SDG progress ‘in danger’ of going backwards without change in direction, new UN report reveals

11 September 2019
SDGs


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.


The UN report will be at the centre of discussions during the UN summit on the SDGs later this month.

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 (DESA), urged in a statement on the report findings, compiled by a team of 15 UN-appointed experts.

“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.”

The report, “The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development,” points to understanding the relationships between individual SDGs and the “concrete systems that define society today” to devise a plan to ameliorate global instability.

At the request of countries to evaluate progress of the 2030 SDG Agenda, 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.
Science-backed recommendations


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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”
Key points of intervention

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/09/1046132

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

Глава МИД Азербайджана призвал поддержать кандидатуру Баку для проведения «ЭКСПО – 2025»

Фото ООН

Министр иностранных дел Азербайджана Эльмар Мамедъяров выступил в Генассамблеи ООН


28 сентября 2018

ООН


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».

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

«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.

Как заявил министр, в Азербайджане считают, что не существует «альтернативы миру, стабильности и взаимовыгодному региональному сотрудничеству».

https://news.un.org/ru/story/2018/09/1339582

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

В ООН представили предварительную глобальную повестку дня на период после 2015 года

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.

«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.

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.

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.

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».

«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».

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.
http://www.un.org/russian/news/story.asp?NewsID=22793#.VIEPw9KsVv5
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode

Middle East Facing Dangerous Rise in Violence as Israeli Forces Fire on Peacekeepers in Lebanon, UN Political Affairs and Peace Operations Chiefs Warn Security Council

9746th Meeting* (PM)

SC/15850

10 October 2024

Briefing the Security Council on the heels of the firing of Israeli forces on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon earlier in the day, senior UN officials warned of a dangerous uptick in violence in the Middle East, as delegates echoed their calls for a ceasefire, de-escalation and diplomacy.

“The conflict in Lebanon, coupled with intensified strikes in Syria and the raging violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, points to a region dangerously teetering on the brink of an all-out war,” Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned the 15-nation organ, observing that the situation in the country had become even more alarming since the Secretary-General’s last address before the Council eight days ago.

Recent developments on the ground, starting with a dramatic intensification of exchanges of fire between Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces, followed by the commencement of Israeli ground operations into Lebanon on 1 October, has created a “humanitarian emergency”, she said, pointing to the “spiralling” number of dead and wounded.  Over 300 people were killed in Lebanon in the past week alone, placing the death toll since last October at 2,000 people, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

“Our collective inability to stop the violence and stem the bloodshed is damning,” she said, outlining alarming developments, including a health sector under immense pressure, due to air strikes hitting facilities and personnel, and a quarter of Lebanese territory now under so-called evacuation orders by the Israel Defense Forces, who often gave inhabitants as little as two hours’ notice to vacate their homes.  Over 50 people were killed in Israel and more than 60,000 displaced in Israel and Israel-occupied Golan Height since October 2023, she added, urging support for the $425 million Flash Appeal launched last week to assist 1 million people over the next three months.

Against that backdrop, she called on Hizbullah to stop firing rockets and missiles into Israel and urged Israel to stop its bombardment of Lebanon and to withdraw its ground forces.  “The parties must seize the diplomatic options put on the table before them, not the weapons by their side,” she said, adding:  “As the Secretary-General has warned, there is still time, but it is quickly running out.  We must give diplomacy a chance.  NOW.”

“The safety and security of peacekeepers is now increasingly in jeopardy,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, noting that Israel’s ground operations and intense air bombardment across the country had left much of southern Lebanon — United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) area of operations — now uninhabited and increasingly uninhabitable.  Hizbullah continues to fire across the Blue Line and is now threatening major population centres in Israel with increasingly high-calibre weapons, he said, pointing to the presence of unauthorized armed personnel, assets and weapons south of the Litani River, in grave violation of Council resolution 1701 (2006).

Meanwhile, since the launch of the Israel Defense Forces’ Operation Northern Arrows on 23 September, UNIFIL has, as of 8 October, detected 5,451 trajectories from south to north of the Blue Line and 610 air attacks by the Forces, he went on.  Today, two peacekeepers were wounded when a UN observation post in UNIFIL’s Naqoura headquarters was hit by tank fire, and Force soldiers fired on a UN position (UNP 1-31) nearby.  “The actions outlined above show little regard for the protections afforded to UN premises and personnel under international law,” he said.

UNIFIL peacekeepers have remained in position, in line with their Council mandate, despite being urged to vacate within 5 kilometres of the Blue Line by the Israel Defense Forces shortly before starting their ground operations, he said, stressing:  “It should be remembered that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of our peacekeepers lies with the actors on the ground.”  He urged the parties to return immediately to a cessation of hostilities and to take real action towards full implementation of Council resolution 1701 (2006).

In the ensuing debate, Middle Eastern States condemned the situation, with Lebanon’s representative pointing out that Israel’s attempt to invade his country violated the UN Charter and Council resolution 1701 (2006).  He called on the Council to condemn the invasion and adopt a resolution to end it, imposing Israel’s withdrawal in line with the 1949 Armistice Agreements. Diplomacy has failed to impose a ceasefire, which his country has called for, and so Israel’s “killing, destruction and displacement machine” continues its ground invasion, leading to an “indescribable” humanitarian tragedy.

Pointing to the targeting of a main supply line of the Litani River and Baalbeck, among other sites, he said, “We wonder:  what is the military benefit of targeting a vital border crossing, a water station and a historic archaeological site?  What is the goal of targeting journalists, relief workers, and medical personnel?  Is this the precise surgical military operation they have been talking about?”  He urged contributions to the urgent call for relief, which is only 12 per cent funded.  Only diplomacy and adhering to international law, including Council resolution 1701 (2006), can end the war.  Commending UNIFIL for its courageous decision to not withdraw its forces, he condemned Israel’s attacks on its positions, stressing that Moscow ignores calls of the United Nations and the Secretary-General, and is establishing “a new military reality on the ground to secure unjust outcomes”.

Similarly, Iran’s delegate, voicing solidarity for the Lebanese people, who are enduring “endless acts of aggression of the most notorious terrorist regime in the world”, condemned the continued complicity of the United States, the United Kingdom and other Western States in enabling Israel’s war crimes and genocidal war against the people of Palestine and Lebanon through the provision of advanced weaponry.  Israel assassinated Hizbullah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah to sabotage any chance of a ceasefire, he said, adding that the “heinous act” proved that Israel’s “real objective is only to provoke a full-scale war across the region”.  Therefore, he called for an immediate ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to flow into Lebanon, and for the Council to hold Israel accountable for its atrocities against the people of Lebanon and Palestine.

Countering those statements, Israel’s delegate said, “This conflict began with the decision made by Hassan Nasrallah to tie his fate, and Hizbullah’s, with Hamas, knowing it would bring suffering on Lebanon and Israel.” Recalling that he had, on 20 September, urged the Council to act before it was too late, said, “Your silence has forced our hand.”  Underscoring the need for a Gaza without Hamas, and for a Lebanon free from Hizbullah’s grip, he called on the Lebanese army and UNIFIL to “step up”, adding that Israeli forces are in close contact with the latter to ensure their safety.  The Council must reform the obligations contained in Council resolution 1701 (2006) and enhance the mechanism.

Asserting that Hizbullah had “established a terrorist state in a failed State”, he told the Lebanese representative that he should sit next to him, and not the Iranian delegate, adding:  “Israel, Lebanon and the free world are on the same side, against the Islamic regime of Iran.”  Lebanon must banish Hizbullah’s destructive influence from its borders, he said, noting the Israeli forces discovery of a Hizbullah tunnel intruding into Israeli territory, containing maps of kibbutzim and terror devices.  Israel will continue its operation to degrade Hizbullah’s capabilities and diminish its terror network in southern Lebanon, he said, calling on the Council to support his country.  “Let this be the day when you stand with Israel and the Lebanese people against the forces of terror; the day when you choose action over silence.”

In further exchanges, Member States underscored that diplomacy is the only way forward, with the representative of France, whose delegation requested the meeting, stating that his country will convene a ministerial conference on 24 October in Paris.  It will bring together Lebanon's partner States, the United Nations, the European Union and international, regional and civil society organizations to restart efforts towards a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701 (2006), mobilize the international community to meet the protection and emergency needs of the Lebanese population, and heighten support for Lebanon's institutions, in particular the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The representative of Switzerland, Council President for October, who spoke in her national capacity, was among several speakers, including Mozambique and Sierra Leone, calling for an immediate ceasefire and for adherence to Council resolution 1701 (2006), adding:  “There is no military solution to this conflict.”

“Israeli aggression will not stop at Lebanon,” warned Algeria’s representative, reiterating his country’s solidarity with and support of Lebanon.  The only path to ensuring stability in Lebanon and peace in the broader region is the full, immediate implementation of the 2006 text, including deployment of the Lebanese army over all of Lebanese territory, within internationally recognized borders, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese lands.

In the same vein, Ecuador’s representative stressed that “today, more than ever, the Lebanese Government must regain effective control over the flow and distribution of weapons” in line with Council resolution 1559 (2004) — a point echoed by Malta’s delegate.

The Republic of Korea’s representative, stressing that “adherence to obligations under international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians are not negotiable”, voiced alarm about the deadly attacks on medical personnel and units by Israel in Lebanon and recent cross-border strikes by Hizbullah appearing to target civilian areas in northern Israel.

For his part, China’s representative called on Israel “to set aside the obsession with the use of force, make the right political decision, stop violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and end its adventurous behaviour that could drag the region into a new catastrophe”. Addressing the Council, he urged “a certain country to stop its passive procrastination, protection and connivance”, and to act responsibly to prevent further destabilization of the situation.

“Israel is choosing escalation over diplomacy,” underscored the Russian Federation’s representative, detailing Israeli Defence Forces’ attacks despite calls for a ceasefire.  “The Security Council is paralyzed, and this is the U.S.’ fault,” he stressed.  Washington, D.C., is still blocking any attempts by Council members to adopt a decision that could help achieve a ceasefire in the region, he added, stressing that “an urgent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is the main thing that the Security Council should be pursuing”.

Rebutting that, the United States’ speaker said Iran must be condemned for undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty, and Hizbullah for attacking Israel and for putting its narrow interests ahead of the interests of Lebanon’s people.  All parties, including Israel, must respect the safety and security of UN personnel and premises, and avoid incidents that expose them to risk or harm.  He highlighted his country’s announcement last week of $157 million in humanitarian aid for internally displaced persons in Lebanon, calling on others to support the UN Flash Appeal.

Other Council Members highlighted their respective countries’ contributions to Lebanon’s humanitarian needs, with the representative of the United Kingdom announcing an additional $19.5 million aid package, while Japan’s representative recalled his country’s contribution of over $290 million to Lebanon since 2012, adding that it is considering providing additional assistance.

“This Council must spare no effort to avert a repeat of a Gaza-like scenario in Lebanon,” stressed Guyana’s representative, who voiced concern about the Prime Minister of Israel’s warning to the Lebanese people that their country could become the next Gaza. Citing a plan by the Israel Land Authority to seize the land of the headquarters of the United Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Jerusalem, she appealed to the UN and all peace-loving countries to not allow Israel to shutter UNRWA, which provides life-saving support to millions of Palestinians.

Echoing such concerns, Slovenia’s representative warned that “Lebanon is becoming the next Gaza”, expressing alarm by the parallels seen on the ground.  “We have to act, now.  Political, not military, solutions are required,” he said.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15850.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

9748th Meeting (AM)

SC/15852

15 October 2024

Civilians ‘Paying the Price’ of Conflict in Yemen, Speaker Tells Security Council, Calling on Parties to Refrain from Escalation, Pursue Dialogue

Amid the ratcheting up of regional tensions and a worsening humanitarian situation, all stakeholders must put the interests of Yemen’s people first, to restore peace and stability to the country, the United Nations official charged with mediating a sustainable resolution to the conflict told the Security Council today.

Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, said that engagements with Yemeni and international stakeholders in New York, Tehran and Moscow reaffirmed that a peaceful resolution of the nine-year-conflict is viable and achievable, and that the Yemeni people require international support.  “These are not just mere aspirations,” he emphasized, reiterating that parties have made commitments to establishing a road map for peace, including a nationwide ceasefire.  On the military front, relative calm prevails on the front lines, and work continues on the economic front to foster cooperation for stability.  “The tools are there,” he stressed, calling on parties to demonstrate the necessary will, and to put the needs of Yemenis first.

Turning to the security situation, he voiced concern that the year-long intensifying military escalation in the Middle East risked spiralling out of control, adding:  “Regrettably, Yemen is part of this escalation and risks being further dragged in.”  He called Ansar Allah’s repeated attacks on civilian shipping “unacceptable”, pointing to the narrowly avoided environmental disaster after the attack on the MV Sounion.  He voiced concern over reported casualties and damage to critical infrastructure following retaliatory air strikes carried out by Israel on Hodeidah, also noting strikes by the United States on four Yemeni governorates.

Yemenis yearn and work for peace, as their space for peacebuilding is under attack, through arbitrary detentions and intimidation, especially in Ansar Allah-controlled areas, he went on, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including 17 United Nations personnel.  Civil society organizations are particularly impacted by such actions, he said, pointing to the lack of due process and the latest threat of so-called criminal prosecution to some of those detained, adding:  “I have repeatedly told Ansar Allah these kinds of actions do not signal an interest in negotiating peace.”

Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the UN personnel, non-governmental organization staff and others arbitrarily detained by the Houthis since June this year, as well as UN colleagues detained since 2021 and 2023.  She “categorically rejected” allegations against her colleagues, echoing concern expressed by the Principals of affected organizations in a statement on 12 October, about the reported referral to “criminal prosecution” by the Houthi de facto authorities of several arbitrarily detained colleagues.  Detailing the UN’s diplomatic engagements with Houthi de facto authorities, she said that, as a result, most detained staff have had contact with their relatives, and those requiring health care have received it.

Turning to issues concerning migration, she expressed condolences to the families of 48 migrants who lost their lives off the Djibouti coast, when smugglers forced them off their vessel in open sea, pointing out that 2024 marks the deadliest year for migrants crossing the sea between Yemen and the Horn of Africa.  Such challenges call for regional solutions, she added.

Voicing alarm over ongoing attacks from and on Yemen, which damaged critical infrastructure, including in Hodeidah and Ras Issa, she underscored the need for restraint and to ensure Yemen’s Red Sea ports remain open and operational.  On the humanitarian situation, which is worsening in scale and severity, she reported that in August, the number of people who do not have enough food to eat soared to unprecedented levels.  Meanwhile, cholera continues to spread, with more than 203,000 suspected cases reported since March.  With as many as 18.2 million Yemenis in need, the humanitarian appeal for the country is 41 per cent funded, she noted, stressing the need for urgent additional funding for critical response sectors, including food security and cholera response.  As well, she emphasized the need for long-term funding for chronically underfunded gender-based violence programmes.

Najat Jumaan, Professor and Board Member of Jumaan Trading and Investment Company, then highlighted the challenges faced by the private sector over several cycles of conflict in Yemen.  The first conflict period seriously impacted the economy and the private sector, including factories, warehouses and the transport of trucks and goods between cities, she said, adding that the private sector nonetheless shouldered its responsibilities and continued to pay people.

During the second phase of the conflict, “other instruments of economic war were used”, she went on, pointing to divisions within sovereign institutions, including Yemen’s Central Bank and national air company.  As a result, the exchange rate went up, customs and excise doubled and international financial institutions refrained from cooperating with Yemeni banks, she said, also noting a consequent flight of young professionals and capital.  As well, transportation between major population centres was affected due to destroyed infrastructure and road closures.

The resultant war economy has concentrated benefits in the hands of armed groups and deprived Yemenis of a better future, she said, adding that the situation has been exacerbated by the international conflict unfolding in the Red Sea, which has led to a rise in the cost of goods and tamped down on private sector investments.  In that context, she called for a UN solution to ensure peace and stability restored to the Red Sea.  As well, she urged Yemeni parties and the international community to support the UN-led efforts to restore peace and stabilize the economy.  She urged all those working for peace to enable the reopening of roads, the equitable distribution of wealth, ensure support for Yemeni institutions and mobilize funding for recovery and reconstruction.

In the ensuing debate, the United Kingdom’s representative was among Council members underscoring the pressing humanitarian need across all of Yemen and reiterating her call on the Houthis to release aid workers, who have been detained for 130 days.  Echoing concerns that those detainees may now face a “so-called judicial process”, she warned that the use of special political courts will not result in fair outcomes for detainees.

“It is the civilian population that is paying the price,” said the representative of Switzerland, Council President for October, speaking in her national capacity, to draw attention to the humanitarian repercussions of the conflict, with four out of five Yemenis living in poverty.  Voicing concern over recent air strikes, she called on parties to refrain from escalation.  “Dialogue is the only option,” she emphasized, echoing other Council members, including China’s delegate.

Ecuador’s representative expressed concern about the Houthis’ statements that they will not cease their attacks, calling for maximum restraint.  Amid ongoing armed clashes, he urged sustained regional and international support for the Special Envoy’s mediation efforts.

Japan’s representative was among several speakers expressing concern over food insecurity and disease, urging the international community to scale up assistance.  Noting that Yemenis’ livelihoods heavily depend upon imports, she reported that in September Japan committed to grant nearly $5 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a project to streamline the import of food, humanitarian aid and other goods at the Port of Aden.

An immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza is a critical first step towards lasting peace throughout the region, stressed Guyana’s delegate, who spoke also for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Mozambique.  Lamenting that, despite the severity of the situation, “Yemen has often been underrepresented in the global media compared to other crises, leading to less public awareness and, consequently, less funding and aid”, she urgently called on the international community to mobilize resources for the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen.

Similarly, the Russian Federation’s representative stated that ending Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria is what would help most in stabilizing the situation in Red Sea.  “Equal pressure must be exerted on the so-called coalition of the U.S. and the U.K.,” who continue weekly and indiscriminate attacks on Yemeni territory in violation of international law, similar to what “they use in other countries and regions”.  Striking Yemen is unacceptable and destroying its port infrastructure could have the direst humanitarian consequence, he warned.

Countering that assertion was the speaker for France, who deplored “Iranian-backed Houthis” continued attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and underscored that States have the right to defend their vessels against such attacks.  He further condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis against Israel, which fuel the escalation in the region, and called on Iran to cease its support for destabilizing actions in the Middle East.

Echoing that view, the delegate of the United States noted that the Houthis continue to sow chaos and disruption threatening international peace and security.  The Houthis are not acting alone, he added, pointing to verifiable evidence that they have been receiving weapons and military supplies from Iran in violation of the UN arms embargo.  Pointing to alarming public reports that a permanent Council member considered providing the Houthis with supersonic anti-ballistic missiles and may be negotiating to give them small arms, he underscored “it has never been more important to enforce the arms embargo established under resolution 2216 (2015)” — a call also made by the representative of the Republic of Korea.

“A dangerous and unending tit-for-tat is not in anyone’s interest,” underscored the representative of Slovenia, who urged all Yemeni actors to display courage and determination to refocus efforts on an inclusive Yemeni peace process and the Special Envoy’s road map.

For his part, Malta’s representative called for an inclusive political process, ensuring the participation of women.  The UN and Member States facilitating talks must put in place enhanced and targeted measures to achieve the 30 per cent quota agreed in the National Dialogue Conference, he added.

Rounding out the discussion, Yemen’s representative emphasized his Government’s tireless efforts to work towards a political solution to the conflict, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and Council resolution 2216 (2015).  However, he blamed the Houthi militias — supported by Iran — for committing human rights violations, planting landmines, destroying the economy, and establishing a parallel economy to finance their wars, thereby depriving Yemenis of security, food, their present and future.

The international community had been “lax” in dealing with the group, he said, underscoring the urgent need to enhance his Government’s institutional capacity, so it can protect regional waters.  He called on the Council to implement its resolutions on the Yemeni crisis, thereby banning Iranian weapons and drying up financial sources, and forcing the Houthis to choose the path of peace.  The international community should also support Yemen in dealing with the deteriorating humanitarian and economic situation.  On the plight of the arbitrarily detained, he called for their immediate release and requested UN agencies and international organizations to relocate to Aden, the temporary capital, to ensure effective and safe operations.

https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15852.doc.htm

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

We owe it to future generations to shape a safer tomorrow, UN chief says on International Day

© UNICEF/Maxime Le Lijour

 

Despite their vulnerabilities, children can bring ideas and innovations that reduce disaster risk and build resilience.

By Vibhu Mishra

13 October 2024 

The UN Secretary-General has stressed the vital role of education in protecting children and empowering them to build a disaster-resilient future.

In a message marking Sunday’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, António Guterres highlighted the severe impact of disasters on children.

“When disasters strike, they unleash enormous devastation on individuals, societies and economies. The ripple effects of death, destruction and displacement are unimaginable. Today, disasters are often supercharged by the climate crisis, increasing their frequency and intensity,” he said.

“No one is safe, but children are particularly vulnerable,” he added.

One billion children at extreme risk

According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately one billion children are at “extremely high risk” from the effects of climate change. Recent years have seen the highest levels of children affected by destructive flooding in over three decades.

In the aftermath of disasters, children face disruptions to education, nutrition, and healthcare. They often lose access to essential social services and protection, while girls and children with disabilities are especially vulnerable to dangerous conditions.

Children from impoverished families are disproportionately impacted, further deepening the challenges they face in recovering from both disasters and the consequences of climate change.

© UNICEF/Rabik Upadhayay

 

A mother comforts her child in a town on the outskirts of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, in the aftermath of heavy rains and flash floods that affected tens of thousands of families.

Children are more than victims

Despite their vulnerabilities, Mr. Guterres stressed that children are not just victims of disaster.

“They have a huge stake in the future, and their ideas and innovations can help to reduce risk and build resilience.”

He reiterated the theme of this year’s International Day: the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future.

“Education is key for not only protecting children but enabling them to take part in decision-making to reduce risks for all,” he said.

Key steps to reduce risk

The Secretary-General urged countries to take concrete steps to reduce risks for children, including by expanding multi-hazard early warning systems to reach all populations; constructing and retrofitting schools to withstand disasters; and empowering youth with the tools to become champions of resilience.

He also encouraged governments to adopt the Comprehensive School Safety Framework, a roadmap for advancing disaster risk reduction and resilience in the education sector. The framework offers practical tools and guidance for ministries of education, disaster management authorities, and other stakeholders to promote safer learning environments.

“On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, and every day, we owe it to future generations to shape a safer, more resilient tomorrow,” Mr. Guterres declared.

Message from SRSG Kamal Kishore.

Children take home the message

Kamal Kishore, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, echoed the call to action, highlighting that by raising awareness among children, will not will they be able to keep themselves safe in the face of the hazards, but also take the messages home to their families.

By doing so, children can help their parents and elders become aware of those risks and invest in resilience, he said.

Click here to listen to a UN News interview with Mr. Kishore in which outlines some successful strategies that have helped significantly reduce cyclone-related deaths in countries like Bangladesh and India.

Soundcloud

Marked annually on October 13, the International Day promotes global awareness and action toward minimizing disaster risks, highlighting the importance of proactive measures, including preparedness and sustainable development, to reduce human and economic losses.

It also emphasizes the need for collaboration among governments, organizations and communities to build resilience against hazards.

Invest in preparedness

In a separate message, Amy Pope, the Director-General of the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasized the impact of extreme-weather and climate related disasters on people living through other crises, such as conflict or hunger.

Message from IOM DG Amy Pope

“[People] who have contributed least to the problem and are least able to adapt. Children and young people are at the very top of that list,” she said.

With floods, droughts and wildfires displacing over 26 million people and destroying homes, schools and other critical infrastructure in 2023, millions of children and young people have been left with an uncertain future.

Reiterating IOM’s focus on empowering young people and protecting them from disasters and climate impact, Ms. Pope called for urgent investments in targetted disaster preparedness, climate education and building capacity of young people to protect themselves and rebuild their communities

https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155656

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

UN chief condemns attacks against peacekeepers in Lebanon

UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

 

A UNIFIL armoured personnel carrier. (file)

By Vibhu Mishra, with additional reporting by Daniel Johnson in Geneva

11 October 2024 Peace and Security

The UN Secretary-General on Friday condemned recent attacks against peacekeeping personnel and premises in southern Lebanon.

According to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), two peacekeepers were injured on Friday after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower.

This followed an incident on Thursday when an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Merkava tank fired at an observation tower at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting it and injuring two additional personnel.

Established by the UN Security Council, UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area.

‘Blue helmets’ must be protected

Speaking at a press stakeout during the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, the capital of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Secretary-General António Guterres “condemned the fact that there was shooting against the UN premises, wounding two peacekeepers, which is a violation of international humanitarian law.”

“Peacekeepers must be protected by all parties of the conflict, and what has happened is obviously condemnable.”

Tweet URL

He also expressed alarm over the escalating violence in Lebanon.

“What we are witnessing in Lebanon is a massive operation which strikes, heavy bombardments, obviously also with bombardments from the Hezbollah side, but that are causing dramatic number of civilians being killed,” he said.

Reports indicate that more than 2,000 people have been killed, and over one million have been displaced.

“We see an enormous tragedy in Lebanon, and we must do everything to avoid an all-out war In Lebanon,” Mr. Guterres added.

Peacekeepers remain at their posts

Despite the challenging conditions, UNIFIL peacekeepers continue their operations.

According to the Mission, several security walls at the UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, collapsed when an IDF vehicle hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved close to the UN post.  

Set by the UN and stretching for 120 kilometres along Lebanon’s southern frontier, the Blue Line is a “line of withdrawal”. Its practical purpose is to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south of Lebanon. Several of UNIFIL’s positions are located on or near it.

A UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position, with peacekeepers remaining on-site.

“These incidents put again UN peacekeepers, who are serving in south Lebanon at the request of the Security Council, at very serious risks,” UNIFIL stated on social media platform X.  

“The safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times.”

Any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates UNIFIL’s presence in the region, it added.

© UNICEF

 

Destruction in a suburb of Beirut.

Situation worsening for civilians

In Geneva, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, called for an end to the “killing, destruction [and] bellicose posturing” by those in power, adding that the situation for civilians on the ground “in Lebanon, Gaza, Israel and Syria is getting worse by the day”.

On Thursday, airstrikes – without warning – targeted densely populated areas in Beirut’s central district, marking the third major attack on the city since late September, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).  

Twenty-two people were killed, and hundreds injured, according to Lebanese authorities.

OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani described how the densely populated capital of Beirut “is increasingly being hit by Israeli airstrikes” which have left more than 2,100 dead over the last year, according to the Lebanese authorities.

The development comes as Hezbollah and other armed groups “continue to fire rockets into Israel, resulting in the first civilian fatalities in the north since the most recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon last month”, the OHCHR spokesperson noted.

Tweet URL

Healthcare centres and emergency workers have not been spared from the intensifying Israeli strikes, with 96 primary health care centres and clinics closed by 5 October, according to the Lebanese authorities.

“We’ve had several reports also of airstrikes, targeting other medical centres and of paramedics as well as firefighters, being killed,” Ms. Shamdasani said.

Since 30 September, 49 health workers have been killed in nine confirmed attacks, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

Humanitarian response

UN agencies are ramping up efforts to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) dispatched a humanitarian convoy from Beirut to the village of Rmaych, where 6,000 people are sheltering.

Together with partners, the agencies have distributed over one million meals and more than 143,000 ready-to-eat kits to at least 440 designated shelters.

These agencies continue to provide vital protection, psychosocial support, nutrition, health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

WHO has also delivered medical supplies to treat 650 trauma patients in six major Beirut hospitals, as assessments continue to evaluate the needs of displaced people outside formal shelters.

With nearly three-quarters of the 1,000 designated shelters at full capacity, the humanitarian needs are only increasing, particularly as winter approaches.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155621

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode