DR CONGO: UN RUSHES FOOD TO THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY ETHNIC FIGHTING

DR CONGO: UN RUSHES FOOD TO THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY ETHNIC FIGHTING
New York, Dec 31 2009 4:10PM
The United Nations is rushing food to thousands of displaced Congolese in northwest Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where tribal clashes have driven 130,000 people from their homes.

"Because of ongoing clashes in the area where these people live, it has been difficult to get food assistance to those who need it most," UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/">WFP) Country Director Abdou Dieng said, noting that the food distributions would be widened if security conditions improved.

Convoys carrying 50 metric tons of food escorted by peacekeepers from the UN mission in DRC (<"http://monuc.unmissions.org/">MONUC) left Gemena in Equateur Province yesterday for the two distribution sites in Bozene and Boyazala, where more than 6,000 displaced people will receive month-long rations of maize, beans, vegetable oil and salt, to be distributed by AVEP, a Congolese non-governmental organization (NGO).

According to the Congolese Government, 270 people were killed when inter-ethnic clashes between the Enyele and Munzaya tribes first erupted in a dispute over access to fishing ponds in the Dongo area in November. More than 130,000 people have been displaced since then, over 84,000 of them fleeing across the Oubangui river into the neighbouring Republic of Congo where they started receiving WFP food aid at the end of November.

Within DRC, the UN has estimated that some 40,000 people have been displaced internally, but the figure might now be higher.

The town of Dongo is reported to be deserted while some localities like Bozene have started to see some returns, but a large number of people are still sleeping in the forest for fear of new violence. Harvest activities have been affected.

MONUC peacekeepers and the national army and police have been carrying out joint patrols to reassure people in Mbandaka, the capital of Equateur, that they are safe, and the mission's military presence in the area has been growing, with 700 troops situated in South Ubangui district and more expected to arrive in the coming days.

Overall MONUC fields some 20,000 uniformed personnel in the huge country, with the vast majority in the war-torn east. Since its inception 10 years ago, the mission has seen a return to relative stability in much of the country after years of civil war, culminating in the first democratic elections in more than 40 years,

But fierce fighting has persisted in the east, particularly in North and South Kivu, where Hutu militants blamed for the Rwandan genocide of 1994 have fled, compounding hostilities in a region already beset by ethnic tensions.
Dec 31 2009 4:10PM
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BAN TO EXTEND INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO BHUTTO KILLING

BAN TO EXTEND INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO BHUTTO KILLING
New York, Dec 31 2009 4:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is to extend the mandate of the independent United Nations commission charged with examining the facts and circumstances behind the December 2007 assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto by another three months, it was announced today.

According to a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4324">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban has informed both the Pakistani Government and Security Council of his intention to extend the Commission of Inquiry's mandate, which began on 1 July.

The probe was due to submit its report today, but "because of the substantial amount of information collected by the Commission in Pakistan and further follow up work that remains, the Commissioners requested additional time to complete their report," the Secretary-General said.

Set up following a request from the Pakistani Government, the Commission has met with dozens of individuals and made several trips to the South Asian nation.

After wrapping up its work, the probe will submit its report to Mr. Ban, who will also share it with the Government of Pakistan.

The Commission is headed by Ambassador Heraldo Muñoz of Chile, and its other members are Marzuki Darusman, the former attorney-general of Indonesia, and Peter Fitzgerald, a veteran of the Irish National Police who has also served the UN in a number of capacities.
Dec 31 2009 4:10PM
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UN ENVOY IN IRAQ EXPRESSES HOPE FOR 2010 POLLS

UN ENVOY IN IRAQ EXPRESSES HOPE FOR 2010 POLLS
New York, Dec 31 2009 4:10PM
Looking ahead to 2010, the top United Nations envoy to Iraq expressed hope today for a united Iraqi Government following the elections scheduled for early next year, reaffirming the world body's support for the country's governance strategies.

In a news release issued by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (<"http://www.uniraq.org/newsroom/getarticle.asp?ArticleID=1224">UNAMI), Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ad Melkert said that huge inequalities and needs in some parts of the country remain a source of instability, with economic and social progress hinging on the country's political conditions.

In this context, he expressed hope that the campaign for the nationwide elections slated for March will contribute to a "free and fair election, which will allow candidates to compete for ideas and positions."

Mr. Melkert noted that UNAMI had played a significant role in bringing together various political actors and can achieve more in the future.

"My hope is that in the post election period, the formation of a new government will enable consensus building around major issues that would define stability for the future and thus strong determination for economic and social programmes," he said.

The Special Representative also warned that actors outside Iraq often have expectations surrounding the UN mission and the pace at which progress is made which are not inherently consistent or compatible with events unfolding on the ground.

"My role should also include interacting with all partners whether they are the international community or the neighboring countries to provide a reality check on expectations and timeframes in which progress could be accomplished with the support of the UN and others," Mr. Melkert said. "This would set realistic expectations while simultaneously respecting Iraq's priorities, choices and impressive history."
Dec 31 2009 4:10PM
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UNICEF SPEAKS OUT AGAINST CHILD DEATHS IN NORTHERN NIGERIAN CLASHES

UNICEF SPEAKS OUT AGAINST CHILD DEATHS IN NORTHERN NIGERIAN CLASHES
New York, Dec 31 2009 3:10PM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today lamented the deaths of a number of Nigerian children in clashes in the north of the country, with most of those taking part in the violence being young people.

According to media reports, the majority of the dozens killed in the fighting on Monday in Bauchi were children.

In northern Nigeria, millions of children live in very precarious circumstances, far from their families, <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_52285.html">UNICEF said, adding that "these children are extremely vulnerable to the influence of those who offer them even meagre sustenance."

The agency stressed that it "deplores the exploitation of vulnerable children, which so often ends in tragedy."

It called on governments, communities, families and both traditional and religious leaders to ensure that these children are properly cared for, that they receive quality educations and that they are protected against abuse and violence.

A recent survey by Nigeria's Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development found that nearly one-quarter of all children in Nigeria, numbering over 17 million, are orphans or vulnerable in other ways. It also found that the burden of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria is higher than countries facing war, such as Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Dec 31 2009 3:10PM
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UN AGENCY MOBILIZES IRAQIS TO EXTEND HELPING HAND TO FELLOW REFUGEES IN SYRIA

UN AGENCY MOBILIZES IRAQIS TO EXTEND HELPING HAND TO FELLOW REFUGEES IN SYRIA
New York, Dec 31 2009 3:10PM
The United Nations refugee agency has marshalled some 80 Iraqi women to volunteer assistance to their fellow refugees spread out over a number of large cities in Syria, in an innovative move aimed at overcoming the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group.

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have fled to Syrian cities to escape the deadly violence at home, causing particular problems for humanitarian agencies.

Unlike traditional camps where the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/4b1697c89.html">UNHCR) can deliver services and supplies to tens of thousands of refugees in one stop, Iraqis in Syria not only have trouble getting to the agency's offices because of lack or transport, money or poor health, but UNHCR may even have trouble finding them to provide the help needed.

"One thing the experience with Iraqi refugees in the Middle East has taught us is that we need to offer services in new ways," said Zahra Mirghani, UNHCR Senior Community Service Officer in Syria.

"Community services officers and others who do similar jobs are becoming increasingly important as more and more refugees live in cities and towns rather than camps," added Ms. Mirghani.

In Syria, the 80 outreach volunteers visit refugees in their homes, act as social workers, offer informal counselling and highlight their needs for UNHCR's attention, and with the support of 12 support group volunteers they also care for the elderly, the disabled, children or teenagers on their own, and people with psychosocial problems.
Dec 31 2009 3:10PM
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UN AGENCY DISTRIBUTES 35,000 TENTS TO PAKISTANIS DISPLACED BY MILITARY OFFENSIVE

UN AGENCY DISTRIBUTES 35,000 TENTS TO PAKISTANIS DISPLACED BY MILITARY OFFENSIVE
New York, Dec 31 2009 2:10PM
The United Nations refugee agency has rushed assistance to hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis driven from their homes by an intense military assault against militants in South Waziristan since October, including around 35,000 tents and 54,000 aid kits.

Since the Government offensive picked up pace in the rugged border region with Afghanistan, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/4b3c848b9.html">UNHCR) has distributed blankets, plastic sheeting, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, jerry cans, mosquito nets, buckets and hygiene items to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled to the nearby districts of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.

UNHCR calculates that more than 280,000 IDPs – or 38,500 families – remain in the two districts that border South Waziristan to the east.

"It has been very challenging for UNHCR to provide assistance to displaced people in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank due to limited access to the area," said UNHCR Representative in Islamabad Mengesha Kebede.

"UNHCR tents are a valuable support to the displaced families as they help to resolve over-crowding issues . . . Other relief items like quilts and blankets will help people during winter," added Mr. Kebede.

After seeing his father die in the crossfire of the military push, a 19-year-old boy Musa Khan, his mother and four brothers joined over 300,000 mostly poor people who escaped the violence and walked to safety in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

"It was around 9 p.m. when our home was hit by mortar fire. My 50-year-old father was killed," Musa told UNHCR staff at the Indus Colony in Dera Ismail Khan district, where he now lives in a tent with his family.

"We left behind everything, even the body of my father, as it all happened very suddenly," he said. "He might still be under the debris."

Musa said he felt uncomfortable in the hustle and bustle of Indus Colony and Dera Ismail Khan town and wants to go back home. "We hope peace returns soon. The first thing I will do after my return will be to search through the rubble of my house for the bones of my father."
Dec 31 2009 2:10PM
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UN AGENCY SETS OUT PRIORITY STEPS TO REALIZE GREEN ECONOMY FOR 21ST CENTURY

UN AGENCY SETS OUT PRIORITY STEPS TO REALIZE GREEN ECONOMY FOR 21ST CENTURY
New York, Dec 31 2009 2:10PM
The United Nations environmental agency has identified three priority areas in the race to mitigate climate change based on harnessing the benefits of ecosystems, from coral reefs to forests, coupled with non-fossil fuel technology that exploits solar, geo-thermal and wind energy.

"It is now widely recognized that healthy ecosystems from coral reefs and wetlands to mangroves and fertile soils are a key to successfully adapting to climate change," the UN Environment Programme (<"http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=606&ArticleID=6433&l=en">UNEP) said in a news release on what it called a rapidly evolving strategy "in response to the needs of Member States and the growing number of requests on how best to realize a low carbon, resource efficient Green Economy for the 21st century."

Calling the management and maintenance of such systems "a buffer and an insurance policy against extreme weather events and a rapidly changing climate," UNEP stressed that ecosystems and the services they provide represent serious, multi-trillion dollar economic assets.

It cites a recent UNEP report compiled with scientists that estimates that carbon emissions equal to half the annual emissions of the global transport sector are being captured and stored by marine ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes and sea grasses alone.

Based on this, UNEP is helping Member States in demonstration projects such as assisting Iraq in rehabilitating the marshlands of Mesopotamia, supporting Kenya in restoring the Mau forest complex and aiding Mali in reviving Lake Faguibine. Plans are also under way for ecosystem rehabilitation in Haiti.

"UNEP is ready to support Member States in gearing up their economies to overcome policy and financial barriers and to incorporate ecosystem adaptation measures into national climate, development and sectoral strategies," the agency said.

The second priority area concerns the so-called REDD and REDD+ programme – Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation. Emissions linked with deforestation and forest degradation may account for close to 20 per cent of current global greenhouse gas emissions and UNEP is part of the international effort to prepare developing economies for a REDD regime.

Through the <"http://www.un-redd.org/">UN-REDD Programme – a partnership between UNEP, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/">FAO) and the UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/">UNDP) – nine countries are being made ready for REDD with methodologies, monitoring and verification systems and safeguards to ensure value not only in climate and national economic terms but in terms of livelihoods for local communities.

Methodologies, monitoring and verification techniques are being tested in western Kenya, China, Niger and Nigeria. It should soon allow farmers and landowners to benefit from carbon sequestration of different farming and land management regimes including agro-forestry. By some estimates a country such as Indonesia could generate revenues of around $1 billion a year initially if deforestation rates are halved.

The third priority area is clean technology readiness. "Investing in low-carbon energy alternatives and reducing emissions from inefficient energy consumption also make economic and environmental sense," UNEP noted. "However, although many low-carbon technologies are already commercially viable, transferring them to new markets and mainstreaming their use globally remains a challenge."

To bridge this gap, UNEP and its partners are already delivering via smart market mechanisms. In India, a joint project with the UN Foundation, the Shell Foundation and Indian banks has brought down the cost of solar technology loans. Within a matter of a few years, 100,000 people have accessed solar electricity in rural areas and the initiative is now self-financing.

Another project, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (<"http://www.undp.org/gef/">GEF), targets more efficient geothermal exploration in East Africa. The penetration of solar water heater systems in North Africa has also been pioneered by UNEP and partners with the critical linking of loans to electricity utility bills – the key to unlocking the market.

Meanwhile, UNEP has undertaken renewable energy mapping assessments, helping 15 developing countries determine their solar and wind potential and devise policies to tap them. It has also launched an effort to help more than 35 countries determine the specific low greenhouse gas technologies best able to meet their development needs and prepare national plans to acquire and use those technologies.
Dec 31 2009 2:10PM
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A mightier Mustang: Ford offers 5.0-liter engine option By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY PHOTO GALLERY: Muscle car wars DRIVE ON: GM claims edge in Camaro vs. Mustang sales slapdown MORE CARS: Toyota launches new Sienna on bet minivans coming back DRIVE ON: American muscle will dominate next round of classic cars Today's question: Q: My wife and I are looking at the Subaru Outback (AT, 4 cyl). Would that be a wise choice over the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Santa Fe? A: Yes. Assuming you like how it drives and it suits your utility needs. There's enough emotion, 'chemistry', in the selection of a vehicle that you should be sure you like how it feels in general and not just buy based on data. Read the latest Test Drive chat
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