NOTING 'DISTURBING TREND' IN MEXICO, UN RIGHTS OFFICE CONDEMNS MURDER OF JOURNALIST
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations human rights office today voiced alarm over the killing of a journalist in Mexico over the weekend, and condemned what it said is a "disturbing trend" of media professional being murdered in the country, where more than 70 have been killed over the past 12 years.
"We strongly condemn the murder of Regina Martinez, and are concerned that this disturbing trend of murdering media workers … undermines the exercise of freedom of expression in the country," said a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Rupert Colville, at a press conference in Geneva.
"We call for a thorough independent investigation into this and other similar cases, and urge the Government to immediately implement protection measures for journalists," he said.
Mr. Colville also welcomed yesterday's passing, by the Mexican Congress, of two new laws designed to protect journalists and human rights defenders. The new laws are known as the General Victims Act and the Law for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists.
During a visit to Mexico last year, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, emphasized the importance of passing that legislation after meeting with victims and relatives of murdered human rights activists and journalists.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
UN ENVOY URGES PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM VIOLENCE IN SYRIA
UN ENVOY URGES PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM VIOLENCE IN SYRIA
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict today said she was alarmed by another wave of extreme violence which had resulted in the deaths and injuries of children across Syria and called on all parties to ensure their protection.
"I urge all parties in Syria to refrain from indiscriminate tactics resulting in the killing and wounding of children," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, in a <"http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/pr/2012-05-01285.html">news release. "It is the responsibility and humanitarian imperative of all parties to protect and prevent unnecessary suffering of girls and boys."
A truce was agreed on 12 April between the Syrian Government and the opposition. One week later, the Security Council authorized the establishment of UNSMIS, an observer mission made up of up to 300 unarmed military observers and deployed for an initial period of 90 days, to monitor the cessation of violence in Syria. However, despite the deployment of UN ceasefire monitors, more than 34 children have allegedly been killed.
"Reports indicate that two children were killed today in a mortar attack. In recent days, at least one child was killed during anti-Government protests, and the dead body of a girl was retrieved from the rubble of a collapsed house in Hama," Ms. Coomaraswamy said.
Yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned a series of recent suicide attacks which rocked Damascus, the capital, and the city of Idlib, which resulted in further child causalities.
The violence in Syria, which began in March 2011 as a protest movement similar to those across the Middle East and North Africa, has claimed over 9,000 lives, mostly civilians, and displaced tens of thousands.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict today said she was alarmed by another wave of extreme violence which had resulted in the deaths and injuries of children across Syria and called on all parties to ensure their protection.
"I urge all parties in Syria to refrain from indiscriminate tactics resulting in the killing and wounding of children," said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, in a <"http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/pr/2012-05-01285.html">news release. "It is the responsibility and humanitarian imperative of all parties to protect and prevent unnecessary suffering of girls and boys."
A truce was agreed on 12 April between the Syrian Government and the opposition. One week later, the Security Council authorized the establishment of UNSMIS, an observer mission made up of up to 300 unarmed military observers and deployed for an initial period of 90 days, to monitor the cessation of violence in Syria. However, despite the deployment of UN ceasefire monitors, more than 34 children have allegedly been killed.
"Reports indicate that two children were killed today in a mortar attack. In recent days, at least one child was killed during anti-Government protests, and the dead body of a girl was retrieved from the rubble of a collapsed house in Hama," Ms. Coomaraswamy said.
Yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned a series of recent suicide attacks which rocked Damascus, the capital, and the city of Idlib, which resulted in further child causalities.
The violence in Syria, which began in March 2011 as a protest movement similar to those across the Middle East and North Africa, has claimed over 9,000 lives, mostly civilians, and displaced tens of thousands.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE CONCERNED OVER MURDER OF CAMBODIAN ENVIRONMENT ACTIVIST
UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE CONCERNED OVER MURDER OF CAMBODIAN ENVIRONMENT ACTIVIST
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations human rights office today voiced concern over last week's murder of an outspoken Cambodian environmental activist and human rights defender, whom it said had worked fearlessly to expose illegal logging and corruption in the country.
Chut Wutty was shot and killed last Thursday in south-western Cambodia, according to Rupert Colville, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). A member of the Cambodian gendarmerie was also killed in the incident.
"Despite the current lack of clarity about what exactly happened, we are very concerned that the killing of Mr. Wutty marks the latest and most lethal in a series of gun attacks on human rights defenders in Cambodia," Mr. Colville told reporters in Geneva.
The OHCHR office in Cambodia has since the beginning of this year investigated four other cases involving the use of live ammunition against communities and human rights defenders, which resulted in a number of injuries, he added.
Mr. Wutty's killing occurred in a forest in Koh Kong Province where, accompanied by journalists, he was gathering evidence on illegal logging. The OHCHR office in the capital, Phnom Penh, dispatched a team to the province two hours after the shooting to investigate the incident. It visited the site of the shooting, interviewed residents and monitored the post-mortem examination of the bodies.
"We welcome the fact that the authorities have commenced investigations into Thursday's shooting, including a military investigation," said Mr. Colville, noting that OHCHR has urged the Cambodian Government to ensure that a full civilian judicial investigation proceeds quickly and with utmost probity and independence.
"We also urge the Government to take concrete and immediate measures to ensure the safety of all witnesses and investigators as well the families of the deceased men," he added.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations human rights office today voiced concern over last week's murder of an outspoken Cambodian environmental activist and human rights defender, whom it said had worked fearlessly to expose illegal logging and corruption in the country.
Chut Wutty was shot and killed last Thursday in south-western Cambodia, according to Rupert Colville, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). A member of the Cambodian gendarmerie was also killed in the incident.
"Despite the current lack of clarity about what exactly happened, we are very concerned that the killing of Mr. Wutty marks the latest and most lethal in a series of gun attacks on human rights defenders in Cambodia," Mr. Colville told reporters in Geneva.
The OHCHR office in Cambodia has since the beginning of this year investigated four other cases involving the use of live ammunition against communities and human rights defenders, which resulted in a number of injuries, he added.
Mr. Wutty's killing occurred in a forest in Koh Kong Province where, accompanied by journalists, he was gathering evidence on illegal logging. The OHCHR office in the capital, Phnom Penh, dispatched a team to the province two hours after the shooting to investigate the incident. It visited the site of the shooting, interviewed residents and monitored the post-mortem examination of the bodies.
"We welcome the fact that the authorities have commenced investigations into Thursday's shooting, including a military investigation," said Mr. Colville, noting that OHCHR has urged the Cambodian Government to ensure that a full civilian judicial investigation proceeds quickly and with utmost probity and independence.
"We also urge the Government to take concrete and immediate measures to ensure the safety of all witnesses and investigators as well the families of the deceased men," he added.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
BAN HAILS AUNG SAN SUU KYI AS ‘SYMBOL OF HOPE’ DURING MEETING IN MYANMAR
BAN HAILS AUNG SAN SUU KYI AS 'SYMBOL OF HOPE' DURING MEETING IN MYANMAR
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of hope for human rights worldwide as he met the Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader for the first time at her home in Yangon, Myanmar.
"She is really a strong and dedicated leader of this country for democracy and development and human rights for all," Mr. Ban said in a joint <"http://www.un.org/sg/offthecuff/index.asp?nid=2325">press encounter with Ms. Suu Kyi, who was released from nearly two decades of house arrest in November 2010.
"I, like everybody in the world, fully admire her leadership and commitment, during the last two or three decades for peace and development and human rights for this country, for this region, and for the world. She has been a symbol of our hope for human rights for all, all around the world," he added.
Mr. Ban invited Ms. Suu Kyi to visit the United Nations during their meeting, which capped off a three-day visit to Myanmar by the Secretary-General – his third since assuming his post.
Earlier this month, Myanmar citizens headed to the polls to vote for representatives of 48 parliamentary seats, with Ms. Suu Kyi winning a position in the lower house of parliament. The by-elections were part of a series of democratic reforms led by President Thein Sein, which began last year.
The UN chief congratulated Ms. Suu Kyi on her recent election, and commended her decision yesterday to take the oath and become a parliamentarian. "I am sure that she will play a very constructive and active role as a parliamentarian for the betterment and well-being of this great country," he said.
During his visit, Mr. Ban also met with a number of senior government officials, including President Sein, who last year began a series of democratic reforms in the South-east Asian nation.
"The Myanmar people and Government have embarked on a path of reform, democratization, and fuller participatory democracy," said Mr. Ban. "They deserve our support. They deserve the support of the whole international community. The United Nations will continue to stand by the people in every step and in any way we can. This is my pledge."
While in Yangon today, the Secretary-General also launched the UN Global Compact's Myanmar network. Set up in 2000, the initiative has some 7,000 companies in 140 countries, which have pledged to align their business practices to ten universally accepted principles concerning human rights, labour, environmental sustainability and the fight against corruption.
"I hope that Myanmar's local business entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to fully utilize and interact with international business leaders to widen and deepen their business opportunities for direct foreign investment, as well as job creation," Mr. Ban said.
"Through this interaction, they can strengthen their capacity in terms of good business management and accountability and transparency and even human rights," he added. "I hope that this will be a good opportunity for them to mutually benefit for economic development."
Speaking at the launch, which brought together a number of domestic and international companies in Myanmar, the Secretary-General noted that it was a "remarkable" time for the country.
"We are here at a time of transition – a time that is ripe with potential and expectation for business and investment. Atop the list of priorities are jobs and income opportunities, especially for the many young people whose talents and creativity are waiting to be tapped," he said.
"Equally paramount is development that is widespread and sustainable," he stated, adding that, to deliver prosperity and opportunity widely, Myanmar needs strong and inclusive markets. "Business has to be the backbone of growth. However, investment and business activity must be sustainable and responsible – upholding the highest standard of business ethics."
At a press conference before departing Myanmar, the Secretary-General said he was leaving with "profound hope and expectation" in the future of the country.
"From every front – at every level, I heard a genuine commitment for democracy, political reform and reconciliation," he said. "The leaders of this country have a shared determination to write a new chapter for Myanmar. The international community has a shared responsibility to help Myanmar and her people."
At the same time, the UN chief added that process of opening up is still "uncertain and fragile," and will contain obstacles and bumps along the road. "We need to remain clear-sighted – and do all we can to keep up the momentum for lasting change," he said.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of hope for human rights worldwide as he met the Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader for the first time at her home in Yangon, Myanmar.
"She is really a strong and dedicated leader of this country for democracy and development and human rights for all," Mr. Ban said in a joint <"http://www.un.org/sg/offthecuff/index.asp?nid=2325">press encounter with Ms. Suu Kyi, who was released from nearly two decades of house arrest in November 2010.
"I, like everybody in the world, fully admire her leadership and commitment, during the last two or three decades for peace and development and human rights for this country, for this region, and for the world. She has been a symbol of our hope for human rights for all, all around the world," he added.
Mr. Ban invited Ms. Suu Kyi to visit the United Nations during their meeting, which capped off a three-day visit to Myanmar by the Secretary-General – his third since assuming his post.
Earlier this month, Myanmar citizens headed to the polls to vote for representatives of 48 parliamentary seats, with Ms. Suu Kyi winning a position in the lower house of parliament. The by-elections were part of a series of democratic reforms led by President Thein Sein, which began last year.
The UN chief congratulated Ms. Suu Kyi on her recent election, and commended her decision yesterday to take the oath and become a parliamentarian. "I am sure that she will play a very constructive and active role as a parliamentarian for the betterment and well-being of this great country," he said.
During his visit, Mr. Ban also met with a number of senior government officials, including President Sein, who last year began a series of democratic reforms in the South-east Asian nation.
"The Myanmar people and Government have embarked on a path of reform, democratization, and fuller participatory democracy," said Mr. Ban. "They deserve our support. They deserve the support of the whole international community. The United Nations will continue to stand by the people in every step and in any way we can. This is my pledge."
While in Yangon today, the Secretary-General also launched the UN Global Compact's Myanmar network. Set up in 2000, the initiative has some 7,000 companies in 140 countries, which have pledged to align their business practices to ten universally accepted principles concerning human rights, labour, environmental sustainability and the fight against corruption.
"I hope that Myanmar's local business entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to fully utilize and interact with international business leaders to widen and deepen their business opportunities for direct foreign investment, as well as job creation," Mr. Ban said.
"Through this interaction, they can strengthen their capacity in terms of good business management and accountability and transparency and even human rights," he added. "I hope that this will be a good opportunity for them to mutually benefit for economic development."
Speaking at the launch, which brought together a number of domestic and international companies in Myanmar, the Secretary-General noted that it was a "remarkable" time for the country.
"We are here at a time of transition – a time that is ripe with potential and expectation for business and investment. Atop the list of priorities are jobs and income opportunities, especially for the many young people whose talents and creativity are waiting to be tapped," he said.
"Equally paramount is development that is widespread and sustainable," he stated, adding that, to deliver prosperity and opportunity widely, Myanmar needs strong and inclusive markets. "Business has to be the backbone of growth. However, investment and business activity must be sustainable and responsible – upholding the highest standard of business ethics."
At a press conference before departing Myanmar, the Secretary-General said he was leaving with "profound hope and expectation" in the future of the country.
"From every front – at every level, I heard a genuine commitment for democracy, political reform and reconciliation," he said. "The leaders of this country have a shared determination to write a new chapter for Myanmar. The international community has a shared responsibility to help Myanmar and her people."
At the same time, the UN chief added that process of opening up is still "uncertain and fragile," and will contain obstacles and bumps along the road. "We need to remain clear-sighted – and do all we can to keep up the momentum for lasting change," he said.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
UNICEF STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING AS RATES DECLINE IN EAST ASIA
UNICEF STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING AS RATES DECLINE IN EAST ASIA
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today voiced alarm at the decline of breastfeeding across East Asia, and stressed the need to ensure that mothers understand the long-term benefits of this importance practice for the survival and development of their children.
According to the agency, evidence shows that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life not only improves their future growth and educational achievement, but also significantly reduces national health costs and helps prevent chronic malnutrition.
The low breastfeeding rates across East Asia result from economic developments that enable more women to enter the workforce, as well as "aggressive" marketing of infant formula in the region, it added in a <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_62322.html">news release.
"The falling rates of breastfeeding across East Asia are alarming," said UNICEF's Nutrition Advisor for East Asia and the Pacific, France Begin.
As little as five per cent of all mothers breastfeed in Thailand, while around ten per cent do so in Viet Nam. In China, only 28 per cent of babies are breastfed.
"Mothers across the region face increasing demands on their time, often have to return to work early after childbirth, and may have limited opportunities to breastfeed or express their milk in the workplace," said Ms. Begin.
"At the same time, baby food companies are targeting the fast-growing economies in East Asia with aggressive marketing campaigns, persuading mothers to give up breastfeeding and purchase their products despite the drawbacks for their children," she added.
To help stem the decline in breastfeeding rates in the region, UNICEF is calling on baby food companies to adhere to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The Code does not ban the sale of formulas, only the marketing practices that entice mothers to replace their breastmilk with commercial substitutes.
"When companies adhere to the Code of Marketing it will be easier for mothers to make an informed choice," noted Ms. Begin. "No formula can substitute the importance of breastmilk for children's survival, growth and development."
UNICEF is also working closely with businesses in the region to ensure that women can enjoy the right to adequate maternity leave and nursing breaks.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
New York, May 1 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today voiced alarm at the decline of breastfeeding across East Asia, and stressed the need to ensure that mothers understand the long-term benefits of this importance practice for the survival and development of their children.
According to the agency, evidence shows that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life not only improves their future growth and educational achievement, but also significantly reduces national health costs and helps prevent chronic malnutrition.
The low breastfeeding rates across East Asia result from economic developments that enable more women to enter the workforce, as well as "aggressive" marketing of infant formula in the region, it added in a <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_62322.html">news release.
"The falling rates of breastfeeding across East Asia are alarming," said UNICEF's Nutrition Advisor for East Asia and the Pacific, France Begin.
As little as five per cent of all mothers breastfeed in Thailand, while around ten per cent do so in Viet Nam. In China, only 28 per cent of babies are breastfed.
"Mothers across the region face increasing demands on their time, often have to return to work early after childbirth, and may have limited opportunities to breastfeed or express their milk in the workplace," said Ms. Begin.
"At the same time, baby food companies are targeting the fast-growing economies in East Asia with aggressive marketing campaigns, persuading mothers to give up breastfeeding and purchase their products despite the drawbacks for their children," she added.
To help stem the decline in breastfeeding rates in the region, UNICEF is calling on baby food companies to adhere to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The Code does not ban the sale of formulas, only the marketing practices that entice mothers to replace their breastmilk with commercial substitutes.
"When companies adhere to the Code of Marketing it will be easier for mothers to make an informed choice," noted Ms. Begin. "No formula can substitute the importance of breastmilk for children's survival, growth and development."
UNICEF is also working closely with businesses in the region to ensure that women can enjoy the right to adequate maternity leave and nursing breaks.
May 1 2012 1:10PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
U.S. EPA Go Green! Monthly Consumer Newsletter
|
GO GREEN! IN THIS ISSUE: ----------------------------------------------------- ENVIRO-TIP OF THE MONTH Exercising outdoors? It's that time of year again! Check your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout or run. Knowing your local air quality can help avoid aggravating respiratory problems such as asthma. May is Asthma Awareness Month ----------------------------------------------------- WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHAT YOU CAN USE Join the conversation(s). We reorganized EPA's blogs under the "Greenversations" group to make it easier for you to find topics you're interested in. And we launched four new blogs and one discussion forum: Lead Renovation. Be sure your contractor follows EPA requirements to avoid contaminating your house with lead dust. EPA has fined contractors who violated lead-safe work practices designed to prevent or reduce hazardous lead dust from common renovation or home repair activities. Bed Bug Clearinghouse. This online resource helps states, communities, or consumers find information from many sources to help prevent or control bed bug infestations. Planning Tools for Alt Energy. EPA and the Department of Energy created online tools to help communities and landowners do their own evaluation of the renewable energy potential at sites. Planning with NEPAssist. NEPAssist is a new, online mapping tool to help federal agencies and the public view information about environmental conditions at proposed project locations. Since 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act has required all federal agencies to incorporate environmental considerations in planning and decision-making. REMINDERS: Enter the Carson Contest. Submit creative projects to the Rachel Carson Sense of "Water" Contest - renamed this year to reflect the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Deadline to enter is June 1. Act Fast: Vote in the Sunwise poster contest national winner... but do it soon because voting closes May 1, at midnight! ----------------------------------------------------- VIDEOS AND MORE Earth Day 2012: Look Beneath the Surface. At EPA, we're providing you with a tool for talking about environmental issues and sharing tips. Start a discussion or join an existing one. EPA, Youth Build, and Greenway Conservancy Build a Rain Garden in Boston. Rain gardens help prevent pollution of local waters, reduce flooding, protect water resources, and beautify neighborhoods. Change the World, Start with Energy Star. Americans around the country are coming together to help prevent climate change through energy efficiency. Join the Energy Star campaign. Prevent Pollution: Karyn Parsons PSA. The steps you can take to help prevent pollution. EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification Guide. Here is a guide how contractors can receive their Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification. More in EPA's series on how (and how not!) to use pesticide foggers safely: -Foggers Safety: Keep foggers away from ignition sources. ----------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES May Month American Wetlands Month Week 6-12 National Safe Drinking Water Week Day 1 World Asthma Day ----------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER America is shifting to a "green culture" where all 300 million citizens are embracing the fact that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. "Go Green!" is a monthly newsletter from the US EPA with information about activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference in their homes, communities, and offices. Want more news? Sign up to receive daily EPA news releases on topics that interest you.
| |||||||||||
UN AND PARTNERS ISSUE ‘UNAMBIGUOUS’ WARNING AGAINST SOMALI PEACE PROCESS SPOILERS
UN AND PARTNERS ISSUE 'UNAMBIGUOUS' WARNING AGAINST SOMALI PEACE PROCESS SPOILERS
New York, May 1 2012 11:10AM
The United Nations and its partners in Somalia today warned individual groups against jeopardizing a roadmap for ending the transition in the east African country, adding that sanctions and restrictions could be imposed on those who seek to obstruct the peace process.
"We have now entered a critical juncture of the transitional period of the peace process in Somalia," the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the African Union peacekeeping mission in the country, known by the acronym AMISOM, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said in <"http://unpos.unmissions.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=j1ec_QUqE4A%3d&tabid=9705&mid=12667&language=en-US">joint statement. "We have come too far and too much is at stake for us to allow the process to backslide at the exact moment Somalia has its best opportunity for peace in decades."
"To this end, the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD are jointly issuing this unambiguous warning to all potential spoilers," it added, noting that any groups which do not comply or actively obstruct the roadmap will be referred to the IGAD Council of Ministers, with recommendations from the three entities to impose restrictions and sanctions on them.
Somalia's Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) are in the process of implementing a roadmap – known as the Roadmap for Ending the Transition in Somalia – devised in September last year, that spells out priority measures to be carried out before the current transitional governing arrangements end in just a few months, on 20 August.
"As we move closer to key benchmarks, such as the convening of the constituent assembly, adoption of a new federal provisional constitution, selection of a new parliament, we remain greatly concerned that the roadmap continues to be jeopardized by the actions of individuals and groups in and out of Somalia working to undermine the fragile progress we have collectively made in recent months," the statement said.
Since 2007, AMISOM has been trying to bring peace to the country, which has had no functioning central government for the past 20 years, and which has been torn apart by factional fighting and has faced a series of humanitarian crises.
UNPOS, AMISOM and IGAD emphasized that their statement was "both a warning and a final opportunity for those that stand against peace and progress in Somalia to cease immediately and desist any and all actions against the roadmap process."
The statement was signed by the Special Representative of AMISOM, Boubacar G. Diarra, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga, and IGAD's facilitator for Somalia Peace and National Reconciliation, Kipruto arap Kirwa.
Until last year, most of Mogadishu was, for several years, riven by a fluid frontline dividing the two sides – fighters belonging to the Al Shabaab movement and troops belonging to the Transitional Federal Government, with the latter supported by the peacekeeping forces AMISOM. Since the Al Shabaab withdrawal from the capital's central parts in August, the frontlines were pushed back to the city's outskirts. However, the use of roadside bombs, grenades and suicide bombers is still a regular occurrence, and outbreaks of fighting still take place.
May 1 2012 11:10AM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
New York, May 1 2012 11:10AM
The United Nations and its partners in Somalia today warned individual groups against jeopardizing a roadmap for ending the transition in the east African country, adding that sanctions and restrictions could be imposed on those who seek to obstruct the peace process.
"We have now entered a critical juncture of the transitional period of the peace process in Somalia," the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the African Union peacekeeping mission in the country, known by the acronym AMISOM, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said in <"http://unpos.unmissions.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=j1ec_QUqE4A%3d&tabid=9705&mid=12667&language=en-US">joint statement. "We have come too far and too much is at stake for us to allow the process to backslide at the exact moment Somalia has its best opportunity for peace in decades."
"To this end, the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD are jointly issuing this unambiguous warning to all potential spoilers," it added, noting that any groups which do not comply or actively obstruct the roadmap will be referred to the IGAD Council of Ministers, with recommendations from the three entities to impose restrictions and sanctions on them.
Somalia's Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) are in the process of implementing a roadmap – known as the Roadmap for Ending the Transition in Somalia – devised in September last year, that spells out priority measures to be carried out before the current transitional governing arrangements end in just a few months, on 20 August.
"As we move closer to key benchmarks, such as the convening of the constituent assembly, adoption of a new federal provisional constitution, selection of a new parliament, we remain greatly concerned that the roadmap continues to be jeopardized by the actions of individuals and groups in and out of Somalia working to undermine the fragile progress we have collectively made in recent months," the statement said.
Since 2007, AMISOM has been trying to bring peace to the country, which has had no functioning central government for the past 20 years, and which has been torn apart by factional fighting and has faced a series of humanitarian crises.
UNPOS, AMISOM and IGAD emphasized that their statement was "both a warning and a final opportunity for those that stand against peace and progress in Somalia to cease immediately and desist any and all actions against the roadmap process."
The statement was signed by the Special Representative of AMISOM, Boubacar G. Diarra, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga, and IGAD's facilitator for Somalia Peace and National Reconciliation, Kipruto arap Kirwa.
Until last year, most of Mogadishu was, for several years, riven by a fluid frontline dividing the two sides – fighters belonging to the Al Shabaab movement and troops belonging to the Transitional Federal Government, with the latter supported by the peacekeeping forces AMISOM. Since the Al Shabaab withdrawal from the capital's central parts in August, the frontlines were pushed back to the city's outskirts. However, the use of roadside bombs, grenades and suicide bombers is still a regular occurrence, and outbreaks of fighting still take place.
May 1 2012 11:10AM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)
To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)