POWER OF BOOKS CELEBRATED BY UN CHIEF AS NEW LIBRARY OPENS IN ETHIOPIAN CAPITAL

POWER OF BOOKS CELEBRATED BY UN CHIEF AS NEW LIBRARY OPENS IN ETHIOPIAN CAPITAL
New York, Jan 31 2012 7:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon celebrated the benefits that books can bring to young people as he opened a library at an Ethiopian primary school that has been established under an innovative United Nations scheme.

At a ceremony yesterday in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, Mr. Ban took part in the hand over of a "Thank You Small Library (TYSL)," which will now be used by the roughly 1,200 pupils attending Keykokeb primary school.

At least 110 separate libraries have been created in 15 countries – mostly in sub-Saharan Africa – since 2007, when the so-called TYSL initiative began.

The initiative was designed and implemented by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ST-EP Foundation as part of broader UN efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by their target date of 2015.

The initiative focuses on setting up small libraries in areas where children do not have good access to reading and studying facilities. The libraries are established on existing premises, so no new buildings are required, with the foundation supplying more than 2,000 books per facility.

The foundation also supplies libraries with basic infrastructure such as bookshelves, tables, desks and chairs, and the furniture is usually manufactured locally and eco-friendly.

At the ceremony Mr. Ban noted the differences that libraries such as the one in Keykokeb primary school can make to their local communities.

"A library is not just a building full of books," he said, according to remarks prepared for the event. "It is a garden to cultivate individuals. A book is not just a collection of papers. A book is nourishment for your mind. With a book, you can travel, learn and grow."

He also paid tribute to the Republic of Korea (ROK), which funded the Keykokeb library, noting that it was making a difference with education in developing countries.
Jan 31 2012 7:10PM
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SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR MULTILATERAL ACTION TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES IN THE SAHEL

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR MULTILATERAL ACTION TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES IN THE SAHEL
New York, Jan 31 2012 7:10PM
The Security Council today called for a coordinated and inclusive approach to ensure a solution to the problems facing the Sahel region, which include an ongoing humanitarian crisis, lack of socio-economic development, insecurity and the threat of terrorism.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2012/sc10535.doc.htm">press statement issued this afternoon, the Council members underlined the need for a solution that encompasses security, development and humanitarian issues.

The remarks follow a briefing last week by Under Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe on the impact of the Libyan crisis in the region. In his briefing, Mr. Pascoe stressed that most of the challenges in the region pre-dated the Libyan conflict.

The Council expressed its support for a collaborative approach that consists of cooperation among the Sahel and Maghreb States, the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), the United Nations system, and other relevant stakeholders.

The Security Council also expressed its interest in following up with efforts to address the situation with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and stated that they would continue to monitor developments in the region.
Jan 31 2012 7:10PM
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UN YUGOSLAV TRIBUNAL ACCEPTS PLEA AGREEMENT IN CONTEMPT TRIAL

UN YUGOSLAV TRIBUNAL ACCEPTS PLEA AGREEMENT IN CONTEMPT TRIAL
New York, Jan 31 2012 6:10PM
The United Nations war crimes tribunal for the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today <"http://www.icty.org/sid/10896">accepted the plea agreement filed in the contempt of court trial of Jelena Rašic, who was accused of procuring false statements from witnesses in exchange for money.

Ms. Rašic had pleaded guilty to all five counts of contempt of court at her initial appearance before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which is based in The Hague, in September 2010.

She had been granted provisional release in November, pending the start of trial, the tribunal noted in a news release. The date of the judgement hearing in Ms. Rašic's case will be confirmed in due course.

Ms. Rašic was the case manager on the defence team of Milan Lukic, a Bosnian Serb who was sentenced by the trial chamber to life imprisonment for crimes committed in the eastern Bosnian town of Višegrad.

She pleaded guilty to knowingly and willingly interfering with the Tribunal's administration of justice by procuring a false witness statement from Zuhdija Tabakovic from Višegrad in exchange for €1,000 in cash.

She also pleaded guilty to inciting Mr. Tabakovic to offer bribes and to procure false witness statements from two other individuals. Mr. Tabakovic was convicted of contempt in March 2010 and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.
Jan 31 2012 6:10PM
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THOUSANDS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORMS IN MOZAMBIQUE – UN HUMANITARIAN ARM

THOUSANDS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORMS IN MOZAMBIQUE – UN HUMANITARIAN ARM
New York, Jan 31 2012 6:10PM
The United Nations humanitarian agency reported today that an estimated 117,000 people have been affected by two tropical storms in Mozambique last week, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation.

According to Government reports, 40 people have been killed so far by the heavy rains, and numbers expected to climb following ongoing assessments of the situation.

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the biggest priority is to provide shelter and 16,000 survival kits for those whose houses have been destroyed, as the rains have also destroyed designated community shelters such as schools and churches.

OCHA stated that damage assessments continue throughout the country, and warned that internal country resources may not be enough to respond to emerging needs.
Jan 31 2012 6:10PM
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AS POLITICAL TENSIONS RISE IN SENEGAL, BAN URGES ALL SIDES TO REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE

AS POLITICAL TENSIONS RISE IN SENEGAL, BAN URGES ALL SIDES TO REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE
New York, Jan 31 2012 5:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern today about mounting political tensions in Senegal, where voters go to the polls in less than a month to elect a president.

Media reports indicate that two people were shot dead during protests yesterday over the decision of incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade to seek a third term as leader of the West African nation. Further demonstrations have been planned and the election is slated to take place on 26 February.

In a <"http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=5832">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban "urges all political parties and national stakeholders to refrain from violence in the pursuit of their objectives and to pursue peaceful means to resolve all electoral grievances."

The UN chief called on all concerned people and groups to ensure the "enabling conditions for transparent, credible and peaceful elections that reflect the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the people of Senegal."

He also underlined the need for Senegalese authorities to act in a way that preserves and consolidates the country's democratic traditions, which he noted "have laid the foundations for its long history of stability and social cohesion."
Jan 31 2012 5:10PM
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SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATES SITUATION IN SYRIA

SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATES SITUATION IN SYRIA
New York, Jan 31 2012 4:10PM
The Security Council this afternoon began debate on the situation in Syria, where thousands of people have been killed over the past 10 months in a Government crackdown against a popular uprising.

Nabil El Araby, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, briefed the Council on the work of the League's human rights monitors inside Syria, after which senior representatives of Member States are scheduled to address the 15-member body on the situation in the Middle East country.

The UN has repeatedly urged the Syrian leadership to end the violence, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urging President Bashar al-Assad "stop killing his own people" and embark on a path to greater democracy and heed the people's call for representation and respect of human rights.

During his visit to Jordan today, Mr. Ban stated that "it is more urgent than ever to put an end to this bloodshed and violence, to start a credible political solution that addresses the legitimate aspiration of the Syrian people and to protect their fundamental freedoms."

He voiced his hope that Council will, at today's meeting, "bear good results, so that they can meet the expectations of the international community."

A wave of popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East, known as the Arab Spring, calling for greater freedoms and reforms has led to the toppling of long-standing regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen since the start of last year. <br><span style='color:#CC0000; font-weight:bold;'>More to follow</span> <'http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/index.html' style='text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold; color:#000066; font-size:80%; '>LIVE WEBCAST <img src='/ga/images/video.gif'>
Jan 31 2012 4:10PM
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UN LAUNCHES INFORMATION SYSTEM TO BOOST DISASTER PREVENTION, FOOD SECURITY MEASURES

UN LAUNCHES INFORMATION SYSTEM TO BOOST DISASTER PREVENTION, FOOD SECURITY MEASURES
New York, Jan 31 2012 4:10PM
The United Nations launched today an information system to improve and expand the exchange of weather, climate and water data, which can be used for disaster risk reduction, water management, food security and health purposes.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Information System will facilitate access to meteorological observations and products, making it easy to share them with a wide variety of stakeholders.

According to WMO, this will translate into free and more efficient climate services for various sectors including disaster risk reduction, which relies on this type of data for many of its operations.

"The WMO Information System is the pillar of our strategy for managing and moving weather, climate and water information in the 21st century," <"http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_939_en.html">said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud.

"It will reduce the costs of information exchange incurred by national meteorological and hydrological services and maximize exploitation of advances in communications technology," he said.

The system will also cut the costs of data exchange and integrate information from national and global data centres, WMO said in a news release.

Mr. Jarraud emphasized that the system will "allow users outside the meteorological community to have free access to this information for the first time."

The system builds on the Global Telecommunication System of WMO's World Weather Watch, which has been the backbone of meteorological information exchange for the past 40 years and is used for daily weather observations and forecasts, tropical cyclone warnings and tsunami alerts, among other applications.
Jan 31 2012 4:10PM
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UN CERTIFIES THAT NEW CAMP FOR IRANIAN EXILES MEETS INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

UN CERTIFIES THAT NEW CAMP FOR IRANIAN EXILES MEETS INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
New York, Jan 31 2012 4:10PM
United Nations refugee and human rights officials said today that they have confirmed that the infrastructure and facilities at a new camp in Iraq for residents of the settlement formerly known as Camp Ashraf meet international standards, as stipulated in last month's agreement on voluntary relocation between the UN and the Iraqi Government.

The UN and the Iraqi Government on 25 December signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the voluntary relocation of several thousand Iranian exiles living in Camp New Iraq, previously known as Camp Ashraf, in the north-eastern part of the country.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the human rights office of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said arrangements for the relocation of Camp New Iraq residents to the new Camp Liberty are progressing after it was confirmed that the facilities and the infrastructure had met international humanitarian standards.

"I am grateful to the UNHCR and the human rights team for their expertise," said Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq. "This brings us a step further in ensuring that proper conditions are in place for voluntary relocation of Camp New Iraq residents."

UN monitors are ready to start round-the-clock human rights monitoring during the transport of residents from Camp New Iraq, as well as on their arrival at Camp Liberty, currently built to accommodate 5,500 people. UNHCR is also ready to start refugee status determination as soon as residents start arriving in the new camp, according to a press release issued by UNAMI.

The Iraqi Government will organize the modalities of transporting people from Camp New Iraq to Camp Liberty and other relevant issues with the residents. The UN stands ready to facilitate those efforts if requested, Mr. Kobler said.

"It is important that [the] MoU is implemented in letter and spirit," he added, noting that the agreement "stands only for a peaceful solution and a voluntary relocation of Camp New Iraq residents."

"The United Nations' consistent position is that a violent outcome is unacceptable. The MoU paves the way for UNHCR to conduct the verification and refugee status determination (RSD) processes, which is a necessary first step to resettle the residents in other countries and enjoy their freedom and liberty," he said.

"Member States have a crucial role in helping to resolve the situation of Camp New Iraq residents and I do urge them again to accept residents in their countries. This is a critical contribution to the humanitarian solution we are all seeking," Mr. Kobler added.

Situated in the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala, Camp New Iraq camp houses several thousand members of a group known as the People's Mojahedeen of Iran.
Jan 31 2012 4:10PM
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UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS LATEST MURDER OF JOURNALIST IN SOMALIA

UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS LATEST MURDER OF JOURNALIST IN SOMALIA
New York, Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with promoting and defending the freedom of the press today condemned the murder of a journalist in Somalia and called for measures to improve the safety of media professionals in the Horn of Africa country.

Hassan Osman Abdi, 29, a journalist and director of the Shabelle Media Network, a private radio and television network, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Saturday at his home in the capital, Mogadishu, according to local sources cited by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"The murder of Hassan Osman Abdi is a severe blow to a country where the media have paid a heavy price for exercising the human right to freedom of expression," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO's Director-General, in a <"http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_condemns_murder_of_somali_journalist_hassan_osman_abdi_and_urges_somalia_to_improve_media_safety/">press release.

"The death of journalists undermines the right of people to be kept informed. Somalia's reconciliation and reconstruction will not take place without securing respect for these two rights."

She urged the Somali authorities to take urgent measures to improve the safety of journalists and investigate the murder of Mr. Abdi, who was reportedly shot by five gunmen after arriving home from Radio Shabelle, where he worked on political issues.

Some 21 Somali journalists and other media professionals have been listed on UNESCO's dedicated web page 'UNESCO Remembers Assassinated Journalists,' since 2006.

Last year, UNESCO provided equipment and training on safety, conflict-sensitive journalism and humanitarian reporting to more than 40 media professionals in Somalia. The training was intended to enhance the quality and flow of information on humanitarian issues to audiences inside Somalia and to Somali refugees in camps in neighbouring countries.

In 2010, UNESCO, in collaboration with Radio Netherlands Training Centre, provided training to 20 Somali community radio journalists, helping them to improve their ability to work in an environment of conflict.
Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
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BAN ENCOURAGES JORDAN AND ARAB NEIGHBOURS TO CONTINUE WITH REFORMS

BAN ENCOURAGES JORDAN AND ARAB NEIGHBOURS TO CONTINUE WITH REFORMS
New York, Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
The Arab world has a "generational opportunity" to create a future it deserves, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today during a visit to Jordan, voicing his support for ongoing reforms in the country and the region.

"At this critical juncture, I am committed to supporting Arab countries in transition and the people that struggle for democracy, justice, dignity, human rights and economic opportunity," Mr. Ban said during a joint press conference with Jordan's Foreign Minister, Nasser Judeh.

The past year has witnessed a wave of popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East, known as the Arab Spring, calling for greater freedoms and reforms and which led to the toppling of regimes in Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

"Reform and transition to democracy should continue to take place," said Mr. Ban. "The Arab region has a generational opportunity to create a future it deserves…

"Dignity and justice in this region are threatened, not only by authoritarian rule, but also by occupation and conflict," he added.

The Secretary-General also commended Jordan for its strong commitment to the goals and values of the UN, noting that it is one of the top troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations.

"We work together for democracy, stability, peace, justice, development and prosperity across the Middle East and all throughout the world," he stated.

Mr. Ban met separately with Jordan's King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh, in addition to his meeting with the Foreign Minister. He reiterated the UN's continued support to the Jordanian people and encouraged the King on efforts for comprehensive and inclusive reforms.

The wide-ranging discussions with the leaders also touched on the Middle East peace process and the ongoing crisis in Syria that is having a growing impact on neighbouring countries, including Jordan, which is hosting some 2,500 Syrians who fled the violence in their country.

"It is more urgent than ever to put an end to this bloodshed and violence, to start a credible political solution that addresses the legitimate aspiration of the Syrian people and to protect their fundamental freedoms," stated Mr. Ban.

He added that he hoped the Security Council meeting to be held later today in New York with the participation of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the Prime Minister of Qatar "will bare good results, so that they can meet the expectations of the international community."

Also today, Mr. Ban held a lunch meeting with Jordanian young people, who shared their views and opinions on their situation, priorities and aspirations in various areas, including education, employment and health.

Following his visit to Jordan, the Secretary-General will head to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in an effort to help move the peace process forward.

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators began preparatory talks at the beginning of January in Amman under the facilitation of King Abdullah and Mr. Judeh.
Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
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REFORM OF GREEN INSTITUTIONS ‘IMPERATIVE’ FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – ASSEMBLY CHIEF

REFORM OF GREEN INSTITUTIONS 'IMPERATIVE' FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – ASSEMBLY CHIEF
New York, Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
Reform of environmental institutions is needed so countries can achieve sustainable development, the President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser said today, and stressed that States must prepare and contribute to this reform ahead of the major United Nations Sustainable Development Conference (Rio+20) in June.

"Realities on the ground show that sustainable development depends on an effective framework of institutions and decision-making processes at local, national, regional and global levels, working together. Yet international environmental governance is, at present, in need of more consolidation," said Mr. Al Nasser at the conference entitled <I>Towards new global governance for the environment</I> in Paris.

Mr. Al-Nasser stressed the need for new innovative mechanisms to ensure that existing environmental mandates are well-coordinated and efficient, and underlined the opportunity that Rio+20 presents to work on this aspect.

"From our preparations to date, one single message emerges: the Rio+20 outcome will need to give birth to a strong institutional architecture.

"An architecture that promotes a better integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental protection – and addresses new and emerging issues," he said.

In his remarks to the conference, Mr. Al-Nasser highlighted several preparation activities that have already made recommendations for environmental reform including those made by the Rio+20 initial draft, "The Future we Want," which was the result of three days of deliberation by Member States and civil society groups last week.

He also reiterated his support for Members States in this particular issue. "It is my intention to support Member States in achieving ambitious reform of the UN's environmental governance structure," he said.

"There is no doubt that the success of our efforts will require longer-term vision, as well as the genuine willingness of Members States to preserve our planet for future generations to enjoy in dignity," he added.
Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
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SRI LANKA: UN AGENCY FUNDS IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

SRI LANKA: UN AGENCY FUNDS IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
New York, Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations fund tasked with promoting rural development will provide a $22-million loan to Sri Lanka to finance the improvement of the South Asian country's irrigation infrastructure and crop diversification, as well as projects to expand market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

The line of credit from the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will benefit an estimated 7,000 small-scale farming households in Kilinochchi district in Northern province by improving downstream irrigation infrastructure from the Iranamadu reservoir.

The reservoir, which has not been maintained adequately for many years, will be rehabilitated to increase its water-holding capacity.

The loan <"http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2012/5.htm">agreement was signed yesterday at the IFAD headquarters in Rome by Kanayo F. Nwanze, the IFAD President, and Ambassador Asitha Perera of Sri Lanka.

The funding will also be used to train farmers on water saving management methods, including climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, such as rainwater harvesting. Women's groups will also be formed and trained on growing vegetable crops.

The latest financing brings to 16 programmes and projects funded by IFAD in Sri Lanka since 1978 at a total investment of about $400 million, benefiting more than 500,000 households.
Jan 31 2012 1:10PM
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MEDITERRANEAN THE DEADLIEST SEA FOR REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS, SAYS UN AGENCY

MEDITERRANEAN THE DEADLIEST SEA FOR REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS, SAYS UN AGENCY
New York, Jan 31 2012 12:10PM
The Mediterranean Sea has become the deadliest stretch of water in the world for migrants and refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported today.

According to the UN agency's estimates for last year, more than 1,500 people drowned or went missing while attempting to cross the sea from Africa to reach Europe, making 2011 the deadliest year for this region since UNHCR began recording the statistics in 2006.

"Our teams in Greece, Italy, Libya, and Malta, warn that the actual number of deaths at sea may be even higher," UNHCR spokesperson Sybella Wilkes <"http://www.unhcr.org/4f27e01f9.html">told reporters in Geneva.

Ms. Wilkes added that the UNHCR estimates were based on interviews with migrants who reached Europe by boat, telephone and e-mail communication from their relatives, as well as reports from Libya and Tunisia from survivors whose boats either sank or were in distress.

Since pro-democracy protests erupted across North Africa and the Middle East early last year, large numbers of people have taken to boats to try to reach Europe, with Italy and Malta bearing the brunt of the displacement and migration.

Survivors have recounted harrowing stories of being forced onto unseaworthy vessels by armed guards, particularly during April and May in Libya. Some have even reported cases of abuse and torture experienced at the hands of other passengers during the journey.

Ms. Wilkes noted that despite poor weather conditions and high seas, UNHCR was disturbed to learn that three boats had already attempted the crossing in 2012, with one going missing at sea.

On that note, she also welcomed the efforts of the Italian, Maltese and Libyan authorities to rescue distressed boats in the Mediterranean.

"We renew our call to all shipmasters in the Mediterranean, one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, to remain vigilant and to carry out there duty of rescuing vessels in distress," Ms. Wilkes stated.

Of last year's arrivals by sea, 56,000 landed in Italy while Malta and Greece received 1,574 and 1,000 respectively. In addition, according to the Greek Government, an estimated 55,000 irregular migrants crossed the Greek-Turkish land border.
Jan 31 2012 12:10PM
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UN SCALES UP FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN 80, 000 PEOPLE IN SOUTH SUDAN

UN SCALES UP FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE IN SOUTH SUDAN
New York, Jan 31 2012 12:10PM
The United Nations World Food Programme announced today that it will scale up its assistance to reach 80,000 people affected by the recent escalation of ethnic violence in South Sudan's Jonglei state.

"The violence in Jonglei is only one of the many challenges that South Sudan is currently facing, and the world must respond to ensure that the people of this new nation have the support they need to build a peaceful and prosperous country," said Deputy Executive Director for the World Food Programme (WFP), Ramiro Lopes da Silva, on a visit to the region.

"Many of the women I met in Pibor and Akobo had lost their children and had no one to depend on but the humanitarian agencies on the ground."

Deadly clashes between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities in recent weeks have displaced tens of thousands of civilians and prompted UN agencies to launch a major humanitarian operation to assist those in need.

Part of WFP's response includes providing a 15-day emergency food ration to displaced persons who have been affected by the attacks, as well as using its logistics expertise to help other humanitarian agencies overcome challenges to establish a way for people to access their services.

According to a <"http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-responds-growing-needs-among-tens-thousands-affected-conflict-south-sudan">news release issued by the agency, WFP has already deployed three helicopters, an airplane and 28 trucks to deliver not just food but also shelter items and medical supplies to remote corners of Jonglei.

WFP stated that one of its priorities is distributing food before the rain starts in March as 90 per cent of locations targeted for assistance will become inaccessible by road. It also emphasized the need to help affected households cultivate their own crops in time for the next harvest in August.

Ten locations in Jonglei have already been reached by WFP. Five of these are located in Pibor county, including Pibor town and surrounding villages, Lekuangole, Gumruk, Labrab and Boma. Five more are located in recently affected areas in the northern parts of the state. Initial emergency food assistance has been provided in Duk Padiet, while distributions are ongoing in Akobo and Walgak, Yuai in Urur county and Waat in Nyirol county.
Jan 31 2012 12:10PM
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FORMER HAITIAN LEADER MUST FACE CHARGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, SAYS UN

FORMER HAITIAN LEADER MUST FACE CHARGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, SAYS UN
New York, Jan 31 2012 10:10AM
The United Nations today voiced its concern at reports that former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier may not face charges relating to the serious human rights violations that took place during his 15-year rule, while stressing that justice must be ensured for the victims.

Serious human rights violations, including torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings have been extensively documented by Haitian and international human rights organizations to have occurred in the country during his reign, stated a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"The High Commissioner has consistently reminded Haiti of its absolute obligation to investigate these well-documented serious human rights violations and to prosecute those responsible for them," Rupert Colville told a news briefing in Geneva.

Human rights groups have long called for Mr. Duvalier to be arrested in relation to rights abuses carried out during his rule. The former president made a surprise return to Haiti in January 2011, after 25 years of exile in France and amidst a political crisis in his country.

Soon after Mr. Duvalier's return, OHCHR offered Haitian authorities technical assistance for prosecuting crimes committed from 1971 to 1986 when he was in power.

Mr. Colville voiced concern about a string of reports quoting Haitian judicial officials as saying that Mr. Duvalier may only face charges of financial corruption rather than ones relating to human rights abuses during his time in power.

"We are extremely disappointed at reports that Mr. Duvalier may not be charged with any human rights crimes, despite numerous complaints by victims to the prosecutor," he stated.

"It is clear under international law that there is no statute of limitations for such crimes, and the UN human rights office has provided technical assistance and legal advice stressing this point."

Mr. Colville added that impunity for such serious crimes cannot be allowed to prevail.

"We urge the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is, belatedly, delivered to the many victims of human rights abuses committed under the government of Mr. Duvalier. There can be no true reconciliation and forgiveness without justice."
Jan 31 2012 10:10AM
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Today's News from TheEagle.com

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• Blocker Building closed for business
• College Station considers using hotel taxes to attract sporting events
• Blocker building flooded on Texas A&M campus
• Pregnant dog's litter gets a pardon
• Agundiz guilty of engaging in criminal activity
• Agundiz found guilty of engaging in criminal activity
• Slain Aggie's spirit lives on in documentary
• Off-duty UPD officer's eye-witness account leads to arrest
• Texas redistricting talks reportedly stalled
• Texas town running out of water
• Mitt Romney enjoying Florida lead
• Monkey owners hiding out in Texas
• Veterinarians look to pets to advance cancer research
• Everglades python population worrying officials
• Destructive Oakland protest breaks Occupy lull
• Senator's stroke part of a grim trend — younger victims
• Syrian violence puts pressure on Russia
• GOP legislatures targeting state income taxes
• ABC, Volkswagen take TV ads to a new level
• Big 12 race tightens up as teams pass midway mark
• Big 12 race tightens up as teams pass midway mark
• David Alan Grier shrugs off 'Porgy' criticisms
• Letters for January 31
• Calendar
• Spurs hand Grizzlies 4th straight loss, 83-73

Blocker Building closed for business Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:05 PM PST Workers sweep and squeegee out gallons of water from the first floor lobby of the Blocker Building on the Texas A&M campus, which suffered extensive water damage due to flooding after a 4-inch water line burst on the second floor Monday morning. ...

College Station considers using hotel taxes to attract sporting events Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:05 PM PST For most of the past decade, the city of College Station stowed away money collected from its hotel occupancy tax in hopes of building a convention center on University Drive. But after negative voter feedback and unfavorable market conditions, t ...

Blocker building flooded on Texas A&M campus Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:53 AM PST Hundreds of students were evacuated from the Blocker Building on the Texas A&M University campus Monday morning due to flooding from a 4-inch pipe that burst on the second floor, sending water down through the walls and into the main lobby. All c ...

Pregnant dog's litter gets a pardon Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:05 PM PST Pancake will be a mother after all. When Melissa Floyd adopted the Shih Tzu from the Bryan Animal Center this month, she didn't realize the dog was pregnant. The city-run animal shelter's requirement to have the dog spayed within 30 days of adoptio ...

Agundiz guilty of engaging in criminal activity Posted: 30 Jan 2012 03:06 AM PST UPDATE: "Marco" Cabrera Antonio Agundiz has been found guilty of engaging in criminal activity, and the trial is proceeding with the punishment phase. Prosecutors plan to rest their case by the end of the day. ____ A Brazos County jury broke for d ...

Agundiz found guilty of engaging in criminal activity Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST Brazos County jurors are expected to begin deliberations Tuesday in the punishment phase of an engaging in criminal activity case of a 28-year-old man who faces life in prison for his involvement in a 2008 gang shooting. "Marco" Cabrera Antonio A ...

Slain Aggie's spirit lives on in documentary Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:05 PM PST Rufus Stephens Jr. excitedly jumped up and down, all 6 foot 4 inches and 240 pounds of him, when relaying tales about fish he caught on the scenic War Eagle Creek in Arkansas. "I can still picture him now," said his stepmother, Rebecca Stephens. ...

Off-duty UPD officer's eye-witness account leads to arrest Posted: 30 Jan 2012 12:05 AM PST Authorities said two Brazos Valley residents attempted somewhat different tactics when trying — but failing — to steal merchandise from local Walmart stores over the weekend. A 36-year-old woman tried to walk out of the Colleg ...

Texas redistricting talks reportedly stalled Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST SAN ANTONIO -- Negotiations between minority groups and Texas officials in a lengthy clash over new political districts appeared stalled Monday as both sides prepared to argue in Washington over whether the Republican-drawn maps violate the federal ...

Texas town running out of water Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST AUSTIN -- A Central Texas village that's become the state's first community to run out of water due to a punishing drought will have water trucked in by the Lower Colorado River Authority, officials said Monday. Agency spokeswoman Clara Tuma said ...

Mitt Romney enjoying Florida lead Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:05 PM PST MIAMI -- Cheered by new polls, Mitt Romney is all but predicting victory in Tuesday's Republican presidential primary. Newt Gingrich is looking past Florida to regroup, vowing he won't stay buried long. "With a turnout like this, I'm beginning to ...

Monkey owners hiding out in Texas Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:03 PM PST NEAR THE TEXAS-LOUISIANA LINE -- Even in their Texas hideout, Jim and Donita Clark are terrified that wildlife agents from their home state of Louisiana will descend on their motorhome and seize the four Capuchin monkeys they've reared for 10 years ...

Veterinarians look to pets to advance cancer research Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST Houston Chronicle HOUSTON -- Leading Texas veterinarians are mobilizing to enlist pets in the testing of experimental cancer therapies, a potential benefit to not just dogs and cats but people. The veterinarians recently set up a registry they hope ...

Everglades python population worrying officials Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A burgeoning population of huge pythons -- many of them pets that were turned loose by their owners when they got too big -- appears to be wiping out large numbers of raccoons, opossums, bobcats and other mammals in the Eve ...

Destructive Oakland protest breaks Occupy lull Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST OAKLAND, Calif. -- It started peacefully enough: A midday rally at City Hall and a march. But as the day wore on, Oakland was hit by the most turbulent protests in weeks as Occupy demonstrators clashed repeatedly with police, leaving more than 400 ...

Senator's stroke part of a grim trend — younger victims Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST WASHINGTON -- When a stroke hits at 52, like what happened to Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois, the reaction is an astonished, "But he's so young." The reality is that strokes don't just happen to grandma. They can happen at any age, even to children -- ...

Syrian violence puts pressure on Russia Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST BEIRUT -- Syrian forces pushed dissident troops back from the edge of Damascus in heavy fighting Monday, escalating efforts to take back control of the capital's eastern doorstep ahead of key U.N. talks over a draft resolution demanding that Presid ...

GOP legislatures targeting state income taxes Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST OKLAHOMA CITY -- A year after Republicans swept into office across the country, many have trained their sights on what has long been a fiscal conservative's dream: the steep reduction or even outright elimination of state income taxes. The idea ha ...

ABC, Volkswagen take TV ads to a new level Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST NEW YORK -- Frankie Heck settled into the driver's seat of a new Volkswagen on a recent episode of ABC's The Middle, caressing the steering wheel as celestial music played. Her face was a mask of such pure pleasure that you almost wanted to avert y ...

Big 12 race tightens up as teams pass midway mark Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:18 PM PST Kansas coach Bill Self is sticking by the prediction he made back in October, before the season began and long before the Big 12 race started heating up. Four losses will still mean a chance to win the league. Three may be good enough to do it out ...

Big 12 race tightens up as teams pass midway mark Posted: 30 Jan 2012 01:18 PM PST Kansas coach Bill Self is sticking by the prediction he made back in October, before the season began and long before the Big 12 race started heating up. Four losses will still mean a chance to win the league. Three may be good enough to do it out ...

David Alan Grier shrugs off 'Porgy' criticisms Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:04 PM PST NEW YORK -- David Alan Grier has a gentle message for anyone who is getting all hot and bothered thinking that he's helping ruin an American masterpiece. "Relax. Let it go," he says. "We're not killing it. We're just doing our version." The actor ...

Letters for January 31 Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:05 PM PST Will Bryan ban all those weathered gray fences? So Bryan, the land of mile upon mile of unpainted, weathered and leaning board fences, is concerned that someone might use a bright color (Like maybe some of those people who aren't from around here? ...

Calendar Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:01 PM PST Mark Your Calendar Feb. 10 is the online registration deadline for the Ranger Run for Fisher House Race set for Feb. 11 at Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Park. The entry fee is $25 for the 1-mile Family Fun Run or 5K race and $30 for the 10K race. ...

Spurs hand Grizzlies 4th straight loss, 83-73 Posted: 30 Jan 2012 04:01 PM PST MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Matt Bonner scored 15 points, going 5 of 9 from outside the arc, and Tim Duncan added 14 points as the San Antonio Spurs sent Memphis to its fourth straight loss with a 83-73 victory over the Grizzlies on Monday night.Rookie Kawhi L ...

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