SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES IRAQ’S ASSUMPTION OF OVERSIGHT OVER DEVELOPMENT FUND

SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES IRAQ'S ASSUMPTION OF OVERSIGHT OVER DEVELOPMENT FUND
New York, Jun 30 2011 7:10PM
The Security Council today welcomed the Iraqi Government's assumption of full autonomy, with effect from tomorrow, over the proceeds of a development fund set up after the 2003 United States-led invasion to meet the country's humanitarian needs, economic reconstruction and infrastructure repairs.

In a press statement, the Council welcomed the Government's establishment of a successor arrangement for the transition of the Development Fund for Iraq, in line with the United Nations body's resolution 1956, adopted last year.

"The members of the Security Council noted that, in this regard, oversight of the full proceeds from the Development Fund for Iraq has been transferred from the International Advisory and Monitoring Board to the Government of Iraq's Committee of Financial Experts, which will exercise authority in accordance with its terms of reference approved by Iraq's Council of Ministers," according to the statement, read out by Ambassador Alfred Moungara Moussotsi of Gabon, which holds the Council's presidency in June.

The Council reiterated its appreciation of the ongoing efforts and commitment of the Iraqi Government to ensure that oil revenues are used in the interest of the country's people, and to ensure that transition arrangements remain consistent with the constitution and with international best practices with regard to transparency, accountability and integrity.

"The members of the Security Council underscored the importance of Iraq's continued compliance with relevant [Security Council] resolutions," the statement added.

The Council set up the trust fund in May 2003 so that oil and other revenues could be paid into it, to be disbursed at the discretion of the then US-led Provisional Authority for humanitarian and economic reconstruction, replacing the previous oil-for-food programme that allowed the sanctions-bound government of Saddam Hussein to use some oil revenues for the monitored purchase of humanitarian supplies.
Jun 30 2011 7:10PM
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LACK OF NUTRITION HAVING A CRIPPLING EFFECT ON KYRGYZSTAN’S CHILDREN – UN REPORT

LACK OF NUTRITION HAVING A CRIPPLING EFFECT ON KYRGYZSTAN'S CHILDREN – UN REPORT
New York, Jun 30 2011 7:10PM
Nearly one in every four deaths of young children in Kyrgyzstan is caused by under-nutrition, and the physical and mental development of many other boys and girls is being delayed in the Central Asian country, according to a United Nations report launched today.

The joint report of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank finds that, despite improvements in the past decade, at least 22 per cent of all deaths of children under the age of five are the result of under-nutrition.

Under-nutrition is having a serious impact on the Kyrgyz economy, leaving estimated losses of as much as $32 million each year, the report notes.

It calls for scaled-up investment in nutrition, particularly in ensuring that all salt that is sold is iodized and all stocks of wheat flour are fortified with iron, folic acid and other B vitamins.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake, who has been visiting Kyrgyzstan this week, said the country's authorities, UN agencies and their development partners have the opportunity to drastically reduce the number of children who suffer from stunting and other effects of under-nutrition.

"These children learn less, and they will earn less – deepening the cycle of poverty," Mr. Lake said. "Investing in good nutrition is the smart, cost-effective thing to do, helping to save more children's lives and accelerate progress towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with equity."

The World Bank has estimated that at least $6.2 million of Kyrgyzstan's economic losses from under-nutrition could be eliminated by scaling up the country's existing nutrition projects, especially those on the iodization of salt and the fortification of flour.

UNICEF is also promoting good nutritional practices such as exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, the timely introduction of complementary feeding programmes and an increase in the intake of vitamins and minerals among young children.
Jun 30 2011 7:10PM
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PROMISING UN HELP, BAN CALLS FOR CARIBBEAN REGIONAL ACTION TO COMBAT ORGANIZED CRIME

PROMISING UN HELP, BAN CALLS FOR CARIBBEAN REGIONAL ACTION TO COMBAT ORGANIZED CRIME
New York, Jun 30 2011 5:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged Caribbean nations to combat organized crime on a regional level and promised United Nations assistance in the fight.

In a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5392">message to the heads of government of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting in Frigate Bay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Ban said a "challenge for Caribbean countries is the growing threat posed by organized transnational crime and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons."

"We must consider this challenge in a regional context, as well as through the prisms of development, human rights, rule of law and security reform," he said. "The United Nations system stands ready to work with you on these issues."

He said the region was vital to the work of the United Nations.

"It is strongly committed to multilateralism and regional integration, and remains at the forefront in tackling global challenges – from climate change to strengthening democracy to rebuilding after natural disasters," he said.

"Climate change is yet another urgent and growing threat to development, economic growth, public health and our very security," he said. "You have been pioneers in calling attention to the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)."

"Please rest assured that you can count on me to continue the promotion of our common objectives for development, security and human rights for all," he said.
Jun 30 2011 5:10PM
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REGIONAL DROUGHT CAUSING ‘ALARMING’ OVERCROWDING AT KENYAN REFUGEE CAMP: UN

REGIONAL DROUGHT CAUSING 'ALARMING' OVERCROWDING AT KENYAN REFUGEE CAMP: UN
New York, Jun 30 2011 5:10PM
The United Nations humanitarian agency reported today that the numbers of new arrivals of Horn of Africa drought victims at an already overcrowded refugee camp in north-eastern Kenya is growing "at alarming rates."

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said: "The overcrowded Dadaab refugee camp in Garissa continues to receive new arrivals at alarming rates. The current number of registered refugees – 353,921 – is four times its capacity. Twenty thousand people have arrived in the last two weeks alone."

The site is the largest refugee camp in the world.

Earlier this week OCHA estimated that 10 million people across the Horn of Africa are facing a severe food crisis following a prolonged drought in the region, with some areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda, experiencing their worst drought conditions in 60 years.

The Kenyan Government has declared the drought situation a national disaster, with malnutrition mortality rates in northern Kenya exceeding emergency thresholds, OCHA reported.
Jun 30 2011 5:10PM
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SUDAN: UN CHIEF WELCOMES AGREEMENT ON SECURITY IN NORTH-SOUTH BORDER REGIONS

SUDAN: UN CHIEF WELCOMES AGREEMENT ON SECURITY IN NORTH-SOUTH BORDER REGIONS
New York, Jun 30 2011 4:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the signing of an agreement between the governments of Sudan and Southern Sudan on border security and a joint political and security arrangement, urging both parties to conclude and implement a cessation of hostilities pact as well.

The Framework Agreement for Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, which lie on the border between the north and the south, was signed yesterday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Troops from the north have in recent weeks clashed with armed groups aligned with the south in South Kordofan, sparking a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people fled from the fighting in and around the town of Kadugli.

Southern Sudan is set to become an independent State on July 9 after its residents voted in favour of secession in a referendum held in January.

Mr. Ban said that unless both the northern and southern government reached an agreement on the cessation of hostilities, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan (UNMIS) will be required to stop operating in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile as of 9 July.

He stressed the importance of protecting civilians and guaranteeing humanitarian access to vulnerable communities in the areas of conflict.

"He remains extremely concerned over the humanitarian situation and the plight of vulnerable civilians in Southern Kordofan," said a statement issued by his spokesperson.

"He calls on the Government of Sudan to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need and that it takes steps to create a conducive environment for humanitarian operations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states with the cessation of the UNMIS mandate on 9 July," the statement added.

Under a separate framework agreement signed in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, both parties agreed to form a joint political committee to address all relevant issues related to Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, both of which were supposed to hold popular consultations on their future in accordance with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that aimed to end two decades of warfare between the north and the south.
Jun 30 2011 4:10PM
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LEBANON: UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL CONFIRMS INDICTMENT SUBMITTED OVER HARIRI MURDER

LEBANON: UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL CONFIRMS INDICTMENT SUBMITTED OVER HARIRI MURDER
New York, Jun 30 2011 4:10PM
The United Nations-backed tribunal set up to try those alleged responsible for the 2005 assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri today submitted to the country's authorities a sealed indictment and arrest warrants for an unknown number of suspects.

Daniel Fransen, a pre-trial judge with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), confirmed an indictment related to the killing of Mr. Hariri and 22 others on Tuesday, and that indictment and a confidential number of accompanying arrest warrants were sent to Lebanon's prosecutor-general today.

In a <"http://www.stl-tsl.org/sid/276">press statement the tribunal stressed that while the confirmation of the indictment means Judge Fransen is satisfied there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial, "this is not a verdict of guilt and any accused person is presumed innocent."

Judge Fransen ruled that the indictment shall remain confidential to help Lebanese authorities in fulfilling their obligations to arrest the accused, and the tribunal said it would not comment on the identity of the person or persons named in the indictment.

Under the tribunal's rules, Lebanese authorities will have to report to the STL within 30 days on the measures they have taken to try to arrest the accused.

Prosecutors submitted an indictment for Judge Fransen's review on 17 January but subsequently amended it three times, with the last amendment at the request of the pre-trial judge.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5391">statement issued by his spokesperson, said the contents of the indictment and warrants have not been shared with the UN.

He stressed that the STL is an independent court of law created at the request of the Lebanese Government, with a clear mandate issued by the Security Council.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his strong support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and for its efforts to uncover the truth and send a message that impunity will not be tolerated," the statement said.

"He calls on all States to support the independent judicial process, in particular by cooperating with the Special Tribunal in the execution of the indictment and arrest warrants. The Secretary-General expects the new Government of Lebanon to uphold all of Lebanon's international obligations and to cooperate with the Special Tribunal."

Mr. Hariri and 22 others died when a massive car bomb exploded on 14 February 2005 while his motorcade passed through central Beirut.

The International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC), set up after an earlier UN mission found that Lebanon's own probe into the bombing was seriously flawed, determined that Syria was primarily responsible for the political tensions that preceded the attack.
Jun 30 2011 4:10PM
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GREEK AUSTERITY MEASURES COULD VIOLATE HUMAN RIGHTS, UN EXPERT SAYS

GREEK AUSTERITY MEASURES COULD VIOLATE HUMAN RIGHTS, UN EXPERT SAYS
New York, Jun 30 2011 4:10PM
The United Nations independent expert on foreign debt and human rights warned today that the austerity measures and structural reforms proposed to solve Greece's debt crisis may result in violations of the basic human rights of the country's people, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported.

"The implementation of the second package of austerity measures and structural reforms, which includes a wholesale privatization of state-owned enterprises and assets, is likely to have a serious impact on basic social services and therefore the enjoyment of human rights by the Greek people, particularly the most vulnerable sectors of the population such as the poor, elderly, unemployed and persons with disabilities," said Cephas Lumina, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"The rights to food, water, adequate housing and work under fair and equitable conditions should not be compromised by the implementation of austerity measures," he said, urging the Government to "strike a careful balance between austerity and the realization of human rights, taking into account the primacy of States' human rights obligations."

Mr. Lumina also called upon the authorities to maintain some fiscal leeway to meet its people's basic human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights.

"Tax rises, public expenditure cuts and privatization measures have to be implemented in such a way that they do not result in unbearable suffering of the people," he said.

"Debts can only be paid out of income," Mr. Lumina said. "A shrinking economy cannot generate any revenue and contributes to a reduced capacity to repay the debt. More time should have been allowed for the restructuring measures already in place to work."

The independent expert also called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Union (EU) and the European Central Bank (ECB) to remain aware of the human rights impact of the policies they design in attempting to resolve the sovereign debt crises in Greece and other countries.

"There will be no lasting solution to the sovereign debt problem if the human rights of the people are not taken into account," said Mr. Lumina, who serves in an unpaid capacity.
Jun 30 2011 4:10PM
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BAN WELCOMES FIVE-PARTY NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT MEETING

BAN WELCOMES FIVE-PARTY NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT MEETING
New York, Jun 30 2011 3:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed a meeting in Paris today of five nuclear non-proliferation treaty States as a unique opportunity to advance nuclear disarmament.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the holding of the second Conference on Confidence Building Measures towards Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Paris today," his spokesperson said in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5390">statement.

Five nuclear-weapons States party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) – the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France – are to discuss transparency, verification, and confidence-building measures, according to media reports.

"The conference provides a unique opportunity for the five nuclear weapon States to engage on the full implementation of the action plans agreed to at the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and on the Middle East," Mr. Ban said.

"The Secretary-General also looks forward to greater efforts to promote transparency as a confidence building measure," it said.
Jun 30 2011 3:10PM
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BAN CALLS FOR STEPPED-UP ACTION AGAINST ATTACKERS OF CHILDREN IN CONFLICTS

BAN CALLS FOR STEPPED-UP ACTION AGAINST ATTACKERS OF CHILDREN IN CONFLICTS
New York, Jun 30 2011 2:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his concern over the growing number of attacks on schools and hospitals and threats to children in armed conflicts around the world, stating that the United Nations is considering targeted measures against those who commit such crimes.

"Beyond naming and shaming, we have a further tool we can consider employing to safeguard schools and hospitals in conflict," <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5388">said Mr. Ban at a panel discussion organized by Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Germany's Ambassador to the UN, Peter Wittig, ahead of next month's general debate on the issue in the Security Council.

"The threat of targeted measures against repeat violators – especially non-State actors – is credible and effective," the Secretary-General said.

He said the protection of schools and hospitals is central to the UN's work to protect children from those who seek to deny them education and health care.

"Let us resolve to keep up the pressure on all who violate the rights of children in conflict, whether it is in conscripting child soldiers or threatening schools and hospitals," said Mr. Ban.

He welcomed in efforts to negotiate a Security Council resolution that will add attacks on schools and hospitals as a listing criteria in his annual reports on children and armed conflict.

The Secretary-General noted that initiatives by the UN, governments, civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on previous listed violations, such as the recruitment and use of children in conflict, have yielded positive results.

"These efforts – and the 'action plan' concept laid out in Security Council resolution 1539 and later resolutions – have led to the signing of 15 action plans covering nine conflict arenas," he said. Under the resolution, parties named in the Secretary-General's reports on children and armed conflict are obliged to prepare concrete time-bound action plans to halt recruitment and use of children.

Mr. Ban commended Chad for undertaking to separate all children associated with its security forces. Once Chad's action plan is implemented, the country will be removed from the "list of shame."

"I encourage the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Myanmar and Sudan, as well as the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, to follow suit," Mr. Ban added.

The panellists at today's discussion included Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Martin Mogwanja, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Consort of the Emir of Qatar and UNESCO's Special Envoy on basic and higher education, gave the keynote speech.
Jun 30 2011 2:10PM
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ARAB SPRING SHOWS HUMAN RIGHTS ARE FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE – UN OFFICIAL
New York, Jun 30 2011 2:10PM
The top United Nations human rights official <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/GlobalshiftsinHRcreatenewopportunities.aspx">said today that the so-called Arab Spring across North Africa and the Middle East this year has shown that human rights are for "all of us, all of the time, everywhere."

Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told a <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11194&LangID=E">press conference in Geneva: "The collective actions of the people of North Africa and the Middle East have reaffirmed the importance and universality of human rights in a way we could not have dreamed of on 1 January this year.

"We all want, we all deserve, and we are all entitled to have our rights observed – not partially, not sometimes, not at the whim of dictators or other repressive rulers and authorities, but all of us, all of the time, everywhere."

"That," she said, "is the message of the Arab Spring, and it is a message that has reverberated all across the world, stimulating discussion and dialogue, and renewed hope in the power of people to realize change."

Previously, the High Commissioner noted, "the Middle East and North Africa was one of those areas where we had all been told the people had other preoccupations and were not particularly interested in human rights."

She said the Tunisians and Egyptians "had blown that myth away," leading citizens of other countries in the region wondering if they could do the same, and so the protests had spread.

"Several governments reacted in a violent and repressive fashion, leading to the loss of thousands of lives, torture, arbitrary detention, disappearances and other violations."

But, the High Commissioner added, "the situation was different in Jordan, Morocco and Algeria, which also experienced protests, but in those countries the governments have responded with positive reforms."

Ms. Pillay said that the new developments had coincided with the need for her office (OHCHR) to expand its activities in numbers and locations, which has left its resources "extremely stretched."

She said her office's budget is $202 million, reportedly about the same amount as Australians spend each year on Easter eggs or the cost of three F-16 jet-fighter airplanes.

"The amount Europeans spent on their pets in 2010 alone (€56.8 billion) would fund the entire UN human rights system, including my office, for something like 250 years," she said.

The High Commissioner asked States to "devote much more to making human rights a reality."

"Surely it makes sense to invest more heavily in human rights, and to back those brave protesters and human rights defenders in the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere with much more than praise and fine words," she said.
Jun 30 2011 2:10PM
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SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF UN FORCE IN GOLAN HEIGHTS BY SIX MONTHS

SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS MANDATE OF UN FORCE IN GOLAN HEIGHTS BY SIX MONTHS
New York, Jun 30 2011 1:10PM
The Security Council today agreed to extend the mandate of the United Nations force monitoring the ceasefire in the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria for another six months, voicing grave concern that recent events have put the long-held ceasefire in jeopardy.

In a resolution adopted unanimously, Council members agreed to renew the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which was first established in 1974, through 31 December this year.

The resolution calls on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and prevent any breaches of the ceasefire or the area of separation.

In his most recent report on the work of UNDOF, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that the events of 15 May and 5 June – when demonstrations in the mission's area of operations resulted in civilians being killed – were extremely worrying.

The 15 May protests commemorated Al-Nakba or "the catastrophe," the term used by many Palestinians to refer to the displacement of Palestinians when Israel became independent in 1948. The 5 June protests marked An-Naksa or "day of the setback," which refers to Palestinian displacement that accompanied the Six-Day War in 1967.

Council members echoed the concerns of Mr. Ban and urged all parties to cooperate fully with the operations of UNDOF.
Jun 30 2011 1:10PM
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YOUTH EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT KEY TO PROGRESS IN AFRICA – MIGIRO

YOUTH EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT KEY TO PROGRESS IN AFRICA – MIGIRO
New York, Jun 30 2011 1:10PM
The United Nations today urged African countries to empower the continent's youth through schooling and jobs, stressing that the foundation for peace and development lay in giving young people opportunities to build better lives for themselves.

"If we are to bring lasting peace and sustainable development to the continent, we must empower Africa's youth," Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro told heads of State at the annual African Union (AU) summit, which is being held in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, and whose theme is youth empowerment for sustainable development.

She pointed out that 35 per cent of Africa's total population is between the ages of 15 and 35, the phase in people's lives when they lay foundations for their future, build careers and plan families.

"For too many young adults in Africa, this is a time of dashed hopes, frustration, and political, economic and social exclusion," said Ms. Migiro. "But there is a way for African nations to defuse the youth time bomb – by empowering youth and reaping the benefits. You have recognized this yourselves – by choosing the theme of this meeting and by prioritizing youth development in your development agenda," she added.

She said that the United Nations will continue to work closely with Africa's leaders to maintain and strengthen peace by supporting the efforts of the African people to realize their right to choose their own leaders.

"Countries that prioritize democratic principles generally fare better in avoiding armed conflict, promoting stable and equitable development, and building socially inclusive societies," Ms. Migiro.

"The young men and women of Africa need to know that their dreams can and will be achieved – not through violence and crime, but through the ballot box and the decent jobs that will come from thriving economies," she added.

She pointed out that the continent has over the past decade undergone a period of rapid economic growth, a stark contrast to the stagnation and reversals of previous years.

Attractive investment opportunities are expanding beyond the minerals and energy sectors, and a middle class is also emerging in several countries, although extreme poverty, hunger and inequality remain a major concern.

"For Africa, this is, in many ways, an era of opportunity. Our job is to ensure that it is an era of opportunity for all," she said.

Ms. Migiro reminded the African heads of State that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the coming into force of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The protocols prohibit the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has launched a global campaign to promote the universal ratification of the protocols, Ms. Migiro said, but only 18 AU Member States are parties. "I call on all 53 AU Members to become parties and implement them fully," she said.

On Sudan, Ms. Migiro noted that despite the recent outbreaks of violence in Southern Kordofan and Abyei, the upcoming independence of Southern Sudan was another milestone for Africa, and for the continent's partnership with the UN.

"The United Nations will remain committed to supporting South Sudan's peaceful development and to good neighbourly relations between north and south," she said

She also reiterated that the UN remains committed to the search for a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Libya.

"There should be no doubt about our aims. The objective – and the obligation – of the international community is to protect civilians and to work for a durable peace that meets the legitimate aspirations of Libyan people," she added.
Jun 30 2011 1:10PM
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GAZA’S CHILDREN FLY HIGH AT UN-BACKED SUMMER GAMES

GAZA'S CHILDREN FLY HIGH AT UN-BACKED SUMMER GAMES
New York, Jun 30 2011 12:10PM
More than 3,000 students in Gaza today smashed the first of what they hope to be four world records this northern summer, by "flying" dozens of parachutes, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said today.

Margot Ellis, UNRWA's Deputy Commissioner General said at least 3,500 Gazan children repeatedly let 176 parachutes fill with air and kept them aloft over Khan Younis Stadium in an event UNRWA said was aimed at putting "the spotlight on the world's only community of hundreds of thousands of fenced-in and locked up children."

"If kids in Gaza are given half the chance, free from the constraints of this counter-productive blockade, they would show their full potential and be number one in the world," said UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness.

For five years the UNRWA has staged the Summer Games – which include sports, arts and other activities – to provide a recreational outlet for an estimated 250,000 children in the Gaza Strip. This year's games coincide with the fifth year of the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

"The message is simple: give Gaza kids their freedom to be children," Mr. Gunness said. "We need to end this blockade, which has become a blockade against childhood itself."

The children will also attempt world records in football dribbling and hand-print painting, and the Summer Games will culminate at the end of July in an attempt by up to 10,000 children to smash their own record set last year for kite flying.

"These world records will produce iconic images which show another side of what is happening in Gaza," said Mr. Gunness. "More than half of the Gaza Strip is under 18, children too young to have expressed a political opinion at the ballot box. Why should they pay such a high price and lose their childhood? Each one is an ambassador for the next generation, an example to all of what is possible under the most appalling circumstances."

The previous Guinness Book of World Records award for the largest number of people flying parachutes from the ground was held by 1,547 students in the United Kingdom.
Jun 30 2011 12:10PM
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UN’S GLOBAL NETWORK OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES GROWS BY 18 NEW SITES

UN'S GLOBAL NETWORK OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES GROWS BY 18 NEW SITES
New York, Jun 30 2011 12:10PM
The United Nations today <"http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/18_new_biosphere_reserves_added_to_unescos_man_and_the_biosphere_mab_programme/">added 18 new sites to its global list of biosphere reserves, bringing the total to 581 in 114 different countries, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported.

The International Coordinating Council of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), meeting in the German city of Dresden, added sites in Lithuania, Maldives, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Togo for the first time to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

Biosphere reserves are places recognized by MAB where local communities are actively involved in governance and management, research, education, training and monitoring at the service of both socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation. They are thus sites for experimenting with and learning about sustainable development, UNESCO said.

UNESCO said the new sites are:

<ul><li>
Bras d'Or Lake, in Nova Scotia, Canada, which encompasses a saltwater estuary watershed "inland sea" with three passages to the Atlantic Ocean.
</li><li>
Mao'er Mountain in China, which features a mountain landscape of exceptional scenery, with peaks reaching more than 2,000 metres above sea level.
</li><li>
Corredor Biológico Nevados de Chillán-Laguna del Laja in Chile, which is located in the northern part of the Patagonia region and is a global biodiversity hotspot.
</li><li>
Songor, Ghana, which is characterized by a unique combination of brackish/estuarine, freshwater and marine ecosystems with mangroves, islands and small patches of community-protected forests.
</li><li>
Mujib, Jordan, which is part of the Dead Sea basin and Jordan Rift Valley landscape.
</li><li>
Zuvintas, Lithuania, which includes lakes, wetlands, mires, peat bogs, and pine tree stands.
</li><li>
Baa Atoll, Maldives, which harbours globally significant biodiversity in its numerous reefs.
</li><li>
Berlangas archipelago, Portugal, which includes the Berlangas, a group of small islands and rocks, and the city of Peniche on the mainland.
</li><li>
Volga-Akhtuba floodplain in the Russian Federation, which represents a mosaic structure of different landscapes, with high-yielding floodplain meadows, spawning grounds, oak groves and internationally important wetlands.
</li><li>
St. Mary's, Saint Kitts and Nevis, which comprises cloud forests, mangroves and coral reefs.
</li><li>
Blekinge Archipelago in Sweden, which includes most of the coastal areas and archipelagos of Blekinge, containing a variety of islands and islets.
</li><li>
Nedre Dalälven River Landscape in Sweden, which covers 308,000 hectares with a mixture of wetlands, rivers, lakes, flood plains and productive forests.
</li><li>
Oti-Keran/Oti-Mandouri in Togo, which encompasses various ecosystems, including shrubland, savannas, forest galleries and grasslands.
</li><li>
Roztochya, Ukraine, which covers a total area of 74,800 hectares with agriculture, stock-breeding and fish farming as its main economic activities.
</li><li>
Bura'a, Yemen, which is a rugged mountainous area intersected by several deep valleys rich in rare, vulnerable and endemic plant species.
</li><li>
Santana Madeira, Portugal, which is the first biosphere reserve in the Madeira Archipelago. Despite an active tourist industry, agriculture dominates the economy of local communities.
</li><li>
Ramot Menashe in Israel, which encompasses a mosaic of ecological systems that represent the Mediterranean Basin's version of the global "evergreen sclerophyllous forests, woodlands and scrub" ecosystem types.
</li><li>
Trifinio Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve, which stretches over parts of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. It is home to many endemic species that inhabit the tropical humid forest.
</li></ul>

Meanwhile, Cat Tien is the new name of the former Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in Viet Nam, which was designated in 2001. Two new core zones have been added to the site, bringing its total area to 966,563 hectares, UNESCO said.

Australia also withdrew Macquarie Island from the WNBR because it is uninhabited by humans and human presence is a criterion for inclusion in the network.

Jun 30 2011 12:10PM
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UN CHIEF CALLS FOR SPECIFIC STEPS TO CLOSE GENDER GAP IN PARLIAMENTS

UN CHIEF CALLS FOR SPECIFIC STEPS TO CLOSE GENDER GAP IN PARLIAMENTS
New York, Jun 30 2011 11:10AM
Mr. Ban told a high-level forum on women and democracy, held in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, that it was time for "faster and wider progress" in promoting the participation of women at all levels of society.

"When women are included, democracies thrive. And when women take their rightful leadership roles, all of society benefits," he said in a message to the forum delivered by Margot Wallström, his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Mr. Ban noted that although more and more women are taking their place in governments, fewer than 10 per cent of the world's countries have a female head of State or government, and fewer than 30 countries have met the UN target of having women comprise at least 30 per cent of their lawmakers in national parliaments.

"We need to take specific steps to close this gender gap. Experience shows that the democratic ideals of inclusiveness, accountability and transparency are only achieved through laws, policies and special measures that address inequalities."

The Secretary-General stressed that women's participation should be supported at all times, and not just during legislative elections.

"Our work to ensure gender equality must start with girls getting the food, health care and education they deserve, equal to boys. It must continue through all stages of life. And it must cover all realms, from the world of business to the halls of government and beyond."

He noted that the UN is working on several fronts to promote women in democracy-building activities, whether through the new agency UN Women or through individual projects financed by the UN Democracy Fund.

Jun 30 2011 11:10AM
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UN AGENCY WELCOMES SAFE RETURN OF TWO MISSING STAFF MEMBERS IN ETHIOPIA

UN AGENCY WELCOMES SAFE RETURN OF TWO MISSING STAFF MEMBERS IN ETHIOPIA
New York, Jun 30 2011 10:10AM
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed today that two Ethiopian staff members who went missing after a deadly incident in mid-May have been safely recovered.

"WFP confirms that the staff members have been brought to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, where they are receiving medical treatment and stress counseling and being reunited with their families," the Rome-based agency <"http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/two-missing-wfp-staff-ethiopia-safely-recovered">said in a press statement.

The two staff members went missing on 13 May after the convoy in which they travelling on a monitoring mission in Ethiopia's Somali region was attacked by assailants.

One member of the convoy, the driver Farhan Hamsa, was killed in the attack, and another staff member was injured.

WFP said it had worked closely with national and regional authorities to ensure the safe return of the two staff members.

"This incident underscores the need to ensure the safety and security of UN staff," the statement stressed.

Jun 30 2011 10:10AM
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Today's News from TheEagle.com

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• Brown resigns; two politicians and a former football player show interest in the job
• Rep. Fred Brown resigns from Texas House
• Authorities investigating fires near Bedias
• Texas drought claiming trees
• Robertson County search for suspicious person turns up nothing
• House adjourns, fails to pass TSA pat-down bill
• Buppy Simank grateful to get back to life
• Repeat DWI offender arrested
• Police: Driver found with Ecstasy in College Station
• Authorities expand search for escaped Texas inmate
• A&M-Arkansas game tickets on sale now
• A&M-Arkansas game tickets on sale now
• Walker County Jail fugitive still on loose
• Texas boy dies after possibly drinking gasoline
• Record 235 Texas counties have outdoor burn bans
• Stores becoming game-playing destinations
• Stores becoming game-playing destinations
• Scientists monitoring air as crews battle New Mexico wildfire
• Texan indicted on 47 sex counts against children
• Texas House adjourns without passing airport search bill
• Pols trade blame for bill's failure
• Fed orders banks to lower retailers' debit fees
• Obama chides GOP on debt talks
• Algorithm sheds light on the Bible's authors
• 4-year-old boy abandoned on Texas highway

Brown resigns; two politicians and a former football player show interest in the job Posted: 29 Jun 2011 06:17 AM PDT State Rep. Fred Brown of Bryan announced Wednesday that he will resign his seat after 13 years on the job. It didn’t take long for at least three area residents to say they’re interested in the post. The Republican made the declaration ...

Rep. Fred Brown resigns from Texas House Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:02 PM PDT State Rep. Fred Brown, R-Bryan, resigned on Wednesday after 13 years in the Texas Legislature, drawing several local politicians and a former Aggie football player to immediately express interest in running for his seat. Brown's last day in offic ...

Authorities investigating fires near Bedias Posted: 29 Jun 2011 02:00 AM PDT Authorities said they are looking into six fires off the same road near Bedias since last week. The most recent incident was a grass fire that started at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday in the Shannon Estates subdivision off Tyler Park Road, near the Madison-Gr ...

Texas drought claiming trees Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:02 PM PDT Homeowners may be "at the mercy of nature" in saving trees from the driest seven-month stretch recorded in Texas history, says an entomologist with the Texas Forest Service.The best thing they can do is to water trees on their property, TFS' Joe Pase ...

Robertson County search for suspicious person turns up nothing Posted: 29 Jun 2011 08:22 AM PDT Several law enforcement agencies in Robertson County joined an unsuccessful hunt Tuesday for a man they thought could be a jail escapee from Huntsville, but said it turned out not to be the inmate. A man was driving on U.S. 79 near Franklin Tuesd ...

House adjourns, fails to pass TSA pat-down bill Posted: 29 Jun 2011 06:17 AM PDT AUSTIN -- The Texas House ended the first special session of the 82nd Legislature, passing critical bills, but failing to pass perhaps the most debated: a measure to criminalize airport security searches without reasonable suspicion. The House adjour ...

Buppy Simank grateful to get back to life Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:02 PM PDT Local restaurant owner Buppy Simank is aiming to get behind the wheel of his 1968 Camaro sometime this fall. After racing as a hobby for about 20 years, the 41-year-old hasn't been on a track since an accident in March left him with massive inter ...

Repeat DWI offender arrested Posted: 29 Jun 2011 04:05 AM PDT Authorities said a driver speeding down Texas Avenue in Bryan was arrested on a felony DWI charge early Wednesday. It was at least the third time Adrian Lee Medina of Bryan has been charged with driving while intoxicated. He also had a warrant for ...

Police: Driver found with Ecstasy in College Station Posted: 29 Jun 2011 02:38 AM PDT An expired vehicle registration sticker led to the arrest of a 20-year-old Bertram man's after a College Station officer found Ecstasy pills in the car, authorities said. Kurry James Graham of Bertram was charged Wednesday with possession of from fo ...

Authorities expand search for escaped Texas inmate Posted: 29 Jun 2011 07:37 AM PDT HUNTSVILLE -- The search for a Southeast Texas jail escapee whose murder conviction was overturned has been expanded to the Houston area.Walker County sheriff's Chief Deputy Butch Davis said Wednesday that officers seeking Trent De'Ray Archie are als ...

A&M-Arkansas game tickets on sale now Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT Eager football fans can now purchase tickets for the Southwest Classic, which will pit Texas A&M against Arkansas for the third consecutive year. Priority status ticket prices for the on Oct. 1 game, which will take place at the Dallas Cowboys ...

A&M-Arkansas game tickets on sale now Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT Eager football fans can now purchase tickets for the Southwest Classic, which will pit Texas A&M against Arkansas for the third consecutive year. Priority status ticket prices for the on Oct. 1 game, which will take place at the Dallas Cowboys ...

Walker County Jail fugitive still on loose Posted: 29 Jun 2011 11:59 PM PDT HUNTSVILLE -- A Texas jail escapee once imprisoned for murder is still on the loose while his girlfriend is held on charges that she helped him flee. The Walker County Sheriff's Department on Thursday said the search continues for Trent De'Ray Arc ...

Texas boy dies after possibly drinking gasoline Posted: 29 Jun 2011 03:14 AM PDT BROWNVSILLE -- A South Texas toddler has died after possibly drinking gasoline from a lawn mower.Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio says the victim was 2-year-old Leonardo Silva of Brownsville.Lucio says the toddler's mother briefly left the child alo ...

Record 235 Texas counties have outdoor burn bans Posted: 29 Jun 2011 03:16 AM PDT COLLEGE STATION -- A record 235 Texas counties have outdoor burn bans as the state continues to suffer from drought.The Texas Forest Service on Wednesday confirmed the record, with just 19 counties not under burn restrictions.Spokeswoman April Sagino ...

Stores becoming game-playing destinations Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:03 PM PDT Despite the popularity of online game-playing, owners of local gaming stores say customers will continue to patronize their businesses for the opportunities to play and socialize with other gamers. Patrick Moore, who along with William Herdman own ...

Stores becoming game-playing destinations Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:03 PM PDT Despite the popularity of online game-playing, owners of local gaming stores say customers will continue to patronize their businesses for the opportunities to play and socialize with other gamers. Patrick Moore, who along with William Herdman own ...

Scientists monitoring air as crews battle New Mexico wildfire Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT LOS ALAMOS, N.M. -- As crews fight to keep a New Mexico wildfire from reaching the nation's premier nuclear-weapons laboratory and the surrounding community, scientists are busy sampling the air for chemicals and radiological materials. Their effo ...

Texan indicted on 47 sex counts against children Posted: 29 Jun 2011 11:59 PM PDT SAN MARCOS -- A Central Texas man is facing dozens of felony sex offense counts related to children. San Marcos police say Larry Joe Reynolds is jailed on 33 counts of sexual performance of a child, 13 counts of online solicitation of a minor and one ...

Texas House adjourns without passing airport search bill Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT AUSTIN -- The Texas House ended the first special session of the 82nd Legislature on Wednesday passing critical bills, but failing to pass perhaps the most debated: a measure to criminalize airport security searches without reasonable suspicion. ...

Pols trade blame for bill's failure Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT AUSTIN -- When the Texas Legislature's special session began, Republican majorities in the House and Senate warned Democrats they wouldn't be able to stop an immigration enforcement bill that had sparked one of the toughest partisan fights of the yea ...

Fed orders banks to lower retailers' debit fees Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve is set to limit the fees that banks charge retailers for swiping debit cards to 21 cents, a higher cap than initially proposed. Banks succeeded in convincing the Fed that its initial proposal of 12 cents was too l ...

Obama chides GOP on debt talks Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT WASHINGTON -- In a blistering rebuke of Republicans, President Barack Obama on Wednesday pressed lawmakers to accept tax increases as part of a deal to cut the nation's deficits and avoid a crippling government default. "Let's get it done," Obama c ...

Algorithm sheds light on the Bible's authors Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:00 PM PDT JERUSALEM -- Software developed by an Israeli team is giving intriguing new hints about what researchers believe to be the multiple hands that wrote the Bible. The new software analyzes style and word choices to distinguish parts of a single text ...

4-year-old boy abandoned on Texas highway Posted: 29 Jun 2011 05:01 PM PDT SWEETWATER -- A father abandoned his 4-year-old son along a West Texas highway, and the injured boy spent several hours alone in the dark before a passing motorist picked him up, police said. Carlos Rico, 22, stopped his car along a cactus-lined s ...

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