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BAN CALLS FOR ‘RAISING THE COST’ FOR THOSE WHO USE RAPE AS A WEAPON OF WAR

BAN CALLS FOR 'RAISING THE COST' FOR THOSE WHO USE RAPE AS A WEAPON OF WAR
New York, Jan 31 2011 7:10PM
Only when rape in armed conflict becomes a liability for armed groups rather than a tool in the struggle for power – a war crime that will bring inevitable punishment – will progress be made in eliminating the scourge, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

"We have to raise the cost of committing atrocities to the point where they harm the perpetrators even more than the victims," he told a news conference on sexual violence in conflicts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is attending an African Union (AU) summit.

"That means that when a peace process begins, perpetrators are never permitted to get or to retain positions of military, political or economic influence. Where sexual violence has been part of the fighting, ending it must be part of making peace."

Mr. Ban noted that Africa has some of the world's most progressive legal instruments to address sexual violence in conflict and advance women's rights, including the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, and he hailed the AU's decision to ensure that its Peace and Security Council holds an annual session on women and children in armed conflict.

"The challenge now is to ensure these laudable commitments are felt where they matter most, in the marketplaces where women trade, at water-points, and along the roads where girls walk to school," he said.

"The United Nations wants to work closely with the African Union and African troop contributors to better prepare our peacekeepers to respond to sexual violence as a security threat. We need Africa's leaders and leaders around the world to support this campaign."

Stressing that prevention is possible, Mr. Ban noted that in Sudan's strife-torn Darfur region, joint so-called "firewood" patrols by the UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) have increased women's freedom of movement and cut the number of rapes. Women were often attacked when they left internally displaced persons (IDP) camps to fetch firewood or water. In Liberia, the presence of female police has improved reporting and response, he added.

Just this month, UN officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported at least 120 alleged cases of rape perpetrated by both rebels and the national army in the conflict-rife eastern part of the country, where more than 300 civilians, including some boys and men, were raped in a single weekend last summer by members of rebel armed groups.

But Mr. Ban's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström stressed that the scourge is not just African but global. "I have recently been to Sarajevo, where you know 15 years ago, maybe between 15,000 and 16,000 women were held in rape camps," she said, referring to the 1992-1995 Balkans war between Bosnia and Herzegovina (whose capital is Sarajevo), Serbia and Croatia.

"We know reports today from Haiti. From everywhere, we have heard that this is the weapon of choice because it is cheap, silent and very effective… this is an element, a phenomenon that we have to stop. And it takes political leadership, political ownership of this issue and a very strong sense of the line of command. Because it has to start with the political leaders who say: 'this has to stop, this is an international crime, it is criminal, not cultural or sexual, it is criminal.'"

Describing the terrible trauma that befalls rape victims Ms. Wallström recounted the story of a woman she met in Sarajevo who had been raped and held in one of these rape camps: "She said 'sometimes I wish that they had shot me instead because they took my life without killing me.'

"But it is a kind of invisible war damage, the way she has been wounded. And others with visible wounds, they will become war veterans, they will be honoured by their societies, but [there is no access to justice for the woman]. She meets her rapist in the bank, and he smiles at her."
Jan 31 2011 7:10PM
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OPIUM CULTIVATION IN AFGHANISTAN TO DECLINE DESPITE HIGH PRICES – UN

OPIUM CULTIVATION IN AFGHANISTAN TO DECLINE DESPITE HIGH PRICES – UN
New York, Jan 31 2011 5:10PM
Poppy cultivation in Afghanistan is expected to decline slightly this year despite the current high prices of opium, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said today, basing the information on a qualitative assessment of farmers' intentions in the Asian country.

"The findings of the Opium Winter Rapid Assessment Survey in the southern region are encouraging," said Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of UNODC.

"A combination of factors seemed to have contributed to this development – dry weather, efforts directed against poppy cultivation and towards increasing government control, as well as licit alternatives to poppy," he added.

Planted poppy seeds start to germinate in winter in the main opium producing provinces in the southern, western and eastern areas of Afghanistan, while sowing takes place later in the north, according to UNODC.

The expected decline in opium cultivation, as well as prolonged drought in the south may lead to another year of reduced opium production, the agency said. An outbreak of opium blight last year cut production by half and caused prices to soar.

The survey once again highlighted the direct correlation between insecurity, lack of agricultural aid and opium cultivation, UNODC noted. Villages considered insecure and lacking agricultural assistance are more likely to grow poppy this year than those with better security and assistance.

An estimated 90 per cent of insecure villages are involved in opium cultivation, while those targeted by anti-poppy awareness campaigns are significantly less likely to grow poppy, the agency reported.
Jan 31 2011 5:10PM
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REFUGEES FROM CÔTE D'IVOIRE CRISIS COULD TOP 100,000 BY APRIL, UN WARNS
New York, Jan 31 2011 3:10PM
As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon kept up his diplomatic push for a speedy solution to the post-electoral crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, United Nations agencies called for urgent funding today, warning that refugees fleeing to neighbouring Liberia could top 100,000 by the end of April.

Mr. Ban met today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with President Goodluck Johnson of Nigeria, who has played a major role in trying to solve the crisis resulting from former president Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to leave office despite his UN-certified defeat by opposition leader Alassane Ouattara.

The Secretary-General has repeatedly called on Mr. Gbagbo to step down. In his talks with Mr. Johnson, he stressed the need for an early solution to the impasse consistent with the will of the Ivorian people as expressed in the November presidential run-off election, which was meant to be a culminating point in reunifying a country split by civil war in 2002 into a Government-controlled south and a rebel-held north.

The resulting turmoil, much of it involving Gbagbo loyalist forces attacking civilians and UN convoys in Abidjan, the commercial capital, as well as ethnic strife in the west of the country, has displaced tens of thousands of people, with 32,000 fleeing to Liberia as of the end of last week.

"UN agencies have voiced concerns that if the current trends in refugee influx continue, by mid-February there could be as many as 50,000 refugees in Liberia and 100,000 by the end of April," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest update on the situation today, stressing the urgent need to repair roads due to the upcoming rainy season in April, which will restrict access to many of the 32 Liberian villages hosting refugees.

"Maintaining the ability to provide assistance before and during the rainy season will be a significant challenge for the humanitarian community if resources are not urgently provided."

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Liberia National Red Cross Society are currently providing safe drinking water and sanitation services in several communities.

At least 20,000 other Ivorians have been internally displaced in western Côte d'Ivoire, where UN officials have warned that ethnic tensions stemming from national, racial and religious affiliation linked to the opposing camps could lead to genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

On 18 January, UN agencies and partners launched an $87.7 million appeal for aid in Côte d'Ivoire and five neighbouring countries to face a potential major humanitarian crisis.

"In light of the increasing number of displaced persons and refugees, limited access to health care in several regions as well as the upcoming rainy season which will affect delivery, humanitarian organizations urgently need funding," OCHA said.

The Ministry of Health, backed by UNICEF and the UN World Health Organization (WHO), has started an emergency vaccination campaign targeting over 840,000 people aged nine months and older in response to an outbreak of yellow fever.

A cholera epidemic has also been declared in Abidjan municipality, with local health authorities, supported by WHO and UNICEF, mounting a rapid response. UNICEF has so far distributed 250,000 bars of soap, chlorine and 3,000 information posters to fight the diarrhoeal disease which is spread by contaminated water and food. Hand washing is considered an important preventive step.

On the political front, the African Union (AU) has set up a panel to look into the crisis and come up with a solution in a month's time, but Mr. Ban has made clear that Mr. Ouattara is the clear winner of the elections.

"The will of the Ivorian people has already been clearly stated through the election," he told a news conference yesterday in Addis Ababa, where he is attending the AU's annual summit. "It is important for Mr. Gbagbo to fully reflect the genuine will of the Ivorian people. The longer it lasts, the more serious problems will be for the people. Millions of people are suffering from this situation…

"Mr. Gbagbo first of all should clearly listen to the wishes and decision of the international community and transfer the power to his successor, Mr. Ouattara, who was legitimately elected."

Mr. Gbagbo has demanded the withdrawal of the nearly 9,000-strong UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), which has been supporting the stabilization and reunification efforts over the past seven years. The UN has categorically rejected the demand and reinforced the mission with 2,000 more troops and three armed helicopters.
Jan 31 2011 3:10PM
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BAN URGES CALM IN SOUTHERN SUDAN AS REFERENDUM PROCESS IS FINALIZED

BAN URGES CALM IN SOUTHERN SUDAN AS REFERENDUM PROCESS IS FINALIZED
New York, Jan 31 2011 2:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged both parties to the peace agreement that ended Sudan's North-South war to remain calm as the results of the referendum on the future of the south are finalized, commending the two sides for the peaceful conduct of the plebiscite.

The 9-15 January referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan was the culmination of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 to end two decades of civil war between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

Preliminary results indicate that the people of Southern Sudan voted overwhelming in favour of secession.

"Sudan has reached a historic point. All reports indicate a generally peaceful referendum process with a large turnout," Mr. Ban said in an <"http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/sgspeeches/statments_full.asp?statID=1062">address to a high-level meeting on Sudan convened by the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on the sidelines of the AU's annual summit.

"As the Sudanese people adjust to the new realities on the ground, the CPA parties must shift their attention to the key post-referendum arrangements that will sustain the North-South relationship in the long term," Mr. Ban said.

The survival of both the North and the South, he added, required agreement on the sharing of oil revenue, while borders have to be agreed on and demarcated, making it possible for traditional migration of communities between the two territories.

"And the futures of millions of Southerners and Northerners depend upon agreements that guarantee basic rights, freedom of movement and livelihoods, regardless of where they live," the Secretary-General said.

Mr. Ban also discussed these issues in a meeting with United States Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, voicing the hope that the peaceful conduct of the referendum will lead to renewed focus on resolving post-referendum issues and helping Southern Sudan establish strong democratic institutions.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General deplored the outbreak of violence in the Abyei enclave as the rest of the Southern Sudan voted and urged both parties to the CPA to prevent any further violence in the area and other border regions.

Abyei, an area which straddles both North and South, had its own referendum on whether to join the North or South delayed amid local disagreements.

"I also urge the parties to find a sustainable solution that addresses the needs of all populations in the area and lays the foundation for long-term coexistence. The referendum is only one aspect of the broader search for sustainable peace in Sudan," said Mr. Ban.

On Darfur, the Secretary-General voiced concern over escalating violence, which he said has continued to displace thousands of people.

"All parties to the conflict should put down their arms and engage with the peace process. Now is the time to step up our encouragement to the parties, to advise them that there will be rewards for peace, and consequences for further conflict," Mr. Ban said.

He called for renewed support for the UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and its strategy to ensure its freedom of movement throughout the region, protect civilians and help humanitarian agencies assist those in need.

"Millions of Darfurians continue to live in unacceptable conditions, far from their homes. They deserve from the international community the same high levels of cohesion and urgency we have demonstrated in the work of implementing the CPA," Mr. Ban said.

The Secretary-General pledged the UN's continued commitment to working closely with the AU to reach a common vision for peace in Sudan.

While in Addis, the Secretary-General also held separate meetings with Presidents Alpha Conde of <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1698">Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1692">Equatorial Guinea and Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, as well as Vice-President George Kunda of <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1695">Zambia.
Jan 31 2011 2:10PM
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URGENT STEPS NEEDED TO CURB RISING FOOD AND OTHER COMMODITY PRICES, UN WARNS

URGENT STEPS NEEDED TO CURB RISING FOOD AND OTHER COMMODITY PRICES, UN WARNS
New York, Jan 31 2011 2:10PM
Senior United Nations officials today <"http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=14412&intItemID=1528&lang=1">called for urgent steps to rein in the rising prices for basic farm produce, petroleum and raw industrial materials whose volatility hits the world's poorest people the hardest.    

"Such volatility has huge negative impacts on vulnerable groups, such as low-income households in developing countries, for whom food expenditure can account for up to 80 per cent of household budgets," UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told his agency's second Global Commodities Forum in Geneva.

The forum brings together Government ministers, heads of leading commodity exchanges, representatives of major banks and commodity producing and trading companies, and providers of commodity trade support services, such as insurance, logistics and advisory services.

The meeting, whose theme this year is "Volatility in international commodity markets," comes as prices for such basic products are edging upward toward the limits reached during the 2008 food and energy crises, when the UN organized an emergency summit in Rome to boost food production and revitalize agriculture to ensure long-term food security.

Over 850 million people around the globe were short of food even before the 2008 crisis, and that number ballooned with an estimated additional 100 million as a result, with the poorest of the poor hit the hardest.

Mr. Supachai, whose agency promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy, urged greater efforts to "identify the policy levers that can rein in excessive volatility and maintain prices within a reasonable band," and called on commodity-dependent developing countries to continue efforts to diversify their economies so that they are less vulnerable to shifts in the market.

"There are serious concerns about the way in which commodity markets have been evolving in recent years. Since mid-2010, commodities have, for the second time in three years, been experiencing extremely high price volatility," he said, warning of "speculative distortions that complicate the economic management of commodities production and trade."

Natural events such as floods in Pakistan and fires in Russia, which may be linked to global warming, have spurred upward pressure on prices for agricultural goods such as wheat and cotton. Copper prices have risen 35 per cent since last summer. All this comes on top of basic increases in demand fuelled by fast-growing economies such as China.

For billions of people, the cost of meeting daily food needs takes up a significant proportion of family incomes, UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré told the forum. "We must therefore work together to ensure the long-term sustainability of the production and marketing of commodities," he said, calling careful monitoring of the markets "vital."

Andrey Vasilyev, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said the world's advanced economies are recovering only slowly from the global recession, with unemployment distressingly high and recent rises in commodity prices possibly contributing unwelcome inflationary pressure.

It is important to limit such prices to the forces of "supply and demand alone" and reduce any influence coming from financial speculation in such goods, he added.

Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which maintains strong ties with UN agencies, warned that 2011 will see the prices of most commodities rise since the rise in global gross domestic product (GDP) bolsters demand, led by emerging economies. Global GDP is set to grow by 4 per cent this year, with over 70 per cent of the growth coming from commodity-intensive emerging markets such as China, India and Latin America.

"Volatility is at its worst in tight and closed markets. It eases in open and, hence, deeper markets," Mr. Lamy said, stressing that completion of the so-called Doha Round of trade liberalizing talks could calm the picture. "In fact, were this round to be completed, least developed countries would get almost entirely duty-free, quota-free access to developed world markets."

The two-day forum will discuss a series of topics, including the state of energy markets; commodity market volatility; overcoming excessive market volatility through better regulation, data, and transparency;  and commodity price challenges for oil- and gas-producing countries.
Jan 31 2011 2:10PM
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AFRICAN ANTI-MALARIA INITIATIVE OFFERS GOOD MODEL FOR TACKLING OTHER ILLS, SAYS BAN

AFRICAN ANTI-MALARIA INITIATIVE OFFERS GOOD MODEL FOR TACKLING OTHER ILLS, SAYS BAN
New York, Jan 31 2011 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today highlighted the success achieved by the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) in saving thousands of lives across the continent, saying it offers a good model for tackling other social ills.

"The African Leaders Malaria Alliance is breaking down barriers, forging partnerships and getting supplies to families in record time," Mr. Ban said in <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5063">remarks at the ALMA event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the summit meeting of the African Union.

"This is remarkable progress. We need to encourage it and use the response to malaria as a model for battling other illnesses and social ills," he added.

Malaria kills almost one million Africans every year and affects over 200 million more, mostly pregnant women and children under five years of age, resulting in at least $12 billion of costs every year through lost development and opportunity.

Launched in September 2009 in New York, ALMA is a high-level forum set up to oversee the efficient procurement, distribution, and utilization of malaria control measures, with the aim of ending unnecessary deaths from the disease by 2015.

"This alliance against malaria is stopping the disease and saving thousands of lives. It is a great success story. You are bringing us closer to our Millennium Development Goal on malaria and showing how we can reach all the <"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs: with commitment at the highest level," Mr. Ban stated, referring to the goal of halting and reversing the incidence of malaria by 2015.

Just last month, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) announced that malaria deaths declined by 10 per cent between 2008 and 2009. In 11 African countries, the disease's deadly toll has been cut by more than half since the year 2000.

"Just as malaria is carried by a mosquito that goes from person to person, so does our campaign seek to reach people just as directly," said the Secretary-General. "We want to give every community health worker, every family, every child the tools and protection they need.

"We've delivered over 290 million nets to Africa since 2008. More nets and treatments are on their way. Universal coverage is not just a hope; it is within our reach."
Jan 31 2011 1:10PM
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UN CHIEF UNDERLINES NEED TO SUPPORT SOMALI GOVERNMENT’S RECONCILIATION EFFORTS

UN CHIEF UNDERLINES NEED TO SUPPORT SOMALI GOVERNMENT'S RECONCILIATION EFFORTS
New York, Jan 31 2011 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the need to assist Somalia's transitional Government in its effort to initiate reconciliation with other political and armed groups that renounce the use of violence in favour of the formation of local civil administrations.

Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) also needs help to intensify and conclude consultations on the drafting of a new constitution, Mr. Ban said in an <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5066">address to the High-Level meeting on Somalia convened by the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on the sidelines of the pan-African body's annual summit.

"The consultations should provide an inclusive platform for dialogue among Somalis, including those still outside the political process," said the Secretary-General.

He said Somalia's political agenda, as defined in the transition road map, requires a security strategy to enable the TFG to develop its own sustainable security forces, deliver basic social services and operate in an expanded and secure environment, including in Mogadishu, the capital.

While commending Uganda and Burundi for contributing troops to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Mr. Ban said it is necessary to "rapidly generate and deploy" the new troops recently authorized by the Security Council, and give the force the technical, logistical and financial support it needs to do its work.

On piracy, he noted that his Special Adviser on Legal Issues related to Piracy in Somalia, Jack Lang, has proposed a comprehensive approach to the challenge of maritime piracy off the country's coast, which is based on three pillars – deterrence, rule of law and security, and development.

He also noted that the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) has initiated the deployment of a light presence in Mogadishu, Puntland and Somaliland. "This will enhance our engagement with Somali interlocutors as we assist them with implementation of the road map. We continue to work to create the appropriate conditions for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation," Mr. Ban said.

He voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa country, saying the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Drought is prevalent, and there are disturbing reports of human rights violations in areas held by insurgents. Security for humanitarian personnel and the availability of funds for relief work are inadequate, the Secretary-General added.

"These challenges require an integrated, comprehensive response that encompasses many partners and many parts of the UN system. We must all do our utmost to bring an end to the violence and instability that has engulfed Somalia for so long," Mr Ban said.

At a separate meeting, the Secretary-General and the President of Somalia, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, discussed the cooperation between the UN and the TFG, as well as the challenges that lie ahead, including the completion of the transition period.

Mr. Ahmed presented to the Secretary-General his Government's vision for the management of the priority tasks for the remaining transition period.

They also discussed the need for the TFG to accelerate the outreach and reconciliation efforts, intensify the constitution-making efforts, and work on a security strategy that would allow a better and secured delivery of basic social services to the population. The precarious humanitarian situation in the country also came up during the discussions.

In a related development, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, will make a three-day visit to Kenya and Somalia beginning tomorrow to assess the drought conditions in the two countries.

Ms. Amos will meet senior Kenyan Government officials to express appreciation for the country's support for humanitarian action in the region, including the hosting tens of thousands of refugees over the past two decades.

She will also consult with humanitarian and development partners from various UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, as well as representatives of the donor community on best strategies to promote early intervention and mitigation for recurring drought in the Horn of Africa.

She will then travel to Somalia to visit IDP settlements in the country and hold meetings with local authorities, UN officials and their NGO partners, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which Ms. Amos heads.

OCHA noted in an update issued today that drought, and not insecurity, is now the main reason for new displacement in Somalia. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 20,000 people were reported to have been displaced due to drought during the last two months – many of them moving to urban areas in search of assistance. Another 10,900 were displaced due to insecurity in Mogadishu.
Jan 31 2011 1:10PM
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UKRAINE: UN CONCERNED AT REPORTED GOVERNMENT PROBES OF HIV/AIDS GROUPS

UKRAINE: UN CONCERNED AT REPORTED GOVERNMENT PROBES OF HIV/AIDS GROUPS
New York, Jan 31 2011 12:10PM
The United Nations today voiced concern at reported Ukrainian Government-led investigations of HIV/AIDS programmes run by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) while at the same time praising a new law promoting a human rights-based approach to the disease.

"UNAIDS calls on the Government of Ukraine to ensure the investigations do not lead to a disruption of HIV services provided by these organizations to thousands of people," the Geneva-based Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said in a <"http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2011/january/20110131psukraine/">statement.

The All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV and other community groups and NGOs reportedly under investigation play a key role in Ukraine's response to the HIV epidemic, it added.

Ukraine's HIV epidemic is the most severe in all of Europe, with a prevalence estimated at 1.3 per cent, and annual diagnoses have more than doubled since 2001. Between 39 and 50 per cent of the estimated 375,000 people who inject drugs in Ukraine are living with HIV.

"Working together, the Ukrainian Government and civil society organizations have achieved considerable success in providing services for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support to populations at higher risk of HIV infection and people living with HIV," the agency noted. "UNAIDS commends the Government of Ukraine on the recently endorsed State Law on AIDS that promotes a human rights-based AIDS response."

The law guarantees harm reduction services, including needle exchange and substitution treatment for people who inject drugs; confidentiality of HIV status for people living with HIV; post-exposure prophylaxis for health care providers and victims of sexual violence; and independent access to HIV-related services for adolescents. 

"This law represents a major turning point for the AIDS response in Eastern Europe," UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé said. "The new law must be fully implemented by all parts of the Government in letter and spirit."

With this law, Ukraine also joins a growing list of countries that have lifted entry, stay and residence restrictions for non-nationals living with HIV, aligning the country's HIV legislation with international public health, social and human rights protection standards.
Jan 31 2011 12:10PM
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EGYPT: BAN CALLS ON LEADERS TO TAKE ‘BOLD’ STEPS TO ADDRESS PROTESTERS’ CONCERNS

EGYPT: BAN CALLS ON LEADERS TO TAKE 'BOLD' STEPS TO ADDRESS PROTESTERS' CONCERNS
New York, Jan 31 2011 12:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on Egypt's leaders to take some "bold measures" to address the concerns of the scores of thousands of people who have been demonstrating for change, stressing at the same time that the protests must be peaceful.

"I have been repeatedly saying that the leaders of any country, including Egypt, should first of all listen attentively, most sincerely, to the voices of people," he <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1691">told a news conference yesterday in Addis Ababa, where he is attending a summit meeting of the African Union (AU). "And they have a broad responsibility, first of all, to provide decent jobs and good opportunities to maintain a decent living.

"This is what I have been urging them. At the same time, it is important that the Governments ensure that a proper channel of communication is ensured – their freedom of speech, expression, and their freedom of association should also be ensured," he added, underlining that this expression should be done peacefully in a way that does not lead to social and political instability.

Asked directly what concrete steps he thinks President Hosni Mubarak should take to show that he is listening to the voices of the people of Egypt and if he thinks the appointment of a new Government is sufficient, Mr. Ban replied: "I would leave it to the Egyptian leaders. Reflecting all these concerns and wishes, they should take some bold measures to address their concerns."

As the demonstrations calling for Mr. Mubarak's resignation accelerated last week, Mr. Ban urged all Egyptians to ensure that political protests do not lead to further violence, and he called on the Government to see this "as an opportunity to engage in addressing the legitimate concerns of the people." 

On Friday he told a news conference in Davos, Switzerland, where he attended the World Economic Forum, that a fundamental principle of democracy is to protect and ensure the freedom of speech of the people, and he stressed that the situation in Egypt and the wider region must not lead to further violence.

Also last week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged the Egyptian Government to exercise restraint and initiate investigations into reports of the use of excessive force, particularly the killing of at least five and possibly more civilians.

"It has been brought to my attention that since the street protests erupted, police have confronted protestors with rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, water cannons and batons, and arrested more than 1,000 people, including political opponents," she said. "While maintaining rule and order are important, the responsibility of the Government to protect the rights to life, liberty and security is paramount."

She called on the Government to guarantee the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, including by restoring free use of mobile phones and social networks, which were reportedly cut to impede demonstrators from mobilizing.

"People must be entitled to express their grievances against violations of their civil and political rights as well as their frustrations at lack of realization of their economic rights, the right to work and the right to an adequate standard of living," Ms. Pillay said.

"And governments in the region and around the world must take heed. Suppressing citizens' voices, silencing dissent and stifling criticism will not make the problems go away. Recent events in the region highlight the fact that tackling serious problems by resorting primarily to high-handed security measures only causes them to fester and eventually erupt on a large scale."

The protests in Egypt are taking place just weeks after anti-government demonstrations led to the ouster of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia earlier this month.
Jan 31 2011 12:10PM
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