UN AGENCIES CALL FOR SWIFT INTERNATIONAL ACTION TO PREVENT REPEAT OF WORLD FOOD CRISIS
New York, Sep 4 2012 11:10AM
Coordinated international action is urgently needed to prevent rising food prices from hurting tens of millions of people over the coming months, the heads of the three United Nations food and agricultural agencies said in a joint statement today.
"The current situation in world food markets, characterized by sharp increases in maize, wheat and soybean prices, has raised fears of a repeat of the 2007-2008 world food crisis. But swift, coordinated international action can stop that from happening," the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Director-General, José Graziano da Silva, the UN World Food Programme's (WFP) Executive Director, Ertharin Cousins, and the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Kanayo F. Nwanze, said in the <"http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/155472/icode/">release.
The UN officials stressed that to prevent a food crisis it is necessary to address both immediate and long-term issues. In the short-term, they stated that there must be a coordinated response by food producers to deal with spikes in food prices, and an improvement in the transparency of global markets.
"Countries must avoid panic buying and refrain from imposing export restrictions which, while temporarily helping some consumers at home, are generally inefficient and make life difficult for everyone else," the officials stated. "Above all, however, we must understand that high food prices are a symptom, and not the disease. So while the international community must take early action to prevent excessive price increases, it should also move to act on the root causes behind such surges."
In the long-term, the trio noted that policies should focus on issues such as the increasing global population and climate change, which has led to droughts and floods in many countries, affecting food production.
In the statement, they also highlighted the role that smallholder farmers play in ensuring food security, and called on countries to support smallholder agriculture and provide citizens with social protection systems to ensure vulnerable populations have enough to eat.
"Smallholder farmers, many of whom are also poor and food insecure, can be enabled to benefit from higher food prices and become part of the solution by reducing price spikes and improving overall food security," said Mr. Graziano da Silva, Ms. Cousins and Mr. Nwanze.
They added, "We have thus adopted a twin-track approach which supports long-term investments in agriculture, notably smallholder agriculture, while ensuring that safety-nets are in place to help poor food consumers and producers avoid hunger, asset losses and poverty traps in the short run."
Nutritional support for mothers and children as well as school meals and assistance to smallholder farmers are some of the policies that the three UN officials considered essential to safeguard against recurring price shock and crises.
In addition, the officials urged countries to implement sustainable food policies in poor, food-importing countries, where there is great potential to improve production. This, they said, would make "more food available in local markets and provide jobs and income, especially in rural areas where 70 per cent of the world's poor live."
Sep 4 2012 11:10AM
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Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR POLICIES TO ADDRESS RAPID URBANIZATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR POLICIES TO ADDRESS RAPID URBANIZATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
New York, Sep 3 2012 1:10PM
A United Nations official today called for the development of national urban policies to ensure developing countries are not overwhelmed by urbanization, which he compared to a tsunami for its staggering growth which can surpass cities' capacities to manage it.
"What we are seeing now is a huge process of urbanization in the south which goes hand in hand with development. You cannot have one without the other. The problem is that the institutional architecture cannot keep pace with urbanization," said the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Joan Clos at the opening of the 6th World Urban Forum in Naples, Italy.
"If there is no proper anticipation urbanization becomes a mess and if you try to correct the problem afterwards it costs a lot to fix. Countries are overwhelmed by urbanization. It's like a tsunami. Urbanization goes faster than the capacity to manage it," Mr. Cl
os said. "We need to re-design our cities to face these challenges."
Mr. Clos stressed the importance of urban planning at national, state, and local levels to avoid informal settlements and slums, as well as high concentrations of people in mega capitals.
He stated that planning policies would help countries provide their citizens with jobs and prosperity while still tackling environmental challenges.
The World Urban Forum was established by the United Nations to examine one of the most pressing problems facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.
Organized jointly by UN-Habitat, the Government of Italy, the Campania Region and the city of Naples, the theme for this year's meeting, which will be attended by more than 3,000 participants, is The Urban Future.
Sep 3 2012 1:10PM
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New York, Sep 3 2012 1:10PM
A United Nations official today called for the development of national urban policies to ensure developing countries are not overwhelmed by urbanization, which he compared to a tsunami for its staggering growth which can surpass cities' capacities to manage it.
"What we are seeing now is a huge process of urbanization in the south which goes hand in hand with development. You cannot have one without the other. The problem is that the institutional architecture cannot keep pace with urbanization," said the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Joan Clos at the opening of the 6th World Urban Forum in Naples, Italy.
"If there is no proper anticipation urbanization becomes a mess and if you try to correct the problem afterwards it costs a lot to fix. Countries are overwhelmed by urbanization. It's like a tsunami. Urbanization goes faster than the capacity to manage it," Mr. Cl
os said. "We need to re-design our cities to face these challenges."
Mr. Clos stressed the importance of urban planning at national, state, and local levels to avoid informal settlements and slums, as well as high concentrations of people in mega capitals.
He stated that planning policies would help countries provide their citizens with jobs and prosperity while still tackling environmental challenges.
The World Urban Forum was established by the United Nations to examine one of the most pressing problems facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.
Organized jointly by UN-Habitat, the Government of Italy, the Campania Region and the city of Naples, the theme for this year's meeting, which will be attended by more than 3,000 participants, is The Urban Future.
Sep 3 2012 1:10PM
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UN EXPERT URGES COUNTRIES TO GIVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE TO PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY
UN EXPERT URGES COUNTRIES TO GIVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE TO PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY
New York, Sep 3 2012 11:10AM
A United Nations independent expert today urged Member States to commit themselves to improve access to justice for the poor, adding that it is a crucial human right that is key to combat poverty.
"The rule of law is meaningless for people living in poverty without effective access to justice, which is a human right in itself, and essential for tackling poverty," said the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, Magdalena Sepúlveda.
"Concrete actions must be taken to ensure that all individuals are empowered to claim their rights, demand effective remedies and accountability," Ms. Sepúlveda said. "Without this, we are left with a two-tier rule of law: a reality for the privileged, but only rhetorical for the poor and excluded."
In a proposal to Member States, whose representatives will meet at a high-level meeting on the rule of law on 24 September, Ms. Sepúlveda called on c
ountries to "ensure that poverty is never a barrier to enjoying the benefits of the rule of law" and to make concrete pledges to improve access to justice by the poorest and most marginalized in their societies.
The high-level meeting, she said, would provide a platform "to turn our vision for more inclusive and equitable societies into reality." Ms. Sepúlveda also welcomed the inclusion of a specific section on access to justice in the outcome document currently being negotiated by States before the meeting, and made recommendations to strengthen its content before the document is adopted by the General Assembly.
Ms. Sepúlveda will present her report examining the obstacles to access justice faced by persons living in poverty to the General Assembly next month.
Independent experts, or special rapporteurs like Ms. Sepúlveda, are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. They work in an
independent and unpaid capacity.
Sep 3 2012 11:10AM
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New York, Sep 3 2012 11:10AM
A United Nations independent expert today urged Member States to commit themselves to improve access to justice for the poor, adding that it is a crucial human right that is key to combat poverty.
"The rule of law is meaningless for people living in poverty without effective access to justice, which is a human right in itself, and essential for tackling poverty," said the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, Magdalena Sepúlveda.
"Concrete actions must be taken to ensure that all individuals are empowered to claim their rights, demand effective remedies and accountability," Ms. Sepúlveda said. "Without this, we are left with a two-tier rule of law: a reality for the privileged, but only rhetorical for the poor and excluded."
In a proposal to Member States, whose representatives will meet at a high-level meeting on the rule of law on 24 September, Ms. Sepúlveda called on c
ountries to "ensure that poverty is never a barrier to enjoying the benefits of the rule of law" and to make concrete pledges to improve access to justice by the poorest and most marginalized in their societies.
The high-level meeting, she said, would provide a platform "to turn our vision for more inclusive and equitable societies into reality." Ms. Sepúlveda also welcomed the inclusion of a specific section on access to justice in the outcome document currently being negotiated by States before the meeting, and made recommendations to strengthen its content before the document is adopted by the General Assembly.
Ms. Sepúlveda will present her report examining the obstacles to access justice faced by persons living in poverty to the General Assembly next month.
Independent experts, or special rapporteurs like Ms. Sepúlveda, are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. They work in an
independent and unpaid capacity.
Sep 3 2012 11:10AM
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AS VIOLENCE SPREADS, FEWER PLACES FOR SYRIANS TO FIND REFUGE, UN AGENCY WARNS
AS VIOLENCE SPREADS, FEWER PLACES FOR SYRIANS TO FIND REFUGE, UN AGENCY WARNS
New York, Sep 3 2012 10:10AM
The worsening conditions and deepening violence in Syria is making it increasingly difficult for displaced civilians to find refuge, the United Nations humanitarian agency said today, warning that insecurity is hampering efforts to provide the population with access to basic services such as food and water and sanitation.
"Civilians -- ordinary men, women and children -- are bearing the brunt of the violence," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "People have been killed in their homes or on the streets as they seek food and other essentials or try to evacuate the wounded. Countless homes, clinics, hospitals and other essential infrastructure have been destroyed. Blockades and curfews imposed on cities such as Homs, Hama, Dera'a and Idlib have prevented people from obtaining water, food and medical supplies."
More than 18,000 people, mostly
civilians, have died since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began nearly 18 months ago. There have been reports of an escalation in violence in recent weeks in many towns and villages, as well as the country's two biggest cities, Damascus and Aleppo.
According to OCHA, over 2.5 million people are in need of urgent assistance and protection. However, reaching those in need has become increasingly difficult with mounting insecurity in many parts of the country.
"UN agencies and humanitarian partners report an increase in the number of military checkpoints, roadblocks and road closures, affecting their ability to reach those in need of assistance," says the agency's latest humanitarian bulletin, calling for increased access to affected areas to provide assistance to vulnerable populations.
In spite of these obstacles, some 310,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have received essential items across the country and the World Food Programme (WFP) has dispatched food ra
tions to more than 530,000 people over the last three weeks, with the food agency stating that it will target 1.5 million people this month.
OCHA also warned that pressure is mounting for refugee communities inside Syria, which hosts about half a million Palestinians and one million Iraqis. The UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), estimates that 225,000 Palestine refugees in
Syria are now directly affected by the conflict, and - while many have sought refuge in UNRWA schools - more than 4,000 have fled to Lebanon and Jordan. In addition, some 30,000 Iraqis have returned to Iraq since mid-July.
"Thousands of refugees have contacted refugee outreach volunteers and called
UNHCR hotlines for help and advice," OCHA said, adding that the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had also reported an increase in the number of cases of threats and harassment against refugees.
Sep 3 2012 10:10AM
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New York, Sep 3 2012 10:10AM
The worsening conditions and deepening violence in Syria is making it increasingly difficult for displaced civilians to find refuge, the United Nations humanitarian agency said today, warning that insecurity is hampering efforts to provide the population with access to basic services such as food and water and sanitation.
"Civilians -- ordinary men, women and children -- are bearing the brunt of the violence," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "People have been killed in their homes or on the streets as they seek food and other essentials or try to evacuate the wounded. Countless homes, clinics, hospitals and other essential infrastructure have been destroyed. Blockades and curfews imposed on cities such as Homs, Hama, Dera'a and Idlib have prevented people from obtaining water, food and medical supplies."
More than 18,000 people, mostly
civilians, have died since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began nearly 18 months ago. There have been reports of an escalation in violence in recent weeks in many towns and villages, as well as the country's two biggest cities, Damascus and Aleppo.
According to OCHA, over 2.5 million people are in need of urgent assistance and protection. However, reaching those in need has become increasingly difficult with mounting insecurity in many parts of the country.
"UN agencies and humanitarian partners report an increase in the number of military checkpoints, roadblocks and road closures, affecting their ability to reach those in need of assistance," says the agency's latest humanitarian bulletin, calling for increased access to affected areas to provide assistance to vulnerable populations.
In spite of these obstacles, some 310,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have received essential items across the country and the World Food Programme (WFP) has dispatched food ra
tions to more than 530,000 people over the last three weeks, with the food agency stating that it will target 1.5 million people this month.
OCHA also warned that pressure is mounting for refugee communities inside Syria, which hosts about half a million Palestinians and one million Iraqis. The UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), estimates that 225,000 Palestine refugees in
Syria are now directly affected by the conflict, and - while many have sought refuge in UNRWA schools - more than 4,000 have fled to Lebanon and Jordan. In addition, some 30,000 Iraqis have returned to Iraq since mid-July.
"Thousands of refugees have contacted refugee outreach volunteers and called
UNHCR hotlines for help and advice," OCHA said, adding that the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had also reported an increase in the number of cases of threats and harassment against refugees.
Sep 3 2012 10:10AM
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Saturday, September 1, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
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LATEST VIOLENCE IN SOUTH SUDAN'S JONGLEI STATE THREATENS RECENT GAINS, UN WARNS
New York, Aug 31 2012 5:10PM
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today said it is increasingly concerned by recent violence in Jonglei state that threatens the important gains made this year in restoring peace and security.
"UNMISS is particularly concerned by the apparent emergence in Jonglei of an armed insurgency group linked to the militia leader David Yau Yau, which is believed to be acting in concert with groups of armed youths who have evaded the civilian disarmament operation in the state," the Mission said in a press statement.
"It is essential to preserve the gains achieved over recent months in the improved security situation in Jonglei and ensure the civilian disarmament process goes forward as a key element of this effort," it added.
Since the killing of 24 members of the South Sudanese armed forces on 23 August in an attack near the town of Likuangole by assailants said to be loyal to David Yau Yau and allegedly supported by armed youth, further attacks have occurred and civilians displaced from Likuangole town.
The two most recent reported attacks took place 27 and 30 August in Likuangole when unknown attackers twice fired at the South Sudanese Army (SPLA), with the army responding and repelling the assailants. No casualties were reported.
"UNMISS has reinforced its peacekeeping strength in Likuangole and will work with the civilian authorities and the SPLA to help reduce tensions and protect civilians," said the Mission.
UNMISS is working with partners to contribute to the return of all civilians, who last week fled Likuangole to neighbouring villages. It urges the South Sudanese authorities to take all necessary measures to enable the displaced population to safely return to their homes.
Also today, the Security Council welcomed the progress made by the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan in negotiations under African Union auspices to fulfil their obligations under the Roadmap aimed at easing tensions, facilitating the resumption of negotiations on post-secession relations and normalizing the relations between the two countries.
"The Security Council welcomes [the] significant reduction in violence and tension between the two countries," the 15-member body said a presidential statement.
It also welcomed the agreement reached by the two countries on oil and related financial arrangements that should help alleviate the "sharply deteriorating economic conditions" affecting them.
"The Council encourages the parties to swiftly finalize the details and the signing of the agreement and move forward with transparent implementation of the agreement, in order for production and transportation to resume as soon as possible."
South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July last year, six years after the signing of the peace agreement that ended decades of warfare between the north and the south. However, the peace between the two countries has been threatened in recent months by armed clashes along their common border and outstanding post-independence issues that have yet to be resolved.
The Council also noted with interest the agreement reached by the parties to establish a panel of experts to provide an authoritative, non-binding opinion on the status of the border, and hoped that this process will facilitate a speedy outcome in accordance with the Roadmap.
Aug 31 2012 5:10PM
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New York, Aug 31 2012 5:10PM
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today said it is increasingly concerned by recent violence in Jonglei state that threatens the important gains made this year in restoring peace and security.
"UNMISS is particularly concerned by the apparent emergence in Jonglei of an armed insurgency group linked to the militia leader David Yau Yau, which is believed to be acting in concert with groups of armed youths who have evaded the civilian disarmament operation in the state," the Mission said in a press statement.
"It is essential to preserve the gains achieved over recent months in the improved security situation in Jonglei and ensure the civilian disarmament process goes forward as a key element of this effort," it added.
Since the killing of 24 members of the South Sudanese armed forces on 23 August in an attack near the town of Likuangole by assailants said to be loyal to David Yau Yau and allegedly supported by armed youth, further attacks have occurred and civilians displaced from Likuangole town.
The two most recent reported attacks took place 27 and 30 August in Likuangole when unknown attackers twice fired at the South Sudanese Army (SPLA), with the army responding and repelling the assailants. No casualties were reported.
"UNMISS has reinforced its peacekeeping strength in Likuangole and will work with the civilian authorities and the SPLA to help reduce tensions and protect civilians," said the Mission.
UNMISS is working with partners to contribute to the return of all civilians, who last week fled Likuangole to neighbouring villages. It urges the South Sudanese authorities to take all necessary measures to enable the displaced population to safely return to their homes.
Also today, the Security Council welcomed the progress made by the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan in negotiations under African Union auspices to fulfil their obligations under the Roadmap aimed at easing tensions, facilitating the resumption of negotiations on post-secession relations and normalizing the relations between the two countries.
"The Security Council welcomes [the] significant reduction in violence and tension between the two countries," the 15-member body said a presidential statement.
It also welcomed the agreement reached by the two countries on oil and related financial arrangements that should help alleviate the "sharply deteriorating economic conditions" affecting them.
"The Council encourages the parties to swiftly finalize the details and the signing of the agreement and move forward with transparent implementation of the agreement, in order for production and transportation to resume as soon as possible."
South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July last year, six years after the signing of the peace agreement that ended decades of warfare between the north and the south. However, the peace between the two countries has been threatened in recent months by armed clashes along their common border and outstanding post-independence issues that have yet to be resolved.
The Council also noted with interest the agreement reached by the parties to establish a panel of experts to provide an authoritative, non-binding opinion on the status of the border, and hoped that this process will facilitate a speedy outcome in accordance with the Roadmap.
Aug 31 2012 5:10PM
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