Marking International Day of Democracy, Secretary-General Warns That Civic Spaces Are Closing, Urges Meaningful Participation of Youth in Decision-Making

• SG/SM/21924
  

1 SEPTEMBER 2023

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Democracy, observed on 15 September:

Democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights are bedrocks of resilient, inclusive and peaceful societies.  They underwrite freedom, advance sustainable development and protect the dignity and rights of every person.  On the International Day of Democracy, we celebrate its promise to societies — and recognize the many threats it faces at this time of tension and turmoil.

The walls are closing in on civic spaces.  Mis- and disinformation are poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities and eroding trust in institutions.  This year’s theme — “Empowering the Next Generation” — focuses on the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy today and in the future.

It is not enough to listen to children and young people.  We must support them with massive investments in education, skills-building and lifelong learning.  We must protect human rights and advance gender equality.  And we must expand the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at every level.

On this important Day, let us join hands across generations and work as one to build a more just world for all.

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9409TH MEETING (AM)

SC/15400

31 AUGUST 2023

Adopting Resolution 2695 (2023), Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for One Year

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until 31 August 2024, as speakers debated the matter of the Force being allowed access to some areas around the Blue Line.

Adopting resolution 2695 (2023) (to be issued as document S/RES/2695) — by a recorded vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation) — the Security Council decided to extend the present mandate of UNIFIL for a period of twelve months, until 31 August 2024.

By the text, the Council reiterated its call for the Government of Lebanon to present a plan to increase its naval capabilities as soon as possible, including with appropriate support from the international community, with the goal of ultimately decreasing UNIFIL’s Maritime Taskforce and transitioning its responsibilities to the Lebanese Armed Forces. 

Further, the Council condemned all violations of the Blue Line — both by air and ground — and strongly called on all parties to respect their obligations under international law as well as the cessation of hostilities, to prevent any violation of the Blue Line and to respect it in its entirety, and to cooperate fully with the United Nations and UNIFIL.

In addition, the Council reaffirmed that UNIFIL does not require prior authorization or permission to undertake its mandated tasks and that UNIFIL is authorized to conduct its operation independently.

It also urged all parties to make tangible progress towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution as envisioned in resolution 1701 (2006) and Israel to expedite the withdrawal of its army from northern Ghajar and the adjacent area north of the Blue Line without further delay in coordination with UNIFIL.

By other terms, the Council commended UNIFIL’s operational changes to address misinformation and disinformation in line with resolution 2650 (2022).

After the adoption, Council members highlighted UNIFIL’s critical role in maintaining peace and stability across the Blue Line and preventing any further escalation, with many stressing the importance of the Interim Force’s unimpeded access, freedom of movement and the security of the peacekeepers.

On that note, the representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the language clarifying UNIFIL’s long-standing mandate to exercise freedom of movement that allows it to respond quickly to Blue Line violations. However, it is unacceptable that UNIFIL is unable to access some locations along the Blue Line border, particularly given Hizbullah’s self-acknowledged stockpiling of weapons, he stressed. 

Adding to that, the United Arab Emirates’ representative warned that tensions on the Blue Line are at a level unseen since the 2006 war, with Hizbullah erecting observation towers, conducting military drills with live fire and preventing UNIFIL’s freedom of movement while brazenly attacking peacekeeping forces.  “These extremely inflammatory actions threaten a dangerous escalation in our region”, she emphasized, calling on Lebanon to meet its responsibilities regarding UNIFIL’s freedom of movement.

For his part, Ghana’s delegate urged Israel and Lebanon to work towards a permanent ceasefire and to fully respect the Blue Line.  Noting the urgency in consolidating the authority of the Lebanese armed forces and State security institutions over Lebanese territory, he underlined the need for an early, nationally oriented resolution of Lebanon’s political situation.

The representative of China, whose delegation abstained in the vote, meanwhile underscored that respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State concerned is a basic prerequisite for peacekeeping operations. Accordingly, the Council should properly address the views and appeals of Lebanon, he asserted.

Echoing his stance, the Russian Federation’s representative said that his delegation abstained due to a “series of contentious changes introduced to the text in the final stages of the negotiating process”.  His delegation nevertheless supports UNIFIL as a stabilizing factor along the Blue Line, he emphasized.

Rounding out the discussion, Lebanon’s delegate urged States to listen to her country’s concerns and cited the historic abstention of two Council members on the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate as “a very significant indicator”.  She also voiced regret that the text failed to take into consideration her country’s sovereignty.  Stressing the demand of having peacekeeping troops on the ground in Lebanon, she said that Beirut has never denounced the principle of UNIFIL’s freedom of movement. 

Opposing language that “looks like resolutions under Chapter VII [of the Charter of the United Nations]”, she said the resolution to extend UNIFIL’s mandate is under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations — “a resolution that was prompted by a request from Lebanon, […] not imposed on Lebanon”.  She emphasized that UNIFIL’s presence in South Lebanon is mainly prompted by an outstanding conflict between Lebanon and Israel.....

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Coups only make crises worse: Guterres

MINUSMA/Marco Dormino

 

A woman casts her vote during the 2018 election in Mali. UN chief Antonio Guterres said credible elections are vital for robust democracies together with the rule of law.

31 August 2023

Peace and Security

Highlighting the “succession of military coups” unfolding across Africa, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday emphasized the need for durable democratic governance and the rule of law.

Wednesday’s military takeover in Gabon came on the heels of Niger last month, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Chad, Guinea, Sudan and Mali in the years prior to that. Overall, all recent coups except Myanmar, in 2021, have taken place on African soil.

The announcement of the takeover in Gabon came shortly after election results were announced saying incumbent president Ali Bongo had been re-elected, amid reports of irregularities at the polls.

“Many countries face deep-seated governance challenges. But military governments are not the solution,” Mr. Guterres stressed, speaking at a press encounter at UN Headquarters, in New York. 

“They aggravate problems. They cannot resolve a crisis; they can only make it worse.”

‘Credible’ institutions

The UN chief called on all countries to urgently establish credible democratic institutions and rule of law.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the need to strengthen international bodies such as the African Union, in their diplomatic efforts to foster peace, stability and democracy on the continent.

At the same time, conditions need to be created that allow African citizens to address the root causes of political instability; lack of development being a major factor, he said.

“Development is a central objective if we want to create conditions for peace and stability in Africa,” the Secretary-General said, in response to a question from a journalist.

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Diplomacy more important than ever

Mr. Guterres also spoke of a series of high profile upcoming trips, where he aims to drum up support for diplomacy and multilateralism, leading to the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly, in late September.

This weekend he will be travelling to the Africa Climate Summit in Kenya, from where he will travel to Indonesia to attend the 13th ASEAN-UN Summit.

Next, he will head for the Indian capital, Delhi, for the G20 Summit, and then on to Cuba for a Summit of the G-77 and China.

“I look forward to engaging with global leaders at these four very different summits before the world comes together for the opening of the General Assembly”, Mr. Guterres said.

Dialogue the only way

Key items on his agenda for the four summits include climate action in Africa, the crisis in Myanmar (ASEAN-UN Summit), reforming global financial institutions (G20), and getting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development back on track (G-77 and China).

“Diplomacy is more important than ever to navigate the tensions of our emerging multipolar world,” the UN chief said, adding: 

“Dialogue remains the only way to find joint approaches and common solutions to the global threats and challenges that we face.”

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9408TH MEETING (PM)

SC/15399

30 AUGUST 2023

Veto by Russian Federation Results in Security Council’s Failure to Renew Travel Ban, Asset Freeze against Those Obstructing Mali Peace Agreement

The Security Council today failed to renew the travel ban and asset freeze imposed through resolution 2374 (2017) against individuals and entities obstructing implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, unable to reach consensus on either of two resolutions that would have kept such measures in place amidst the drawdown of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The first draft — submitted by France and the United Arab Emirates — would have, among other terms, renewed until 31 August 2024 the travel ban and asset freeze and would also have extended until 30 September 2024 the mandate of the Panel of Experts as set out in resolution 2374 (2017). However, it was rejected owing to a veto cast by the Russian Federation in a vote that had otherwise garnered 13 votes in favour, with 1 abstention (China).  Use of the veto triggers the convening of a formal General Assembly meeting on the situation within 10 working days.  (For background, see Press Release GA/12417.)

Speaking before the vote, the representative of the United Arab Emirates underlined the need to maintain a stable environment to achieve a safe, orderly drawdown of MINUSMA.  She added that the resolution’s sponsors “paid careful attention” to the views of Mali’s transitional Government in putting the draft forward and that it emphasizes the Council’s readiness to review the continuation of sanctions measures at any time.

Following the vote, the representative of Mozambique, also speaking for Gabon and Ghana, expressed regret that the draft resolution could not be adopted due to the use of the veto.  The text would have extended measures against those who obstruct or threaten the 2015 peace agreement and, while Mozambique, Gabon and Ghana gave due consideration to the transitional Government’s request, they assessed that “at this stage, the measures should continue”.

The representatives of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Albania and Japan also expressed regret over the Russian Federation’s use of the veto, stressing that the Mali sanctions regime and the Panel of Experts are important Council tools in support of peace and stability in Mali. The representative of the United States, Council President for August, observed:  “Once again, Russia has imposed its will on the Council in the face of the opposition of countries from the region.”

The Russian Federation’s representative, however, said that — despite his delegation’s repeated calls for sensible compromise — the text did not take into consideration the positions of either his country or Mali.  Then, as the Council turned to his country’s competing draft — which would have renewed the travel ban and asset freeze for one final year and dissolved the Panel of Experts — he issued a warning.  “If this is not adopted, then there is no coming back to discussing any further resolutions on this matter,” he said.

That draft was then defeated by a vote of 1 in favour (Russian Federation) to 1 against (Japan), with 13 abstentions.

The representative of France, after the vote, expressed regret that the Russian Federation put forward a text that was not subject to discussion among Council members at a juncture as crucial as this one for Mali and the region.  Malta’s representative said that her delegation abstained because this draft sought to eliminate measures that would have assisted Mali on its path to genuine security and stability.  China’s representative, meanwhile, said that — although his delegation did not receive instructions from its capital regarding the draft — it supports the content and elements contained within.

At the outset of the meeting, Council members engaged in a procedural discussion regarding the holding of consultations before today’s votes.

THE SITUATION IN MALI

Procedural Discussion

A procedural exchange occurred at the outset of the meeting, with VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) and DAI BING (China) requesting that consultations be held before the vote.  ROBERT A. WOOD (United States), Council President for August, while taking note of these positions, said that he will proceed with the vote, given that views have already been expressed and the text is substantively the same as the one that recently passed the silence procedure. Further exchanges followed, and PEDRO COMISSÁRIO AFONSO (Mozambique), also speaking for Gabon and Ghana, said that, while the countries for whom he speaks have taken a common position, they can accept allowing more time for an additional exchange of views. Mr. WOOD then indicated his intention to proceed with the vote, at which time Mr. NEBENZIA asked for a procedural vote on whether to hold consultations.  Mr. WOOD then suspended the meeting.  Upon resumption, Mr. WOOD said that the Council will hold consultations on the matter and suspended the meeting again.

Action on Draft Resolution

LANA ZAKI NUSSEIBEH (United Arab Emirates), speaking in explanation of position before action, acknowledged that implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali is facing difficulty. Acknowledging that the drawdown and withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) are ongoing and that the first phase of MINUSMA’s drawdown has occurred successfully, she noted:  “However, we need to bear in mind that the second phase is still ongoing, and it will be important to maintain as stable an environment as possible for the sake of achieving a safe and orderly drawdown.”  In putting the draft resolution forward, she emphasized that “we have paid careful attention” to the views of Mali’s transitional Government, particularly its request for the lifting of the sanctions regime.  The draft resolution emphasizes the Council's readiness to review at any time the continuation of the sanctions measures contained in Council resolution 2374 (2017). 

Mr. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) said that the meeting had been preceded by good work on the sanctions regime, which met the needs of regional Council players; however, he noted that the draft does address those issues. Adoption of that text, which flouts Bamako’s desire to end the sanctions regime, will simply undermine it.  He recalled that the regime was set up by the Council in response to a specific request by Malian authorities and that attempting to emplace guardianship on that country without the authorities’ agreement is pointless.  Pushing forward approaches that are unsuitable to Bamako will hamper further cooperation with the UN, and given current withdrawal of MINUSMA, “we must not allow that”.  Therefore, his delegation could not support the draft, urging member States to support its alternative resolution, which takes into consideration the African countries’ view that the regime must be maintained, but not used for foreign influence on Mali.

By a vote of 13 in favour to 1 against (Russian Federation), with 1 abstention (China), the Security Council failed to adopt the resolution, owing to a veto cast by a permanent member.

Statements

Mr. AFONSO (Mozambique), also speaking for Gabon and Ghana, said that, to support international engagement in the political and security situations in Mali, the countries for whom he speaks voted in favour of the draft resolution.  The text would have extended measures against those who obstruct or threaten the 2015 peace agreement — implementation of which remains critical for long-term peace and stability in Mali.  While Mozambique, Gabon and Ghana gave due consideration to the transitional Government’s request, they assessed that “at this stage, the measures should continue”, he said

Against the backdrop of the potential negative impact of MINUSMA’s withdrawal on the peace agreement, he expressed regret that the draft resolution could not be adopted due to the use of the veto.  Now, more than ever, the international community must support and encourage intensified efforts to implement the peace agreement. Mali’s peace, stability and territorial integrity depends — to a large extent — on doing so, he stressed.

JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom) said that despite having to make a number of difficult compromises, his delegation voted in favour of the resolution because of its strong support for the renewal of the Mali sanctions regime and the Panel of Experts mandate.  These are important Council tools in support of peace and stability in Mali.  “For this reason, the United Kingdom deeply regrets Russia’s reckless use of the veto,” he stressed, also adding:  “This will reduce the Council’s oversight and engagement of Mali’s peace process at a critical juncture”.  Furthermore, the United Kingdom cannot support the Russian Federation’s proposal to dissolve the Panel of Experts on Mali.  Despite the outcome of today’s vote, his delegation remains committed to supporting Mali’s peace agreement and pursuing accountability for human rights violations and abuses.

PASCALE CHRISTINE BAERISWYL (Switzerland) noted her delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution because it represents an acceptable compromise.  However, she expressed regret that use of the veto by a single member of the Council calls into question the renewal of the sanctions regime.  This is all the more regrettable amid the backdrop of growing insecurity, leading to population displacements and the departure of MINUSMA under tense conditions.  The resolution was intended to maintain sanctions measures aimed at encouraging the implementation of the peace agreement, as the progress that Mali has made with the international community must not be jeopardized.  She affirmed that Council decisions on sanctions should take into account the information provided by the Panel of Experts, which assesses the humanitarian, political and security situation.  Given the withdrawal of MINUSMA, she urged the Malian authorities to enable a peaceful transition and work towards stability in the region. 

Mr. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) said that, despite his delegation’s repeated calls for a constructive approach and sensible compromise, the text did not take into consideration the positions of either his country or Mali.  Stressing that his delegation did not hide its views during negotiations — and that it advanced specific proposals to achieve compromise — he said that his delegation’s vote against the draft resolution “was highly unlikely to be unexpected”.  He expressed hope that, in the future, sponsors of resolutions will make “wisdom and pragmatism” top priorities to avoid unnecessary confrontations in the Council — “particularly in circumstances when a compromise agreement was completely achievable if the political will had been there”.

ALBANA DAUTLLARI (Albania) said that her delegation voted in favor of the resolution, as it sees value in maintaining the targeted sanctions and Panel of Experts.  “While the current text does not address many of our concerns, we made concessions in the spirit of compromise,” she said.  Discussions in the Council Chamber earlier this week highlighted the fragility of Mali’s peace agreement and the ceasefire violations following hostile activities between the Malian transitional Government and signatory movements.  As MINUSMA departs, it is imperative the Security Council maintain its focus on the situation and on the implementation of the agreement, which remains a crucial instrument for security and stability in Mali.  The sanctions regime and the panel of experts have a crucial role to play in assisting Mali in implementing its peace agreement.  “Therefore, we regret that one member used his veto power today, preventing the Council from reaching unity on this matter,” she said. .....

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Билайн не дает смотреть заседание ООН

Кисида заявил о твердом намерении Японии возглавить движение за ядерное разоружение

Обновлено 12 часов назад

Премьер-министр Японии Кисида Фумио сказал, что его страна намерена встать во главе международных усилий, направленных на достижение ядерного разоружения.

Кисида заявил, что лидерство Японии будет опираться на результаты саммита G7 в Хиросиме и что страна будет работать над поддержанием и укреплением рамок Договора о нераспространении ядерного оружия (ДНЯО).

Кисида встретился в среду в своем офисе с представителями групп хибакуся – людей, переживших атомных бомбардировки городов Хиросима и Нагасаки.

Эти представители призвали к тому, чтобы Япония подписала и ратифицировала Договор о запрещении ядерного оружия и смягчила критерии признания в качестве хибакуся пациентов с заболеваниями, связанными с атомными бомбардировками.

Кисида назвал этот договор важным, отметив, что он послужит выходом в мир без ядерного оружия. При этом он указал, что путь к такому выходу пока не проложен, поскольку ни одна ядерная держава не присоединилась к этому договору.

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Rights experts call for second UN Decade for People of African Descent

PAHO

 

The International Day for People of African Descent was celebrated for the first time on 31 August 2021.

30 August 2023

Human Rights

Human rights experts on Wednesday urged the UN General Assembly to declare a second International Decade for People of African Descent starting in 2025 as more action is needed to combat racism and other intolerance. 

They stressed that more than ever, the world urgently needs humanity to unite and collaborate in a spirit of equality and non-discrimination.

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“This demands political will to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, inequality and stratification at both the domestic and international levels,” they said in a statement.

Achieving this goal means that inequalities within and among countries will need to be drastically decreased, and the legacies of colonialism, apartheid, enslavement and genocide effectively resolved, they added. 

‘A cause for humanity’ 

The General Assembly proclaimed 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, with actions at the national, regional and global levels. 

Objectives include promoting respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African Descent, and greater knowledge of their diverse heritage, culture and contributions to society. 

“The cause of people of African descent for recognition, justice and development is a cause for humanity,” the experts stated.

Sustain the momentum

They said the UN Decade, together with the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, have contributed significantly to combatting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.

“However, there is much more work to be done and the momentum gained must be sustained,” they said.

They urged the General Assembly to consider proclaiming a second International Decade for People of African Descent from 2025 to 2034, “with a view to taking further action to address systemic discrimination and legacies of the past to bring about the full recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent worldwide.”

‘Pervasive discrimination’ persists

The 13 experts were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

They issued their appeal on the eve of the International Day for People of African Descent. 

In his message for the Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted “the enormous impact” that both the African continent and people of African descent have had on the development, diversity and richness of world civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humankind. 

“At the same time, we acknowledge the pervasive discrimination faced by people of African descent around the world, and the many obstacles they face to realising their full human rights,” he said.

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Promote equality, combat racism 

He noted that recent years have seen renewed momentum for change, based on the global anti-racism movement of 2020.  Millions of people took to the streets of major cities worldwide following the police killing of George Floyd, an African American man, that May. 

Mr. Guterres pointed to UN initiatives, such as the establishment of the Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement, and the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, as a testament to the collective aspirations of the African diaspora for justice and equality worldwide.  

The Secretary-General has also made anti-racism a management priority at the UN, where he has appointed a Special Adviser and team charged with overseeing implementation of a Strategic Action Plan on Addressing Racism and Promoting Dignity for All.

Call to action

“Today, as we mark the International Day for People of African Descent, I reiterate the call of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to use the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to announce and take prompt and robust steps to advance equality and combat racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia,” he said. 

The UN chief urged countries to take concrete steps, with the full participation of people of African descent and their communities, to tackle old and new forms of racial discrimination; and to dismantle entrenched structural and institutional racism.

“Today and every day, we must continue to speak out against all ideas of racial superiority, and work tirelessly to free all societies from the blight of racism,” he said.

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UN chief ‘firmly condemns’ Gabon coup, notes reports of election abuses

UN Photo/Cia Pak

 

Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 77th session.

30 August 2023

Peace and Security

The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday firmly condemned the on-going coup attempt in Gabon, while acknowledging that “serious infringements of fundamental freedoms” appear to have taken place during elections at the weekend.

Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that UN chief António Guterres was following the evolving situation in the capital Libreville “very closely”.

While condemning military action as “a means to resolve the post electoral crisis”, the Secretary-General said he had noted the announcement by the Central African nation’s electoral body of a win for incumbent president Ali Bongo with “deep concern” given reports of serious irregularities at the polls.

‘Strong opposition’ to coups

This announcement of a military takeover in the capital by a group of officers who declared the election results void and the dissolution of State institutions, would mark the eighth coup – if successful – in West and Central Africa since 2020.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms his strong opposition to military coups”, said the UN Spokesperson.

According to news reports, the coup leaders have placed President Bongo under house arrest, ending in effect more than half a century of dynastic rule.

The current president’s father, Omar, came to power in 1967, and after violent unrest erupted following his disputed election victory in 2016, there was a foiled coup attempt in 2019.

News reports said the coup leaders calling themselves The Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, had declared the country to be in a state of institutional, political, economic and social crisis.

So far, there has been no response from the existing Government and the president’s whereabouts are unknown.

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The country is currently an elected member of the UN Security Council.

Dialogue and restraint call

“The Secretary-General calls on all actors involved to exercise restraint, engage in an inclusive and meaningful dialogue and ensure that the rule of law and human rights are fully respected”, said the statement issued by his Spokeperson. 

“He also calls on the national army and security forces to guarantee the physical integrity of the President of the Republic and his family.”

Standing with the people

Mr. Dujarric also stressed that the UN “stands by the people of Gabon.”

Questioned by correspondents at the daily Noon Briefing in New York on the pattern of military coups across the region, he said the best way of dealing with them “is in fact to invest more in preventing them prior, in investing in strong institutions, in ensuring that elections are safe, that people are able to express themselves, that human rights are respected.”

The UN has 81 international staff and 163 national staff working in the country and Mr. Dujarric said that latest information suggested that all staff and their families were safe and sound.

“Our broader concern is really for the people of Gabon, and people of countries that have undergone military coups recently which is a clear violation of their rights.”

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UN appeals for nuclear test ban amid ‘alarming rise in global mistrust

ICAN/Lucero Oyarzun

 

People protest against nuclear weapons at a worldwide climate strike in Geneva. (file)

29 August 2023

Peace and Security

The United Nations on Tuesday called for more global action to end nuclear testing, warning against the danger of “collective suicide”. 

In his message marking the International Day against Nuclear Tests, Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for key countries to ratify the international treaty that bans experiments for both peaceful and military purposes.

‘Recipe for annihilation’

“This year, we face an alarming rise in global mistrust and division,” he said. “At a time in which nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons are stockpiled around the world — and countries are working to improve their accuracy, reach and destructive power — this is a recipe for annihilation.”

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The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) therefore represents “a fundamental step in our quest for a world free of nuclear weapons,” he added.

The treaty opened for signature in September 1996 but has yet to enter into force because it must be signed and ratified by 44 specific nuclear technology holder countries, eight of which have yet to ratify it: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan and the United States.

“In the name of all victims of nuclear testing, I call on all countries that have not yet ratified the Treaty to do so immediately, without conditions,” said Mr. Guterres.

‘Unfinished business’

The President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, echoed this message during a commemorative event at UN Headquarters in New York.

“Heightened distrust, geopolitical competition and a growing number of armed conflicts have only increased the dangers in our world. Particularly if we consider the regular threats of resorting to a nuclear strike in the on-going war against Ukraine,” he said.

Mr. Kőrösi called for “a human-centred approach to disarmament” as investing in nuclear weapons is simply incompatible with global pledges to achieve a more sustainable future for all people and the planet.

He said the CTBT remains “a stark reminder that we have unfinished business” and urged the remaining countries to sign and ratify the treaty.

The General Assembly President also underscored the importance of learning from history “especially at such a moment, fraught with so many dangers.”

End the threat

He shared the example of a Japanese woman, Teruko Yahata, 85, who was a child when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945, destroying the city.  Today, she delivers presentations to people worldwide about the impact of a nuclear blast.

“In the name of all those who suffered from nuclear testing or nuclear detonations, in the name of our loved ones, and the future generations, it is time to prevent global nuclear destruction,” he said.  “It is time to put an end to the threat of our collective suicide.”

The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, also stressed the urgency for action.

Although the CTBT has not entered into force, it remains “a monumental testament” to the global goal of relegating nuclear weapons to history.

“The unilateral moratoria against tests adopted by the nuclear-weapon States are to be commended. However, they are no substitute for a legally binding prohibition against all nuclear tests,” she said.

Walk the talk

The International Day Against Nuclear Tests has been observed annually on 29 August since 2010.

The date marks the anniversary of the 1991 closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan, the largest of its kind in the former Soviet Union, where more than 450 nuclear devices were exploded over four decades.

The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Kazakhstan and partners held a #StepUp4Disarmament symbolic walk at UN Headquarters on Tuesday morning, to mark the International Day – part of a global campaign to press for a world free from nuclear weapons. 

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Hundreds of thousands trafficked into online criminality across SE Asia

© Unsplash/John Schnobrich

 

Organised crime groups are forcing hundreds and thousands of people into online criminality.

29 August 2023

Human Rights

Criminal gangs in southeast Asia are using torture and abuse to force hundreds of thousands of people into an online scam operation which generates billions of dollars per year, the UN rights office (OHCHR) said on Tuesday.

OHCHR said that at least 120,000 people across Myanmar and another 100,000 in Cambodia may be held in situations where they are forced to execute lucrative online scams - from illegal gambling to crypto fraud.

Other States including Lao PDR, the Philippines and Thailand have also been identified as main countries of destination or transit.

Victims, not criminals

“People who are coerced into working in these scamming operations endure inhumane treatment while being forced to carry out crimes,” said UN rights chief Volker Türk. “They are victims. They are not criminals,” he insisted.

The latest OHCHR report sheds new light on cybercrime scams that have become a major issue in Asia, with many workers trapped and forced to participate in scams targeting people over the internet.

The report notes workers face a range of serious human rights violations, and many have been subjected to abuses such as torture, arbitrary detention, sexual violence and forced labour.

Victims of such operations can be scammed an average of $160,000 each, often through sophisticated scripts sent via unregulated social media applications.

According OHCHR, these victims come from across the ASEAN region as well as mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, South Asia and even further afield from Africa and Latin America.

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Mr. Türk called on States to ensure justice “for the people who have been so horrifically abused.” 

Noticeable trends

Speaking in Geneva, Pia Oberoi, OHCHR’s Senior Advisor on Migration and Human Rights in Asia Pacific, said ongoing regional “economic distress” paired with the COVID-19 pandemic has meant there is a lack of regular and safe pathways towards decent work opportunities.

“This has meant populations are more likely to rely on recruitment forums or intermediaries,” so criminal gangs are increasingly targeting individuals through these platforms, suggesting victims are destined for real jobs.

“There weren’t red flags being raised” - particularly for the more educated, multilingual young men who the report notes are frequent victims.

“It follows a pattern of how labour migration has taken place in the region, and also speaks to the sophistication of these fraudulent recruitments,” added Ms. Oberoi.

Weak regulations

According to OHCHR, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated response measures had a drastic impact on illicit activities across the region - with increased virtual work and the movement of business to less regulated spaces. 

Ms. Oberoi said the situation is “unfolding in locations where regulation is weak,” such as conflict affected border areas in Myanmar, “with little to no rule of law” and in “laxly regulated jurisdictions such as special economic zones in Laos PDR and Cambodia.” 

Describing the trends across the region, she added that the ability of ASEAN nationals to travel across borders without a visa, also means there is a “lack of protection sensitive screening”, as officials don’t always have the training to “identify protection sensitive responses.”

Justice for victims

Although there are several regional legal frameworks to prosecute such crimes, OHCHR said there is a lack of implementation by States and often forced criminality is not seen as a legal violation.   

Even when victims are rescued or escape, rather than being protected and given access to the rehabilitation and remedy they need, they are often subjected to criminal prosecution or immigration penalties, OHCHR said. 

“All affected States need to summon the political will to strengthen human rights and improve governance and the rule of law, including through serious and sustained efforts to tackle corruption,” said Mr. Türk.

“Only such a holistic approach can break the cycle of impunity and ensure protection and justice for the people who have been so horrifically abused.”

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/08/1140187

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В.В Путин сообщил Моди, что Россию на G20 будет представлять Лавров - канцелярия премьера Индии

28.08.2023 18:30:02

Дели. 28 августа.   Премьер-министр Индии Нарендра Моди и президент России Владимир Путин провели телефонный разговор, в ходе которого российский лидер проинформировал, что не сможет присутствовать на саммите G20 в Дели, говорится в заявлении, распространенном канцелярией Моди.        "Премьер-министр Нарендра Моди провел сегодня телефонный разговор с президентом Российской Федерации Владимиром Путиным. Лидеры обсудили прогресс по ряду вопросов двустороннего сотрудничества и обменялись мнениями по региональным и глобальным вопросам, представляющим взаимный интерес, включая недавно завершившийся саммит БРИКС в Йоханнесбурге", - говорится в нем.        В заявлении отмечается, что Путин сообщил Моди, что не сможет присутствовать на саммите G20 в Дели, который состоится 9-10 сентября, и проинформировал его, что Россию на нем, как ожидается, будет представлять министр иностранных дел страны Сергей Лавров.        В нем указано, что Моди "выразил понимание в связи с этим решением" и поблагодарил Россию за поддержку Индии. https://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=600967&lang=RU

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9407TH MEETING (AM)

SC/15398

28 AUGUST 2023

As United Nations Closes Mali Operation, Many Delegates in Security Council Urge Transitional Government to Guarantee Mission’s Safe, Unhindered Withdrawal

Closing a mission built over a decade within a period of six months is “a complex and ambitious endeavour”, especially amid a host of other constraints linked to security, logistics, geography and infrastructure, the top UN official in Mali told the Security Council today.

El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), said the Mission must complete by its deadline of 31 December 2023, the repatriation of 12,947 uniformed personnel, the relocation of a load of approximately 5,500 sea containers of contingent and UN-owned equipment and almost 4,000 vehicles and the closure and the handover of 12 camps.

Difficulties have already emerged during the first phase of the withdrawal plan with convoys targeted by improvised explosive devices and attacked by unidentified armed elements. The second phase of the withdrawal process will be “incredibly difficult”, he warned.

Additionally, parties in Mali have adopted diverging positions regarding the fate of camps.  Transitional authorities have signaled that they intend to retake the Mission’s camps following MINUSMA’s withdrawal while the signatory movements object to the deployment of the Malian armed forces in areas they control, he said.

Beatrice Abouya, Acting Regional Director of Search for Common Ground, also briefing the 15-member organ, said that the UN and the international community must ensure that basic services and development resources continue to be available to Mali.  As the international community “enters a new era in international cooperation on security in Mali”, she underlined the need for ongoing support for the country’s people.

“Decisions taken within this international body in the coming days will have a direct impact on the population of Mali,” she observed, urging those present to “keep in mind the reason we are meeting here today — to help the Malian people lead safe, prosperous lives”.

In the ensuing discussion, several Council members called on the Malian transitional authorities to guarantee MINUSMA’s safe withdrawal, without restrictions on its movements or supplies.  They further expressed deep concern over the clashes that occurred at Ber camp and urged all parties to avoid any further escalation.

France’s delegate, calling on Malian parties to resume discussions, said that the UN must remain fully engaged in support of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.  Echoing concerns of several delegates, she stressed the need to closely observe the impact the Mission’s withdrawal will have on daily life in Mali and people’s access to humanitarian assistance.

“Long-term UN engagement in Mali is essential,” stressed Japan’s representative, warning that the capacities of the UN to deliver humanitarian aid and support the protection of civilians will be “severely” impacted by the Mission’s speedy withdrawal.

Ghana’s delegate, also speaking for Gabon and Mozambique, welcomed the phased implementation of MINUSMA’s drawdown, adding that a withdrawal by 31 December “is still possible”.  Noting growing tensions between various parties, he urged transitional authorities to renew their engagement with the signatory movements to preserve the ceasefire agreement.

The representative of the United States, Council President for August, speaking in her national capacity, said that “as many feared” the transitional Government’s decision to close MINUSMA has triggered renewed violence on the ground.  The Mission’s withdrawal limits the international community’s ability to protect civilians from predation by the Wagner Group, whose activities contribute to greater insecurity in the country.

The representative of the Russian Federation, noting the growing cooperation between his country and Mali, pledged to continue provide that country and other interested African partners with comprehensive assistance.  Unfortunately, cooperation with countries of the global South “on an equal and respectful footing” is something that Western countries are incapable of, he added......

https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15398.doc.htm

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SG/SM/21915

27 AUGUST 2023

Calling for Radical Rethinking of Approaches to Peace, Security, Secretary-General Urges European Forum Alpbach ‘to Take Bold Steps towards Bold Solutions’

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the European Forum Alpbach, in Austria today:

Greetings to everyone gathered in beautiful Alpbach!  Since your first meeting in 1945, this Forum has become a unique space for reflection and action across generations, geographies, and disciplines.

Today, you are meeting at a time of great tension and turmoil. War has returned to the European continent with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  And all around the world, old and new conflicts rage on.

Climate chaos is devastating lives and livelihoods.  A cost-of-living crisis is worsening inequalities and hitting the most vulnerable first and worst.  And the Sustainable Development Goals — our blueprint for peace and prosperity on a healthy planet — are slipping from our reach.

We need to take bold steps towards bold solutions.  We must radically rethink our approach to peace and security, our relationship with nature and the structures of global governance.

We must act to contain the risks of new technologies, stem the spread of mis- and disinformation and hate, and make the digital space more inclusive and safer.  Throughout, we must seek shared solutions to common problems — guided by the values of solidarity, equality and sustainability.

At the United Nations, we are working to advance global cooperation on all fronts.  Through Our Common Agenda, we have put forward concrete proposals towards a renewed multilateralism that is more inclusive, networked and effective.

The months ahead will be critical as a series of summits provide vital opportunities for progress, starting with the SDG Summit in September and leading to the Summit of the Future next year.  I count on your engagement and I urge you to be bold. Let us raise our ambition and together build a more just, sustainable and peaceful future for all.  Thank you.

EUROPE

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Guterres calls for peaceful resolution of election disputes in Zimbabwe

ILO/KB Mpofu

 

A woman wearing a COVID-19 protective mask walks past a group of police officers on patrol in Harare, Zimbabwe (file).

27 August 2023

Peace and Security

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is closely following developments in Zimbabwe’s elections, his spokesperson said on Sunday.

Citizens went to the polls on Wednesday but voting had to be extended into Thursday in some areas, including the capital, Harare, due to a lack of ballot papers.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second five-year term in results announced late on Saturday. 

His party, ZANU-PF, has been in power since 1980, following the end of white minority rule in the southern African country, formerly known as Rhodesia.

Mr. Mnangagwa, 80, received more than 52 per cent of the vote, according to media reports. Opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa, 45, received 44 per cent. His party, Citizens Coalition for Change, rejected the results.

Arrests, intimidation and harassment

The UN chief was concerned about the arrest of electoral observers, reports of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion.

“The Secretary-General calls on political leaders and their supporters to reject any and all forms of violence, threats of violence, or incitement to violence, and to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are fully respected,” the statement said.

“The Secretary-General calls on political actors to peacefully settle any disputes through established legal and institutional channels, and urges the competent authorities to resolve any disputes in a fair, expeditious, and transparent manner to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the will of the people.”

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/08/1140117

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