UN MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN CONDEMNS DEADLY ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS IN KABUL
New York, May 2 2012 10:10AM
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today strongly condemned a car bomb and suicide attack in the country's capital, Kabul, which killed eight civilians and injured 11 others.
"Such indiscriminate and illegal attacks are unacceptable and that those responsible are fully accountable for the deaths and injuries of civilians," UNAMA said in a <"http://unama.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1741&ctl=Details&mid=1882&ItemID=16864">press statement.
The attacks reportedly targeted the international community and took place less than 200 metres from a school where children were studying or on their way to school, and where teachers were working. Women and children were amongst the dead.
UNAMA commended the rapid response of the Afghan National Security Forces, which quickly contained the incident. It also offered its condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Last month, the UN spoke out against a series of attack which also targeted international organizations in the country, as well as foreign diplomatic missions in the capital.
In March, the Security Council extended UNAMA's mission for one year so it can continue supporting the country as it goes through the process of assuming full responsibility for its security, governance and development efforts.
May 2 2012 10:10AM
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
LIBYA: UN MISSION VOICES CONCERN OVER DETAINEE DEATHS RESULTING FROM TORTURE
LIBYA: UN MISSION VOICES CONCERN OVER DETAINEE DEATHS RESULTING FROM TORTURE
New York, May 1 2012 8:10PM
The United Nations mission for Libya has expressed its concern to the country's authorities over the recent deaths of three people in a detention centre in the north-western city of Misrata, saying it believes that the deaths were the result of torture.
The detainees died on 13 April in the Zaroug detention centre, which is controlled by a committee under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement, in which it added that it had raised the concerns at the highest levels of the North African country's authorities.
UNSMIL said it has also taken note of the cases of at least seven other people who were tortured in the same detention facility. There have also been allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees held by armed brigades in other detention centres, particularly in the capital, Tripoli, and in the towns of Zawiya, Zintan and Misrata.
The mission also voiced concern over the reported existence of some secret detention facilities run by the "brigades" and where detainees are at risk of torture.
It urged the Libyan Government to take immediate and concrete measures to address the situation, including conducting thorough investigations and bringing those responsible to justice. An effective internal inspection mechanism covering all places where people are deprived of their liberty should be established, the mission added.
UNSMIL welcomed a statement by the Supreme Security Committee of Misrata condemning the abuses and voicing support for investigations that will be followed by appropriate legal action, and it recognized the difficulties the Libyan Government faces in transferring responsibility for detainees to the proper State authorities.
"UNSMIL acknowledges that progress, albeit slow, has been made in this regard," it said in the statement. "Nevertheless, with a view to the absolute prohibition of torture under international law, UNSMIL calls upon the Government to make addressing these allegations and practices a top priority in pursuit of a new culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law in post-revolution Libya."
Briefing the Security Council in January, the head of UNSMIL, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ian Martin, said security remains a major concern in Libya. Clashes in different parts of the country highlighted the risks associated with the abundance of weapons and the diverse armed "brigades" operating with unclear lines of command and control.
May 1 2012 8:10PM
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New York, May 1 2012 8:10PM
The United Nations mission for Libya has expressed its concern to the country's authorities over the recent deaths of three people in a detention centre in the north-western city of Misrata, saying it believes that the deaths were the result of torture.
The detainees died on 13 April in the Zaroug detention centre, which is controlled by a committee under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement, in which it added that it had raised the concerns at the highest levels of the North African country's authorities.
UNSMIL said it has also taken note of the cases of at least seven other people who were tortured in the same detention facility. There have also been allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees held by armed brigades in other detention centres, particularly in the capital, Tripoli, and in the towns of Zawiya, Zintan and Misrata.
The mission also voiced concern over the reported existence of some secret detention facilities run by the "brigades" and where detainees are at risk of torture.
It urged the Libyan Government to take immediate and concrete measures to address the situation, including conducting thorough investigations and bringing those responsible to justice. An effective internal inspection mechanism covering all places where people are deprived of their liberty should be established, the mission added.
UNSMIL welcomed a statement by the Supreme Security Committee of Misrata condemning the abuses and voicing support for investigations that will be followed by appropriate legal action, and it recognized the difficulties the Libyan Government faces in transferring responsibility for detainees to the proper State authorities.
"UNSMIL acknowledges that progress, albeit slow, has been made in this regard," it said in the statement. "Nevertheless, with a view to the absolute prohibition of torture under international law, UNSMIL calls upon the Government to make addressing these allegations and practices a top priority in pursuit of a new culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law in post-revolution Libya."
Briefing the Security Council in January, the head of UNSMIL, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ian Martin, said security remains a major concern in Libya. Clashes in different parts of the country highlighted the risks associated with the abundance of weapons and the diverse armed "brigades" operating with unclear lines of command and control.
May 1 2012 8:10PM
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NEW REPORT STRESSES BENEFITS OF REDUCING UN PEACEKEEPING’S ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
NEW REPORT STRESSES BENEFITS OF REDUCING UN PEACEKEEPING'S ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
New York, May 1 2012 7:10PM
Reducing the environmental impact of United Nations peacekeeping operations can lead to increased financial savings for the missions as well as improved safety and security for local communities and UN personnel, <"http://www.unep.org/newscentre/Default.aspx?DocumentID=2678&ArticleID=9121&l=en">says a new report by the world body.
"<"http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/UNEP_greening_blue_helmets.pdf">Greening the Blue Helmets: Environment, Natural Resources and UN Peacekeeping Operations," released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), presents the findings of a two-year analysis of how peacekeeping missions around the world affect, and are affected by, natural resources and the broader environment.
The 16 missions currently led by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), and supported by the Department of Field Support (DFS), constitute the largest environmental footprint in the UN system.
In December 2011, DPKO had 121,591 personnel deployed across those 16 operations. "These personnel and their supporting infrastructure contribute to the recovery and security of countries emerging from conflict, but also place considerable demands on the local environment, including natural resources," states the report.
In fact, a 2008 inventory conducted by the UN Environment Management Group calculated that peacekeeping operations alone represent over 56 per cent of the UN system's total climate footprint of approximately 1.75 million tons of CO<sub>2</sub> equivalent per year – about the same size as the climate footprint of the city of London.
"Greening the Blue is not just our motto, it is also our commitment to ensuring that peacekeepers have a lasting and positive impact in countries where they are deployed," said the head of DPKO, Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous.
To avoid and minimize the environmental impacts of peacekeeping missions, DPKO and DFS adopted an Environmental Policy for UN Field Missions in June 2009. It provides a series of minimum operating standards and requires each mission to adopt environmental objectives and control measures through all phases of the mission.
The policy focuses on a range of issues, including water, energy, solid and hazardous wastes, wastewater, wildlife and the management of cultural and historical sites. The policy's objective is to decrease the overall consumption of natural resources and the production of waste, protect local environmental and public health and establish UN peacekeeping as a role model for sustainable practices.
The report identifies the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as having made the most progress in introducing environmental practices, with initiatives ranging from the use of electric cars at its headquarters in Naqoura, to energy efficient power generation and the establishment of a community-led recycling plant for plastic bottles, cans and glass.
"The case of UNIFIL illustrates what all our peacekeeping missions are now trying to achieve," said the acting chief of DFS, Anthony Banbury.
The report also discusses natural resources as drivers of conflict, and recommends that where diamonds, gold, oil and other resources are factors in a conflict, peacekeeping missions should be given a more systematic mandate to support national authorities in restoring the administration of natural resources, monitoring sanctions and prosecuting violations.
UNEP's Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said that addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries.
"There has been little progress in systematically considering and documenting how natural resources can support, advance or undermine the aims of a peacekeeping mission so this report is the first attempt to understand the links and identify good practices and gaps," he said.
The report is based on desk research, field visits and consultations with DFS and DPKO, including ten peacekeeping missions.
May 1 2012 7:10PM
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New York, May 1 2012 7:10PM
Reducing the environmental impact of United Nations peacekeeping operations can lead to increased financial savings for the missions as well as improved safety and security for local communities and UN personnel, <"http://www.unep.org/newscentre/Default.aspx?DocumentID=2678&ArticleID=9121&l=en">says a new report by the world body.
"<"http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/UNEP_greening_blue_helmets.pdf">Greening the Blue Helmets: Environment, Natural Resources and UN Peacekeeping Operations," released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), presents the findings of a two-year analysis of how peacekeeping missions around the world affect, and are affected by, natural resources and the broader environment.
The 16 missions currently led by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), and supported by the Department of Field Support (DFS), constitute the largest environmental footprint in the UN system.
In December 2011, DPKO had 121,591 personnel deployed across those 16 operations. "These personnel and their supporting infrastructure contribute to the recovery and security of countries emerging from conflict, but also place considerable demands on the local environment, including natural resources," states the report.
In fact, a 2008 inventory conducted by the UN Environment Management Group calculated that peacekeeping operations alone represent over 56 per cent of the UN system's total climate footprint of approximately 1.75 million tons of CO<sub>2</sub> equivalent per year – about the same size as the climate footprint of the city of London.
"Greening the Blue is not just our motto, it is also our commitment to ensuring that peacekeepers have a lasting and positive impact in countries where they are deployed," said the head of DPKO, Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous.
To avoid and minimize the environmental impacts of peacekeeping missions, DPKO and DFS adopted an Environmental Policy for UN Field Missions in June 2009. It provides a series of minimum operating standards and requires each mission to adopt environmental objectives and control measures through all phases of the mission.
The policy focuses on a range of issues, including water, energy, solid and hazardous wastes, wastewater, wildlife and the management of cultural and historical sites. The policy's objective is to decrease the overall consumption of natural resources and the production of waste, protect local environmental and public health and establish UN peacekeeping as a role model for sustainable practices.
The report identifies the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as having made the most progress in introducing environmental practices, with initiatives ranging from the use of electric cars at its headquarters in Naqoura, to energy efficient power generation and the establishment of a community-led recycling plant for plastic bottles, cans and glass.
"The case of UNIFIL illustrates what all our peacekeeping missions are now trying to achieve," said the acting chief of DFS, Anthony Banbury.
The report also discusses natural resources as drivers of conflict, and recommends that where diamonds, gold, oil and other resources are factors in a conflict, peacekeeping missions should be given a more systematic mandate to support national authorities in restoring the administration of natural resources, monitoring sanctions and prosecuting violations.
UNEP's Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said that addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries.
"There has been little progress in systematically considering and documenting how natural resources can support, advance or undermine the aims of a peacekeeping mission so this report is the first attempt to understand the links and identify good practices and gaps," he said.
The report is based on desk research, field visits and consultations with DFS and DPKO, including ten peacekeeping missions.
May 1 2012 7:10PM
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UN PEACEKEEPING CHIEF CALLS ON PARTIES IN SYRIA TO ENSURE CESSATION OF VIOLENCE
UN PEACEKEEPING CHIEF CALLS ON PARTIES IN SYRIA TO ENSURE CESSATION OF VIOLENCE
New York, May 1 2012 7:10PM
The head of United Nations peacekeeping operations today called on all parties in Syria to ensure the cessation of violence is observed, stressing that recent reports from observers on the ground show that much more needs to be done to maintain a ceasefire in the country.
"It is clearly for the parties to demonstrate the desire to cease all forms of armed violence," said Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous at a press briefing in New York. "More bombs, more weapons, more violence could only increase the tension and add to an already very considerable toll of human lives."
A truce was agreed on 12 April between the Syrian Government and opposition parties. A 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.
UNSMIS has two mandated tasks: to monitor the cessation of armed of armed violence in all its forms and to monitor and support the implementation of the six-point proposal of the Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan.
Mr. Ladsous told reporters that Major-General Robert Mood, who was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week to head UNSMIS, had arrived in Damascus on Sunday and expressed his aim of reaching out to Syrians and to ensure that all forms of violence stop immediately.
"The mission is still in its early days and we are making every effort to get the observers on the ground and operational as quickly as possible," Mr. Ladsous said, adding that even though the number of observers is small at the moment, they are already having a visible impact on the five locations they are staying in: Damascus, Homs, Hama, Dara'a and Idlib.
"Their presence has the potential to change the political dynamic," he added. "They help build calm, and calm helps the political process that Mr. Annan is leading and that process in turn, we hope, will bring lasting peace to a democratic Syria."
The peacekeeping chief also said he expected the number of UNSMIS observers to increase rapidly over the next few weeks so that the mission can build up to full operational strength by the end of May.
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 7:10PM
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New York, May 1 2012 7:10PM
The head of United Nations peacekeeping operations today called on all parties in Syria to ensure the cessation of violence is observed, stressing that recent reports from observers on the ground show that much more needs to be done to maintain a ceasefire in the country.
"It is clearly for the parties to demonstrate the desire to cease all forms of armed violence," said Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous at a press briefing in New York. "More bombs, more weapons, more violence could only increase the tension and add to an already very considerable toll of human lives."
A truce was agreed on 12 April between the Syrian Government and opposition parties. A 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.
UNSMIS has two mandated tasks: to monitor the cessation of armed of armed violence in all its forms and to monitor and support the implementation of the six-point proposal of the Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan.
Mr. Ladsous told reporters that Major-General Robert Mood, who was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week to head UNSMIS, had arrived in Damascus on Sunday and expressed his aim of reaching out to Syrians and to ensure that all forms of violence stop immediately.
"The mission is still in its early days and we are making every effort to get the observers on the ground and operational as quickly as possible," Mr. Ladsous said, adding that even though the number of observers is small at the moment, they are already having a visible impact on the five locations they are staying in: Damascus, Homs, Hama, Dara'a and Idlib.
"Their presence has the potential to change the political dynamic," he added. "They help build calm, and calm helps the political process that Mr. Annan is leading and that process in turn, we hope, will bring lasting peace to a democratic Syria."
The peacekeeping chief also said he expected the number of UNSMIS observers to increase rapidly over the next few weeks so that the mission can build up to full operational strength by the end of May.
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 7:10PM
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UN OFFICIAL CONCERNED OVER PLIGHT OF SOUTH SUDANESE STRANDED AT SUDANESE RIVER PORT
UN OFFICIAL CONCERNED OVER PLIGHT OF SOUTH SUDANESE STRANDED AT SUDANESE RIVER PORT
New York, May 1 2012 6:10PM
The top United Nations humanitarian official in Sudan today voiced concern over the plight of thousands of citizens of neighbouring South Sudan who are stranded at the Kosti river port on the While Nile, where they have been waiting for barges to take them back to their country.
Between 12,000 and 15,000 South Sudanese are stranded at the Kosti barge embarkation station in Sudan's White Nile state, and many of them been waiting for months for transportation back to South Sudan, according to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Ali Al-Za'tari.
"Kosti, a major town on the White Nile, is a significant transit point for South Sudanese returning to South Sudan," said Mr Al-Za'tari. "As those awaiting repatriation from Kosti to South Sudan are in a vulnerable position and lack many basic services including adequate shelter, vital and quick collaboration is needed from Sudan and South Sudan to alleviate the hardship of those stranded."
According to press reports, the official Sudanese new agency, SUNA, reported at the weekend that authorities had ordered the South Sudanese nationals stranded at Kosti to leave their camps within a week.
Mr. Al-Za'tari noted that those stranded require Sudan and South Sudan to cooperate to facilitate their river transport, and are also in need of international assistance with basic services such as food, water and health care.
The humanitarian official acknowledged that major efforts have been made over the past year by the Sudanese Government and national and international humanitarian organizations to facilitate the movement of South Sudanese citizens who chose to return to their country, which became independent from Sudan in July last year.
Mr. Al-Za'tari urged the Sudanese Government to continue to work closely with the UN and its humanitarian partners to ensure that the movement of people from Sudan to South Sudan is safe and quick.
Outstanding post-independence disputes between Sudan and South Sudan have escalated into armed confrontation along the border areas in recent months amid exchanges of hostile rhetoric.
South Sudanese troops had invaded Sudan's oil-producing region of Heglig in South Kordofan state before departing recently, and Sudanese forces have been carrying out bombing aerial raids inside South Sudan. Various UN officials, including the Secretary-General and the head of the UN peacekeeping operation in South Sudan, as well as the Security Council, have called for a return to negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues.
May 1 2012 6:10PM
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New York, May 1 2012 6:10PM
The top United Nations humanitarian official in Sudan today voiced concern over the plight of thousands of citizens of neighbouring South Sudan who are stranded at the Kosti river port on the While Nile, where they have been waiting for barges to take them back to their country.
Between 12,000 and 15,000 South Sudanese are stranded at the Kosti barge embarkation station in Sudan's White Nile state, and many of them been waiting for months for transportation back to South Sudan, according to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Ali Al-Za'tari.
"Kosti, a major town on the White Nile, is a significant transit point for South Sudanese returning to South Sudan," said Mr Al-Za'tari. "As those awaiting repatriation from Kosti to South Sudan are in a vulnerable position and lack many basic services including adequate shelter, vital and quick collaboration is needed from Sudan and South Sudan to alleviate the hardship of those stranded."
According to press reports, the official Sudanese new agency, SUNA, reported at the weekend that authorities had ordered the South Sudanese nationals stranded at Kosti to leave their camps within a week.
Mr. Al-Za'tari noted that those stranded require Sudan and South Sudan to cooperate to facilitate their river transport, and are also in need of international assistance with basic services such as food, water and health care.
The humanitarian official acknowledged that major efforts have been made over the past year by the Sudanese Government and national and international humanitarian organizations to facilitate the movement of South Sudanese citizens who chose to return to their country, which became independent from Sudan in July last year.
Mr. Al-Za'tari urged the Sudanese Government to continue to work closely with the UN and its humanitarian partners to ensure that the movement of people from Sudan to South Sudan is safe and quick.
Outstanding post-independence disputes between Sudan and South Sudan have escalated into armed confrontation along the border areas in recent months amid exchanges of hostile rhetoric.
South Sudanese troops had invaded Sudan's oil-producing region of Heglig in South Kordofan state before departing recently, and Sudanese forces have been carrying out bombing aerial raids inside South Sudan. Various UN officials, including the Secretary-General and the head of the UN peacekeeping operation in South Sudan, as well as the Security Council, have called for a return to negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues.
May 1 2012 6:10PM
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=?Windows-1252?Q?NOTING=20=91DISTURBING=20TREND=92=20IN=20MEXICO, =20UN=20RIGHTS=20OFFICE=20CONDEMNS=20MURDER=20OF=20JOURNALIST?=
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
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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
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