>People displaced by conflict are living in a temporary camp near Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.</div></div><p>At-risk children must receive further protection to avoid more deaths, the agency added.</p><p>In the latest incident on Wednesday highlighting the spillover of the conflict into South Kivu province, an explosion in the town of Minova seriously injured four children who required hospital treatment.</p><h3><strong>Schoolchildren bombed</strong></h3><p>“It is tragic that at a busy time of day when many children were returning home from school, this explosion from a bomb maimed four innocent children,” said Katya Marino, UNICEF Deputy Representative to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “The town is already under incredible strain with massive numbers of new arrivals of internally displaced people.”</p><p>More than 95,000 newly displaced people, half of whom are children, arrived in Minova in February as the conflict in North Kivu expanded.</p><p>Over the past week, UNICEF and local partners distributed essential household supplies in Minova to more than 8,300 newly displaced families. The area is now increasingly difficult to access with assistance, either by road or boat.</p><p>UNICEF has been assisting children affected by the conflict there with a package of basic but essential services since 2023 while supporting community-based networks to refer and protect children caught up in the fighting between numerous rebel groups and government forces.</p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147876<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-57307527254811496252024-03-23T06:03:00.006+03:002024-03-23T08:48:03.931+03:00ООН осуждает теракты в Москве<section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/04-05-2021-Moscow%20Kremlin%20by%20sunset.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Вид на Кремль в центре Москвы. (файл)" title="Вид на Кремль в центре Москвы. (файл)" loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>Новости ООН/Антон Успенский</div> </div><div>Вид на Кремль в центре Москвы. (файл)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p>.22 марта 2024 г.</p></div><main role="main"><section><div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">М</a></span></span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">ир и безопасность</a></div><div><div><div><p><span lang="EN-GB">Глава ООН самым решительным образом осудил смертоносный террористический акт, произошедший в пятницу в концертном зале под Москвой.<br></span></p></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>Вооруженные люди ворвались в «Крокус Сити Холл» в Красногорске, убив по меньшей мере 40 человек и ранив более 100 человек перед аншлаговым рок-концертом. СМИ сообщают, что ответственность за нападение взяла на себя террористическая группировка, а властям до сих пор не удалось задержать нападавших. </p><p>«Генеральный секретарь выражает свои глубокие соболезнования семьям погибших, народу и правительству Российской Федерации», — заявил его заместитель пресс-секретаря Фархан Хак. «Он желает пострадавшим скорейшего выздоровления».</p><h2><strong>Совет Безопасности: «Предосудительный террористический акт»</strong></h2><p>Совет <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Безопасности</a> также осудил «отвратительный и трусливый террористический акт» в заявлении для прессы, опубликованном в пятницу вечером.</p><p>«Этот предосудительный террористический акт привел к тяжким потерям десятков жизней», — заявили члены Совета, выразив глубочайшее сочувствие и соболезнования семьям погибших и российскому народу.</p><p>Члены Совета подтвердили, что терроризм во всех его формах и проявлениях представляет собой одну из самых серьезных угроз международному миру и безопасности, и подчеркнули необходимость привлечь к ответственности исполнителей, организаторов, финансистов и спонсоров этих предосудительных террористических актов и привлечь их к ответственности.</p><p>Они призвали все государства, в соответствии со своими обязательствами по международному праву и соответствующими резолюциями Совета Безопасности, активно сотрудничать с правительством России, а также со всеми другими соответствующими органами власти в этом отношении.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode<br></p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147896<br></p><p><br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div>OLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-58144377474162071962024-03-22T17:20:00.007+03:002024-03-23T08:47:54.538+03:00UPDATING LIVE: Russia and China veto US resolution stating imperative of ‘immediate and sustained ceasefire’ in Gaza<div><div><p><br></p><p>UPDATING LIVE: Russia and China veto US resolution stating imperative of ‘immediate and sustained ceasefire’ in Gaza<br></p><section><div><div><div><picture><source media="(max-width: 413px)"><source media="(max-width: 767px)"><source media="(max-width: 991px)"><source media="(max-width: 1199px)"><source media="(min-width: 1200px)"><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/22-03-2024_UN-Photo_SC_Gaza.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to UN voting against a draft resolution during the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." title="Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to UN voting against a draft resolution during the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to UN voting against a draft resolution during the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.</div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>22 March 2024</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a></span></span><div><div><p>A draft resolution from the United States was vetoed in the UN Security Council on Friday by Russia and China. The draft stated the "imperative" for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitating “essential” aid delivery and supporting ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to create a sustainable end to the hostilities, tied to the release of hostages.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div><p><strong>10:36 AM</strong> - The meeting has adjourned and there is speculation that ambassadors may return to the Chamber this afternoon in New York in emergency session to debate the new draft which both Russia and China indicated they would support. </p><p>Here are the highlights of all this morning's intense diplomatic action.</p><h3>HIGHLIGHTS</h3><ul><li>A US-proposed draft to end the war in Gaza was vetoed by permanent Council members China and Russia, in a vote of 11 favour to three against (<strong>Algeria, China, Russia</strong>) and one abstention (<strong>Guyana</strong>)</li><li>Several ambassadors voiced their support for <strong>a new draft proposed by the “E-10” group of 10 non-permanent Council members</strong>, which calls for an immediate ceasefire</li><li>The vetoed draft <strong>would have made imperative an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza</strong>, with an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance” to all civilians and lifting “all barriers” to delivering aid</li><li>Council members disagreed over elements of the draft, and some highlighted glaring exclusions despite having raised multiple concerns with the US during negotiations</li><li>Ambassadors largely supported <strong>swift action to bring food and lifesaving aid at scale</strong> into Gaza, where a <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147656" target="_blank" title="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147656">UN-backed report</a> on Monday raised alarms about <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147661" target="_blank" title="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147661">famine</a> as Israel continues to block and slow walk shipments into the besieged enclave</li><li>Some Council members <strong>called for pursuing the two-State solution</strong> to the ongoing conflict</li><li>Israel’s ambassador was invited to speak, calling the draft’s failure to pass and condemn Hamas “a stain that will never be forgotten”</li><li><strong>For summaries of this and other UN meetings, visit our colleagues at the UN Meetings Coverage in </strong><a href="https://press.un.org/en" target="_blank" title="https://press.un.org/en"><strong>English</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a href="https://press.un.org/fr" target="_blank" title="https://press.un.org/fr"><strong>French</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>10:20 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>Israel lets aid into Gaza, yet Council fails to condemn Hamas, says Ambassador</strong></h3><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/22-03-2024-SC-ISR.JPG/image1024x768.jpg" alt="Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to UN, addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. " title="Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to UN, addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. " loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to UN, addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.</div></div><p><strong>Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan</strong> said the draft would have marked the first time any UN body condemned Hamas’s attack on his country, but its failure to be adopted is “a stain that will never be forgotten”.</p><p>Knowing that Hamas cannot win militarily, it uses Gazans as human shields to maximize civilian casualties so the Council will pressure Israel to ending its military operation and issues false statistics and numbers, he said.</p><p>“Every civilian death in Gaza is tragic, but the only one to blame is Hamas,” he said.</p><p>Likewise, the “libelous famine” in Gaza is just “Hamas propaganda”, he claimed, emphasizing that according to his Government, 341,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid in hundreds of trucks have entered the enclave.</p><p>The only way to achieve a ceasefire is to demolish all Hamas battalions, and “the road to a ceasefire passes through Rafah,” he said.</p><p>The war may be in Gaza, but it extends further that a battle against Hamas, and Iran remains determined to wipe Israel off the map, he added</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div><section><div><div><div><br></div></div></div></section><div><main role="main"><section><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div><p><strong>10:00 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>Disaster cannot end without an immediate ceasefire: Guyana</strong></h3><p>Guyana abstained because the resolution did not call for an immediate ceasefire, said their <strong>Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.</strong></p><p>Given the appalling toll of death and injuries and destruction of Gaza “this man-made disaster cannot be halted without an immediate ceasefire, and it’s this Council’s responsibility to unequivocally demand one, even as it acknowledges the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States.”</p><p>She said a ceasefire should not be linked to the taking of hostages. “The Palestinians should not themselves be held hostage for the crimes of others.”</p><p><strong>09:49 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>Council has ‘dragged its feet’ over clear and immediate ceasefire: China</strong></h3><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/22-03-2024-SC-CHINA.JPG/image1024x768.jpg" alt="Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China, addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." title="Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China, addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China, addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.</div></div><p><strong>China’s Ambassador Zhang Jun</strong> said that the most urgent action the Council should take is calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, in line with the wishes of the UN General Assembly and the UN Secretary-General.</p><p>He said the Council had dragged its feet and wasted too much time in this regard.</p><p>With a view to safeguarding the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/charter-united-nations/index.html">UN Charter</a> and the “dignity” of the Council, together with the view of Arab States, China therefore voted against the US draft.</p><p>He pointed to the new draft resolution from the 10 elected Council members now circulating: “This draft is clear on the issue of a ceasefire and is in line with the correct direction of the Council action and is of great relevance. China supports this draft.”</p><p>He said criticism by the UK and US of China’s veto was hypocritical, and if they were serious about a ceasefire, they should support the new draft. </p><p><strong>09:45 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>France will propose new draft initiative</strong></h3><p><strong>French Ambassador Nicholas de Rivière</strong> said the <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> must continue to act at the catastrophic situation in Gaza worsens daily. Having voted for the draft, he called for the comprehensive respect of international law and for crossing points into Gaza to be opened for aid shipments.</p><p>France remains opposed to an Israeli incursion in Rafah and emphasized the urgent need to delivery ample much-needed aid into the enclave. Underlining the importance of realizing a two-State solution to the conflict, he said France will propose an initiative to the Council in this regard.</p><p><strong>09:40 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>US resolution would have given green light to ‘continuing bloodshed’: Algeria</strong></h3><p><strong>Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Bendjama</strong> said that had the Council passed its resolution of late February, thousands of innocent lives could have been saved.</p><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/22-03-2024-SC-Algeria.JPG/image1024x768.jpg" alt="Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Benjama addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." title="Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Benjama addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>Algeria’s Ambassador Amar Benjama addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.</div></div><p>He said since the US circulated its draft over a month ago, Algeria had proposed reasonable edits to achieve a “more balanced and acceptable text”. He acknowledged that some of their proposals had been included but “core concerns remained unaddressed.”</p><p>Algeria has emphasized the urgency of an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life but regrettably the draft fell short and his country had therefore voted against it.</p><p>The immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people over five months, has resulted in the tragic loss of life of more than 32,000 people in Gaza. More than 74,000 have been injured, with 12,000 suffering permanent disabilities.</p><p>These figures represent lives, dreams and “hopes that have been destroyed”, he said, stressing that the US text made no mention of Israel’s responsibility for their deaths. </p><p>The Arab and Islamic world needs acknowledgement that Israel will be held accountable, he said. </p><p>Emphasizing “measures” to reduce civilian harm and talk of “operations” implies a license for continuing bloodshed for Israel. The operation in Rafah would have devastating consequences if it goes ahead, he added. </p><p><strong>9:30 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>UK will ‘do everything we can’ to get aid into Gaza</strong></h3><p><strong>United Kingdom Ambassador Barbara Woodward</strong> said her delegation voted “yes”, as Palestinians are facing a devastating crisis that requires immediate aid. As such, she expressed disappointed in China and Russia for vetoing the draft, especially since the draft would have been the first time the Council spoke out against Hamas.</p><p>Meanwhile, the UK will “do everything we can” to get desperately needed aid into Gaza by land, sea and air, she said.</p><p><strong>09:26 AM</strong></p><h3>Alternative resolution fails to support diplomatic talks: US</h3><div><div><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/22-03-2024-SC-US.jpg/image1024x768.jpg" alt="Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." title="Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768"></div><div><div>UN Photo</div> </div><div>Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressing the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.</div></div><p>Russia has put politics over progress in vetoing the resolution, throwing stones when it lives in a glass house, said the US ambassador.</p><p>She said Russia and China were doing nothing meaningful to advance peace.</p><p>She said the new text fails to support sensitive diplomacy in the region and could give Hamas an excuse to walk away from the deal that is on the table. She said the US would continue to work for peace alongside Qatar and Egypt in the ongoing talks.</p><p><strong>09:22 AM</strong></p><h3><strong>Russia and China veto US resolution</strong></h3><p>The votes are in, and there were three against, including Russia and China, which means <strong>the US draft has been vetoed</strong>. There were 11 votes in favour.</p><p><strong>09:13 AM</strong></p><p>Before the vote, <strong>Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia</strong> said the US had promised an agreement to end the fighting time and time again.</p><p>Now, the US has finally recognized the need for a ceasefire, when more than 30,000 Gazans have already died.</p><p>He said the US was trying to "sell a product" to the Council by using the word imperative in its resolution.</p><p>"This is not enough" and the Council must "demand a ceasefire", he declared.</p><p>He said there was no call for a ceasefire in the text, accusing US leadership of "deliberately misleading the international community." The draft is just playing to US voters, he said, "to throw them a bone" with a false ceasefire call.</p><p>"If you pass this resolution," he told ambassadors, "you will cover yourselves in disgrace."</p><p>He said that an alternative draft resolution, which was a "balanced and apolitical document", was being circulated by some other members of the Council. </p><p><strong> 09:08 AM</strong></p><p>Speaking before the vote,<strong> US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield</strong> said her delegations wants to see an immediate and sustained ceasefire, but "we have to do the hard work of diplomacy" to make that aim a reality, and it has to be made "real on the ground".</p><p>This is why the negotiations are going on in Qatar which will lead to a sustainable ceasefire, she said, adding that "we are close, but we are not there yet unfortunately."</p><p>She said the draft resolution would help put pressure on Hamas to agree to a deal on ending the fighting and releasing hostages.</p><p>She argued that the resolution would at long last condemn Hamas, but also alleviate the terrible suffering and violence wracking Gaza. It also highlights that an invasion of Rafah would be a mistake. </p><p><strong>09:06 AM</strong></p><p>Japan's Permanent Representative is inviting the representatives of Israel and Palestine to join the meeting.</p><p><strong>09:00 AM</strong></p><p>Japan has the presidency this month, and their Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki is due to gavel the meeting open very soon.</p><p><strong>08:50 AM</strong></p><p>After weeks of behind the scenes negotiations among Security Council members in New York, the US draft marks a shift in position from the last time members <strong>met on 20 February</strong> when <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/02/1146697">the US used its veto</a> to quash an Algerian resolution which demanded an immediate ceasefire.</p><p>The US resolution, crucially, is not calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, rather stating the imperative for one.</p><p>Back then, 13 countries were in favour of the resolution, with the UK abstaining. The US based it opposition on the need to not interfere with “sensitive ongoing negotiations” and introduced a separate resolution condemning Hamas which would work towards a temporary ceasefire, based on the release of hostages.</p><h3><strong>What’s the US resolution calling for?</strong></h3><ul><li>Makes <strong>imperative</strong> an immediate and sustained ceasefire with an “<strong>urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance</strong>” to all civilians and lifting “all barriers” to delivering aid at scale to Gazans</li><li>Israel and all armed groups must comply with their obligations under international law, providing protection for humanitarian workers and medical personnel</li><li><strong>Condemns all acts of terrorism</strong> including the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October, the taking and killing of hostages, murder of civilians, sexual violence and condemns the use of civilian buildings for military purposes</li><li><strong>Rejects any forced displacement</strong> of civilians in Gaza</li><li>Demands that Hamas and other armed groups immediately grant humanitarian <strong>access to all remaining hostages</strong></li><li>Underscores the Council’s full support for the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator Sigrid Kaag, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, so they can establish the new UN aid mechanism under previous resolution 2720</li><li>Stressed the importance of the Senior Coordinator leading efforts for the <strong>recovery and reconstruction</strong> of Gaza</li><li>Demands all parties respect humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms in place to prevent civilian deaths</li><li>Rejects any action by Israel that could “reduce the territory of Gaza” and condemns calls from some Israeli ministers for the resettlement of Gaza or demographic changes</li><li>Reaffirms condemnation of the <strong>ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels</strong> in Yemen on shipping in the Red Sea</li><li>Reiterates the Security Council’s “unwavering commitment to the vision of the <strong>two-State solution</strong>”</li></ul><h4>Here are the HIGHLIGHTS from the last time the Council held a vote on Gaza on 20 February:</h4><ul><li>US uses veto power to quash Algeria’s draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and presents rival text that would condemn Hamas but also support a temporary ceasefire</li><li>The US is expected to circulate its own draft later on Tuesday but news reports suggest negotiations will be far from easy, with both Russia and China voicing strong opposition to the third use of a veto by the US on ceasefire resolutions</li><li>Council members lament continued suffering in Gaza and lambast possible Israeli military operation into Rafah</li><li>Algeria’s ambassador says it will continue to "knock at the Council’s door" to maximize pressure on Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire which will end the bloodshed</li><li>“This veto does not absolve Israel of its obligations,” says the ambassador for the observer State of Palestine</li><li>A ceasefire would be “a death sentence”, for Israelis and ordinary Gazans alike, says Israel’s ambassador</li><li>Qatar's ambassador, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, says her delegation will continue its facilitating efforts to free all hostages, protect civilians and secure a ceasefire</li></ul><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147856<br></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-17131687531802066542024-03-22T16:07:00.004+03:002024-03-23T06:06:08.759+03:00UPDATING LIVE: Security Council to vote on US resolution stating imperative of an ‘immediate and sustained ceasefire’ in Gaza<div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Libraries/Production%20Library/11-03-2024-UN-Photo-SC-wideshot.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="A wide view of the UN Security Council chamber as members meet on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (file)." title="A wide view of the UN Security Council chamber as members meet on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (file)." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe</div> </div><div>A wide view of the UN Security Council chamber as members meet on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (file).</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p><br></p></div><main role="main"><section><a></a><div><div><div><div><div><span>22 March 2024</span></div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a></span></span><div><div><p>A draft resolution from the United States is due to be voted on in the UN Security Council on Friday which says it is "imperative" to have “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitate “essential” aid delivery and support ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas militants to create a sustainable end to the hostilities, tied to the release of all hostages. <strong>Follow the full story here live</strong>.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div><p><strong>09:00 AM</strong></p><p>Japan has the presidency this month, and their ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki is due to gavel the meeting open very soon.</p><p><strong>08:50 AM - </strong>After weeks of behind the scenes negotiations among <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> members in New York, the US draft marks a shift in position from the last time members <strong>met on 20 February</strong> when <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/02/1146697">the US used its veto</a></p><p>Back then, 13 countries were in favour of the resolution, with the UK abstaining. The US based it opposition on the need to not interfere with “sensitive ongoing negotiations” and introduced a separate resolution condemning Hamas which would work towards a temporary ceasefire, based on the release of hostages.</p><h3><strong>What’s the US resolution calling for?</strong></h3><ul><li>Makes <strong>imperative</strong> an immediate and sustained ceasefire with an “<strong>urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance</strong></li><li>Israel and all armed groups must comply with their obligations under international law, providing protection for humanitarian workers and medical personnel</li><li><strong>Condemns all acts of terrorism</strong></li><li><strong>Rejects any forced displacement</strong></li><li>Demands that Hamas and other armed groups immediately grant humanitarian<strong></strong></li><li>Underscores the Council’s full support for the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator Sigrid Kaag, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, so they can establish the new UN aid mechanism under previous resolution 2720</li><li>Stressed the importance of the Senior Coordinator leading efforts for the <strong>recovery and reconstruction</strong> of Gaza</li><li>Demands all parties respect humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms in place to prevent civilian deaths</li><li>Rejects any action by Israel that could “reduce the territory of Gaza” and condemns calls from some Israeli ministers for the resettlement of Gaza or demographic changes</li><li>Reaffirms condemnation of the <strong>ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels</strong> in Yemen on shipping in the Red Sea</li><li>Reiterates the Security Council’s “unwavering commitment to the vision of the <strong>two-State solution</strong>”</li></ul><h4>Here are the HIGHLIGHTS from the last time the Council held a vote on Gaza on 20 February:</h4><ul><li>US uses veto power to quash Algeria’s draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and presents rival text that would condemn Hamas but also support a temporary ceasefire</li><li>The US is expected to circulate its own draft later on Tuesday but news reports suggest negotiations will be far from easy, with both Russia and China voicing strong opposition to the third use of a veto by the US on ceasefire resolutions</li><li>Council members lament continued suffering in Gaza and lambast possible Israeli military operation into Rafah</li><li>Algeria’s ambassador says it will continue to "knock at the Council’s door" to maximize pressure on Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire which will end the bloodshed</li><li>“This veto does not absolve Israel of its obligations,” says the ambassador for the observer State of Palestine</li><li>A ceasefire would be “a death sentence”, for Israelis and ordinary Gazans alike, says Israel’s ambassador</li><li>Qatar's ambassador, speaking for the Gulf Cooperation Council, says her delegation will continue its facilitating efforts to free all hostages, protect civilians and secure a ceasefire</li></ul><div>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147856<br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-73609544993906646522024-03-22T16:03:00.003+03:002024-03-23T06:05:53.880+03:00Gaza: UN aid team reaches stricken north, confirms ‘shocking’ disease and hunger<div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><picture><img src="https://global.unitednations.entermediadb.net/assets/mediadb/services/module/asset/downloads/preset/Collections/Embargoed/21-03-2024_UNICEF_Gaza-01.jpg/image1170x530cropped.jpg" width="1170" height="530" alt="Destruction in Gaza City in the sixth month of the conflict." title="Destruction in Gaza City in the sixth month of the conflict." loading="lazy"></picture></div></div></div><div><div><div><div>© UNICEF/Omar Al-Qattaa</div> </div><div>Destruction in Gaza City in the sixth month of the conflict.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><div><div><p>22 March 2024<br></p></div><main role="main"><section><div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://news.un.org/en/news/topic/peace-and-security" hreflang="en">Peace and Security</a></span></span><div><div><p><span lang="EN-GB">Amid reports of ongoing bombardment across Gaza on Friday, UN humanitarians highlighted “shocking levels of disease and hunger” after visiting an overwhelmed hospital in the north of the enclave.</span></p></div></div></div></div><div><div><article><header></header><div></div></article></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>The UN’s top aid official in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jamie McGoldrick, reached Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia on Thursday, where children with the most severe and life-threatening hunger are being treated at a new World Health Organization (<a href="http://www.who.int/en/">WHO</a>)-supported specialised feeding facility.</p><p>“Without swift treatment, these children are at imminent risk of death,” UN aid coordination office, <a href="https://www.unocha.org/">OCHA</a>, <a href="https://www.unocha.org/news/todays-top-news-occupied-palestinian-territory-haiti-ukraine">said</a>, in a call for all parties to the conflict to respect the laws of war and international humanitarian law. “Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on – including hospitals – must be protected,” the UN agency insisted.</p><p>Fuel and medical supplies were delivered to Kamal Adwan hospital, "but aid is just a trickle", said the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, <a href="https://www.unrwa.org/">UNRWA</a>. "Food needs to reach the north NOW to avert famine," it said in a post on X. </p><div><div><div>Tweet URL</div><div><blockquote lang="en"><div><div>UNRWA</div></div><a href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA/statuses/1771108493900034398"></a></blockquote></div></div></div><p>In a related development, media reports indicated that the Israeli military raid at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City was continuing for a fifth straight day. </p><p>Al Shifa – which is Gaza’s largest health centre - only recently restored “minimal” services, OCHA said, adding that “hostilities in and around the facility” have put patients, medical teams and treatment in jeopardy.</p><p>“People in Gaza – particularly in the north – are experiencing shocking levels of disease and hunger. We and our humanitarian partners continue to do everything we can to meet the overwhelming needs of the civilian population,” OCHA insisted.</p><h1><strong>Aid access woes</strong></h1><p>In a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=UNOCHA%20Gaza&src=typed_query&f=top">video</a> on X, OCHA Head of Sub-Office in Gaza, Georgios Petropoulos, underscored the difficulties of accessing northern Gaza with food or medical supplies, because of ongoing aid constraints.</p><p>To reach the north from the south, aid teams have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints that cut the Strip in two.</p><p>“One of the biggest problems we have in Gaza is the inability to get between north and south Gaza,” Mr; Petropoulos said, describing how on a recent mission finding 75 to 80-year-old man alone and “covered with dust”, sitting down in the road. “We picked him up, we gave him some water, we put him in the back of our car and just drove him a few hundred metres up the road until we found a family of people that were on the street.”</p><p>“We’re calling on everyone to respect civilians trying to flee war,” Mr. Petropoulos said.</p><p>Echoing that message, OCHA reiterated that aid teams continue to be “repeatedly prevented from doing our job, especially in the besieged north”.</p><p>Ongoing violence “unceasing bombardments” and the collapse of civil order in addition to access constraints “continue to impede the humanitarian response”, the UN aid coordination office insisted.</p><p>“With hostilities now in their sixth month – and Gaza moving ever closer to famine – we must flood Gaza with aid.”</p><h1><strong>All eyes on Security Council</strong></h1><p>Meanwhile, the UN <a href="https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/">Security Council</a> prepared to gather on Friday to vote on a U.S.-led resolution highlighting “the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire” in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages, along with the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance.</p><p>Previously, US delegations have blocked three attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the 15-member body, whose primary task is to maintain or restore international peace and security. </p><p>The development comes amid continued and growing international pressure for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ramped up aid access for humanitarian missions, particularly to northern governorates, where food insecurity experts warned this week that famine could happen “anytime”. </p><p>Ahead of the UN Security Council meeting scheduled for 9am in New York, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said that the latest draft of the resolution included the call for “an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages.”</p><h1><strong>U.S. diplomatic push</strong></h1><p>The top US diplomat was speaking in Egypt during his latest tour of the Middle East as indirect negotiations on a possible deal continue between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the U.S, Egypt and Qatar. Mr. Blinken said an agreement was “very much possible”.</p><p>On the humanitarian front, reports cited that the U.S. was continuing its efforts to build a landing pontoon to deliver aid delivery to Gaza by sea. The construction could be ready before 1 May, a senior U.S. official was cited as saying.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147861<br></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></main></div></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378558676015952467.post-44939376744190300162024-03-22T09:43:00.001+03:002024-03-22T09:44:28.747+03:00В Индонезии избирком подтвердил победу министра обороны на выборах президента<div><br></div><div><main><div itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NewsArticle"><aside><time datetime="2024-03-20T18:35:00"><a href="https://www.interfax.ru/news/2024/03/20">18:35, 20 марта 2024</a></time></aside><article itemprop="articleBody"><h1 itemprop="headline"><br></h1><p itemprop="description"></p><p>Москва. 20 марта. </p><p>В Индонезии завершили подсчет голосов на выборах президента, по итогам которых новым главой государства избран министр обороны Прабово Субианто, сообщает The Jakarta Post со ссылкой на данные избирательной комиссии.</p><p>У Субианто 58,6% голосов - и этого достаточно, чтобы кандидата провозгласили победителем выборов без проведения второго тура. У его конкурентов бывшего губернатора Джакарты Аниса Басведана - 24,9%, у Ганджара Праново - 16,5%.</p><p>Всеобщие выборы в Индонезии <a href="https://www.interfax.ru/world/945938" target="_blank">состоялись</a> 14 февраля. Подсчет голосов и публикация результатов в стране занимает до 35 дней. Министр обороны объявил о своей победы еще в день голосования.</p><p>Согласно Конституции Индонезии, пребывание на посту президента ограничено двумя сроками.</p><p>Субианто позиционировал себя как продолжателя политики популярнейшего в стране президента Джоко Видодо (возглавляет Индонезию с 2014 года, завершается его второй срок). В качестве возможного вице-президента Субианто выбрал сына Видодо</p><p><br></p><p> https://www.interfax.ru/amp/951487<br></p></article></div></main></div><div><br></div>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeOLGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397944884699149459noreply@blogger.com0