Rise in number of children killed, maimed and recruited in conflict: UN report

UNICEF/Ahmed Abdulhaleem

On 15 March 2018 in Aden City, Yemen, children are displaced from the city of Taiz because of the conflict.


27 June 2018

Peace and Security


More than 10,000 children were killed or maimed in conflict last year while more than 8,000 youngsters were recruited or used as combatants, the United Nations reported on Wednesday.


These violations contributed to the overall rise in the number of children globally affected by fighting in 2017, as documented in the annual report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC).

UN chief António Guterres has expressed outrage over the numbers, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“Boys and girls have once again been overly impacted by protracted and new violent crisis. Despite some progress, the level of violations remains unacceptable,” the statement said.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that the best way to address this horrific situation is to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts. He calls on all parties to exert maximum efforts in this regard.”


Among the most significant violations registered in 2017 were killing and maiming, recruitment and use and attacks on schools and hospitals - Virginia Gamba

The report covers 20 countries, including hotspots such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, but also situations in countries such as India, the Philippines and Nigeria.

Virginia Gamba, the UN’s expert on Children and Armed Conflict, said 66 parties to conflict are listed this year - three more than in the 2016 report - with nine government forces and 57 armed groups named.

“Among the most significant violations registered in 2017 were killing and maiming, recruitment and use and attacks on schools and hospitals, all of which registered a rise in comparison to the previous year,” she told journalists at UN Headquarters.

Overall, the UN verified more than 21,000 grave violations of children’s rights between January and December 2017, compared with 15,500 the previous year.

Government forces committed at least 6,000 of these crimes while the majority involved various non-state armed groups.

Ms. Gamba said crises in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen were the main reason for the “serious increases” reported.

She provided examples, including what she described as the “despicable trend” of turning children in Nigeria into “human bombs”, where nearly half of the 881 verified child casualties resulted from suicide attacks.

Also worrying is the number of children detained for their alleged association with armed groups. For example, more than 1,000 children in Iraq were held due their suspected affiliation with the terrorist group ISIL, also known as Daesh.

Ms. Gamba also reported positive developments, such as the formal release of more than 10,000 child soldiers from armed groups and forces, while four armed groups in Myanmar have agreed to work with her Office.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1013232

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Top UN political official updates Security Council on Iran nuclear deal

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, addresses the Security Council meeting on non-proliferation.

27 June 2018

Peace and Security


Notwithstanding “the continued adherence by Iran” to its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement is “at a crossroads” the United Nations top political official said on Wednesday.


“On 8 May 2018, the United States announced its withdrawal from the agreement. The Secretary-General … believes that issues not directly related to the Plan should be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments,” Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council.

“At the same time, the Secretary-General calls on Iran to consider carefully the concerns expressed by Member States about Iranian activities that are allegedly contrary to the restrictive measures contained in annex B,” she added.

Annex B of Security Council resolution 2231, in which the Council endorsed the JCPOA, deals with the restrictions concerning Iran.

The JCPOA – reached by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the US and the European Union – sets out rigorous mechanisms for monitoring restrictions placed on Iran’s nuclear programme, while paving the way for the lifting of UN sanctions against the country.

In her briefing, Ms. DiCarlo updated the 15-member Council on the status of implementation of various JCPOA provisions, concerning nuclear verification, ballistic missile development and other armaments restrictions; as well as assets freezes, and travel bans.

On the ballistic missile-related provisions, the UN official informed the Council that, since the last report, the Secretariat had been informed by Saudi authorities of “nine additional launches of ballistic missiles by the Houthis, which in their assessment were Iranian Qiam-1 missiles.”

“The Secretariat assesses that the debris of the five missiles launched at Yanbu and Riyadh since July 2017 share key design features with the Iranian Qiam-1 ballistic missile,” she said, adding: “It is also our assessment that some component parts of the debris were manufactured in Iran.”

She noted however, that at present, the Secretariat “is unable to determine whether such missiles, or parts thereof, or related technology, may have been transferred from Iran after 16 January 2016, the date when annex B provisions came into effect.”

She also informed Council members of information received from Israel regarding the possible presence of an Iranian drone in Syria, which was reportedly downed after entering Israeli airspace in February.

“The Secretariat did not have the opportunity to examine its debris, but images provided by Israeli authorities show that its wing configuration appears consistent with that of an Iranian drone unveiled in October 2016,” informed Ms. DiCarlo, adding that the Secretariat “has no information as to the owner and operator of those drones.”

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We must stop a devastating ‘battle to the end’ in southwest Syria, declares UN envoy

UNHCR/Susan Schulman

Relentless fighting has left much of Syria in ruins.

27 June 2018

Peace and Security

A “full-scale” ground and aerial offensive in southwest Syria could inflict an even heavier toll on civilians than the suffering caused by previous devastating battles in the war-ravaged country, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria has warned.


“Let us be aware of what this would mean, if the southwest sees a full-scale battle-to-the-end: it could be like eastern Aleppo and eastern Ghouta combined together,” Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, told the Security Council on Wednesday.

“We … cannot allow … this to become another Ghouta, another Douma, or another Aleppo, where so many civilians were sacrificed and died. And yet I see things moving in this direction,” he said.

Speaking via video link from Geneva, Mr. de Mistura also cautioned that such fighting could increase tensions across the region and risk compromising momentum in political talks to reach a lasting peace deal.

In his briefing, Mr. de Mistura told Council members that intensified efforts were on-going “to find a way ahead” for the implementation of a deal and for the establishment of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated committee on a new constitution, within the framework of the Geneva process and in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254.


We … cannot allow … this to become another Ghouta, another Douma, or another Aleppo, where so many civilians were sacrificed and died – UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura

“I will continue on my side to facilitate further movement in this direction to seek the support, counsel and advice of many – which is why I anticipate inviting the Sochi co-convenors back to Geneva in the coming weeks … and then, of course, report to you, to the Security Council,” he said.

Concluding his briefing, the UN Special Envoy urged the Security Council as well as the Syrian Government to support efforts on the political front to put Syrians themselves in charge of their own future, because “no country or no organization can simply impose a fait accompli on the Syrian people.”

He also called on all parties to the conflict and on those who have influence over them to help find a solution that will “spare civilian suffering”, prevent more people from being displaced, and “reduce potential tensions.”
Worsening fighting could jeopardize aid efforts – UN relief official

Also briefing the 15-member Council, John Ging, the Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), detailed the humanitarian consequences of the fighting in the southwestern Governorate of Dara’a, saying that to date, an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 people have been displaced due to hostilities.

The number, he added “could nearly double” if fighting continues to escalate, and most hospitals and medical facilities there have already closed, he told Council Members.

UN cross-border relief operations from Jordan, bringing much needed aid to hundreds of thousands in need across southern Syria, could also be jeopardized if violence worsens, said Mr. Ging.

“I call on all stakeholders to ensure that cross-border humanitarian deliveries continue in a sustained, safe and unimpeded manner to reach all those in need, including the newly displaced people,” said the senior OCHA official.


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Aid teams respond to escalating southwest Syria conflict: 750,000 civilians are at risk

UNHCR/Bassam Diab

In April 2017, community centres, schools and shelters in Dera'a governate, Syria, are visited by UNHCR teams on a mission to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation effort.

26 June 2018
Peace and Security

Vital humanitarian relief continues to reach Dera’a in south-west Syria, where 750,000 people are at risk and at least 45,000 people have been displaced amid a government-led offensive to regain opposition-held areas, UN aid teams said on Tuesday.

Clashes between forces loyal to the Government of Syria and armed opposition units have forced most to flee from eastern Dera’a to areas near the Jordan border, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The uptick in violence comes despite a ceasefire deal covering Dera’a that was agreed by Turkey, Iran and Russia last year, OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke told journalists in Geneva.

“Civilian infrastructure has also reportedly been attacked and damaged,” he said, “including an airstrike on Sunday 24 June that took a field hospital in the town of Al-Hrak out of function”.

To help those in need, “food, health, nutrition, education and other core relief items” have been transported via cross-border deliveries from Jordan, the OCHA spokesperson added.


We expect the number of displaced people could more than double as the violence escalates - Bettina Luescher (WFP)

Another contributor to the aid effort, the World Food Programme (WFP), confirmed in Geneva that the fighting had closed main supply routes inside Syria.

It too relies on cross-border access and reaches affected families via the Ar-Ramtha border crossing between Jordan and Syria, WFP spokesperson Bettina Luescher explained, in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution allowing the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“The World Food Programme is really worried about the situation,” she said. “We expect the number of displaced people could more than double as the violence escalates.”

To date, WFP has delivered ready-to-eat food to more than 30,000 people sheltering in villages and makeshift camps.

These rations provide enough food for one week and include canned foods such as tuna, chicken and beans. To help prevent malnutrition in infants, WFP has provided specialized nutritional products, Luescher said.

Those fleeing attacks have sought shelter to the west of Dera’a, in Quneitra governorate, WFP said in a statement which also highlighted that “retaliatory shelling” had targeted the governorate of Swaida, to the east.

Tarik Jasarevic, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO) said that more than 135,000 treatment units, including 2,100 trauma kits were ready to be sent to Dera’a from the capital Damascus “once the green light is received from the Syrian authorities”.

In addition, five medical mobile teams will be deployed “in coming days” to Dera'a, Mr. Jasarevic told reporters.

In terms of cross-border deliveries, WHO has more than 50 metric tonnes of emergency health supplies that “will cross the border into Syria” soon, he added.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1013052

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Mali: UN chief calls for calm as clashes leave over 20 dead in Mopti

UNDP/Nicolas Meulders

A displaced woman from northern Mali in the Sahel, waits at a temporary shelter near Mopti's main bus station.

26 June 2018

Human Rights

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for calm and restraint in the Mopti region of central Mali, where over 20 people are reported to have been killed in intercommunal clashes over the weekend.


In a statement, on Tuesday, issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Guterres also called on all parties in the region “to seek a peaceful resolution” of differences and pursue reconciliation through dialogue.

The UN chief also voiced concern over reports of human rights violations committed against the population by Government forces, including in the village of Nantaka, on 13 June.

“He underlines the need to hold perpetrators of all crimes accountable and to bring them to justice,” read the statement, noting that Mr. Guterres welcomed the investigations announced by the Malian authorities and the disciplinary measures taken.

“The United Nations stands ready to assist the authorities,” added the statement.

The Secretary-General also underscored the “urgent need” to address ongoing instability in the central Mali, including through the Government’s integrated security plan for the central regions, with a view to creating conditions conducive to the holding of peaceful presidential elections in July.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1013182

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UN global counter-terrorism strategy review an ‘overarching vision for the future’: Assembly President

UNHCR/Ivor Prickett

Civilians in Mosul, Iraq, following a suicide car bombing.


26 June 2018

Peace and Security

While there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to address the challenges posed by terrorism worldwide, international cooperation is key to counter the scourge, the President of the United Nations General Assembly said on Tuesday, as the body adopted a review of the UN’s global counter-terrorism strategy.

“We will be stronger if we work together … this Strategy gives us an opportunity to do so,” said Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák.

“It sets our common goals; allows us to prioritise; and gives us an overarching vision, for the future.”

In his remarks, Mr. Lajčák also said that UN’s role regarding counter-terrorism is a “tricky one.”

Noting that international terror groups did not exist when the Organization was established more than 70 years ago, events in recent past – in particular the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City – underscored the scale of the threat.

“Since then, we have been working to find the right balance, for the role of the UN, and we need to keep working on this,” he said, noting also that many of the world body’s members are reaching out to the Organization for support.


We will be stronger if we work together … this Strategy gives us an opportunity to do so – Assembly President Lajčák

At the same time, the UN system has also evolved to better respond to the changing dynamics, he added, highlighting the Secretary-General’s reform initiative and the establishing of a UN Counter-Terrorism Office.
‘We cannot afford to become complacent’

Further in his speech, the Assembly President also warned against complacency, particularly as terrorist groups continue to employ newer and more destructive methods, with no regard for the “laws of humanity.”

By working together, he added, the international community can create opportunities to address such evolving threats: “There will be new dynamics; new technology and new threats. But also, new opportunities for solutions,” said Mr. Lajčák.

“We need to work with each other … we need to pool our capacities and experiences, and, we need to deliver a strong message: that we do not – and will not – accept international terrorism.”

The resolution – adopted by consensus by the 193-member General Assembly – underlines the importance of multilateral efforts in combating terrorism and refraining from any practices and measures inconsistent with international law and the principles of the Charter.

It also calls on the Secretary-General to submit to the Assembly, no later than May 2019, a report containing concrete recommendations and options on ways to assess the impact of, and progress made, implementing the UN’s counter-terrorism strategy.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1013132

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‘Crimes against humanity,’ ‘war crimes’ and risk of new ethnic violence in DR Congo, warn UN experts

UNICEF/Vincent Tremeau

Children in the village of Benakuna, Kasaï region, Democratic Republic of Congo. 27 January 2018.

26 June 2018

Defence and security forces along with the Kamuina Nsapu and Bana Mura militias have committed “crimes against humanity and war crimes” in the of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kasai region, United Nations experts said on Tuesday following an investigation.


“We are shocked by this disastrous situation that has claimed the lives of several thousand people and continues to rage in the region, without provoking national or international attention,” said Bacre Waly Ndiaye, President of the Team of International Experts appointed by the Human Rights Council.

The experts believed that following an upsurge in violence, which has swept the Kasai region since 2016, civilian killings, including children, and atrocities – such as mutilations, rapes and other forms of sexual violence, torture and exterminations – were committed in a generalized and systematic fashion, constituting crimes against humanity.

“It is high time for justice to put an end to impunity if we do not want the ethnic dimension of the conflict to worsen,” he added.

The experts revealed that two years after the conflict began, the crimes and destruction continue – resulting in some 1.4 million people internally displaced, and another 35,000 who have fled to Angola. Women have been enslaved and some abuses may also amount to ethnic persecution.

While warning of an alarming humanitarian situation that has been particularly harsh on children, the team flagged that the Kamuina Nsapu militia also recruited boys and girls.

According to the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, about 3.2 million people continue to be severely food insecure, and malnutrition rates, especially for children, are high.

Among other recommendations, the experts demanded that the militias be disarmed and that a reconciliation process be implemented to avoid another wave of violence and allow the return of the displaced and refugees.

They emphasized that the responsibility to prosecute those guilty of international crimes – and to end the impunity that persists – lies first and foremost with the Congolese authorities.

The team proposed that the capacity of military investigative entities be built up so that the perpetrators of the international crimes committed in Kasai since 2016 – including by officials in the highest positions – can be investigated and prosecuted.

It also called for proper care to be provided to the survivors of rapes and sexual violence.

Meanwhile, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, which is already investigating the situation, has expressed her concern about the acts of violence committed in the Kasai region and that she intends to monitor the situation closely.

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1013172

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