UN FORUM SPOTLIGHTS SITUATION OF CHILDREN IN 11 COUNTRIES

UN FORUM SPOTLIGHTS SITUATION OF CHILDREN IN 11 COUNTRIES
New York, Jun 8 2007 7:00PM
A United Nations expert body today urged 11 countries to take steps to improve the situation of children and young people, noting continued discrimination and violation of their rights.

The Geneva-based Committee of the Rights of the Child monitors the implementation by States of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – the most widely ratified international human rights instrument, with 193 States parties.

Composed of 18 independent human rights experts, the Committee also monitors implementation of two optional protocols to the Convention: one on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and the other on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.
During its just-concluded three-week session, the Committee examined the situation of children in Slovakia, Maldives, Uruguay, Kazakhstan, the Sudan, Guatemala, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Monaco, Norway and Sweden, based on national reports submitted to it.

In a set of conclusions issued today, experts expressed concern over several issues, including continued abductions of children for forced recruitment, forced labour and sexual exploitation in several countries, and especially in Darfur and South Sudan.

Among the other issues of concern to the Committee were high levels of violence against children, discrimination against children born out of wedlock and the plight of refugee children.

The Committee, which holds three sessions per year, will meet again in September to examine the situation of children in Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Qatar and Syria.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UN ENVOY LAYS OUT ROAD MAP TOWARDS PEACE IN DARFUR

UN ENVOY LAYS OUT ROAD MAP TOWARDS PEACE IN DARFUR
New York, Jun 8 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations Special Envoy to Darfur today laid out "a road map towards peace" in the war-ravaged region of the Sudan, calling on all parties to cease hostilities and prepare for forthcoming negotiations.

There are three stages of the road map for the coming months, Jan Eliasson told reporters after briefing the Security Council.

Firstly, "there have been tendencies in the past of initiatives being conducted in parallel rather than in a converging pattern" so such efforts must be united, he said.

The second phase entails pre-negotiation, which will involve "shuttle diplomacy" to both the Government in the capital Khartoum and to non-signatories to last year's Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).

Lastly, he said that he hoped invitations to peace negotiations will be issued "during the course of the summer."

Mr. Eliasson appealed to all sides to put an end to the fighting – including the cessation of bombings to create an atmosphere favourable to negotiations.

He also urged the parties to ready themselves for discussions. On the Government side, he noted that authorities have already begun conferring on such issues as compensation and wealth-sharing. Other topics which are more sensitive but need to be considered are power-sharing and security, which deals with the disarming of the Janjaweed militia.

Regarding the non-signatories, he observed that "they are fragmenting further," with their number growing to 12. "That is of course a great difficulty, not only politically but also physically and logistically," Mr. Eliasson said, underscoring the need for the non-signatories to coordinate their positions.

"I was met with great understanding by the Security Council today," he said to the press. He also thanked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for making Darfur a top priority. As a result, "we are now given the resources to beef up and strengthen our staff both in Khartoum and elsewhere to prepare for the negotiations."

He highlighted the importance of the political aspect of bringing peace to Darfur, noting "peacekeeping can never be effective if there is no peace to keep."

Mr. Eliasson welcomed recent regional initiatives to further the peace process, namely the efforts made by Eritrea, Chad and Libya, which will be converged with the UN-African Union (AU) effort.

When asked about the likelihood of all 12 non-signatories attending the planned negotiations, he responded that the parties are aware of the realities on the ground.

"There is a growing frustration, a growing weariness and tiredness for the situation," he said. "The tribal leaders, the leaders in the camps are very, very vocal and make very strongly the point that this conflict must come to an end."

Mr. Eliasson voiced hope in the role the AU and UN can play in serving as "a catalyst for bringing everyone on-board."

Yesterday, at the Security Council, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) called for the arrest of the two suspects – a militia leader and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs – wanted to stand trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

The UN and AU are expected to meet with Sudanese authorities in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on 11 and 12 June regarding the planned hybrid force, and the Security Council will hear a briefing on the meeting's outcome prior to its departure for Africa on 14 June.

Last November, the Government, the UN and the AU agreed to the creation of a hybrid force in Darfur as the third phase of a three-step process to replace the existing but under-resourced AU Mission in the Sudan (AMIS), which has been unable to end the fighting.

More than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million others displaced from their homes since clashes erupted in 2003 between Government forces, allied Janjaweed militias and rebel groups.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF TREATIES PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN WAR

BAN KI-MOON MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF TREATIES PROTECTING CIVILIANS IN WAR
New York, Jun 8 2007 6:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commemorated the 30th anniversary of two additional protocols to the landmark Geneva Conventions, calling on all States currently not party to the instruments to accede to them.

"The 1977 Additional Protocols supplement the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and provide very important legal protections for civilians and others in both international and internal armed conflicts," his spokesperson said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11033.doc.htm">statement.

Additional Protocol I balances both military and humanitarian needs by bringing two previously separate areas of law: the law regarding the conduct of hostilities and the law protecting civilians and those who are actively participating in hostilities.

It prohibits the use of weapons which can cause excessive injury or unnecessary suffering, and reminds parties that the methods and means of warfare are not unlimited.

Additional Protocol II is the first of its kind to deal with civil wars, and it prohibits attacks on civilians and materials necessary for their survival.

To date, 167 States are party to Additional Protocol I and 163 are party to Additional Protocol II.

In a related development, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism – which aims to prevent such acts, bring perpetrators to justice and promote cooperation among countries – will enter into force 30 days from today.

Bangladesh became the 22nd State to accede to the Convention, which requires that many ratifications or accessions to enter into force.

"The Convention is expected to play a crucial role in preventing terrorists from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction," said UN Legal Counsel Nicholas Michel, welcoming the latest development.

The treaty will also "strengthen the international anti-terrorism legal framework by being a valuable addition to already existing universal counter-terrorism norms and obligations," he added.

With the addition of this Convention, there will be 13 anti-terrorism instruments covering such aces as hijackings, kidnappings, bombings and financing of terrorism.

Originally proposed by Russia, the Convention was adopted on 13 April 2005, and outlaws specific and concrete acts of nuclear terrorism. It is intended to protect against attacks on a range of targets, including nuclear power plants and reactors. It is also applicable to threats and attempts to commit such crimes.

The Convention – to which there are currently 115 signatories – also promotes cooperation among countries through the sharing of information and the providing of assistance for investigations and extraditions.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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MORE FUNDS NEEDED FOR UN-BACKED COURT IN SIERRA LEONE, OFFICIAL SAYS

MORE FUNDS NEEDED FOR UN-BACKED COURT IN SIERRA LEONE, OFFICIAL SAYS
New York, Jun 8 2007 6:00PM
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro joined officials from the United Nations-backed <"http://www.sc-sl.org/">Special Court for Sierra Leone today in appealing for an additional $60 million to complete the Court's work by the end of 2009.

"It is imperative that the international community continues to generously support the Special Court, ensuring that it has both the human and financial resources to conclude its mandate," Ms. Migiro told the 15-member Security Council, as it met to consider the Court's work.

The Special Court, established on 16 January 2002 by an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the UN, is mandated to try "those who bear greatest responsibility" for war crimes and crimes against community committed in the country after 30 November 1996.

The projected budget for completing the Court's work by the end of 2009 is $89 million. If the Court is to adhere to its completion strategy, it is vital to assure adequate financial support, particularly as available funds will be exhausted by November this year, according to Court officials.

Four trials are currently before the Special Court, three of which are taking place in Freetown, and the other – the war crimes trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor – at The Hague.

Mr. Taylor is facing 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, including mass murder, mutilations, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers, for his role in the decade-long civil war that engulfed Sierra Leone, which borders Liberia.

The Special Court offers hope future generations "a hope that in the affairs of men and women of all nations, the rule of law may prevail and that those whose deeds offend the conscience of mankind shall not go unpunished," said Ms. Migiro.

The Taylor trial marks "a watershed event for international justice," the Court's Prosecutor, Stephen Rapp, told the Council.

It shows that "no matter how high the position of the person responsible, there will be a day of justice," he added.

Noting that the Court's importance goes beyond the completion of its legal proceedings, its President, Justice George Gelaga King, said its establishment represented a major contribution to long-term peace and security in Sierra Leone and the region.

"The Court has contributed greatly to the efforts being made in Sierra Leone to resurrect the rule of law and to end impunity," he stated.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED GLOBAL FUND LAUDS RICH NATIONS' PLEDGE ON UNIVERSAL AIDS TREATMENT

UN-BACKED GLOBAL FUND LAUDS RICH NATIONS' PLEDGE ON UNIVERSAL AIDS TREATMENT
New York, Jun 8 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations-backed <"http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/media_center/press/pr_070608.asp">Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria today welcomed the recommitment of the "Group of Eight" leading industrialized nations to universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment.

The endorsement by G8 leaders of $6 billion to $8 billion per year for the Global Fund, a three-fold increase from the current level as part of their recommitment to universal access to treatment is "very good news," said Dr. Michel Kazatchkine, the Fund's Executive Director.

The main UN agency dealing with AIDS had called on the leaders attending three-day summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, to step up their response to the disease.

In a statement released in advance of the summit, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS had warned that in 2006, resources available for AIDS fell "dramatically short of the estimated needs by $6 billion."

It also cautioned that the 11 million people projected to need antiretroviral treatment by 2010 "may be underestimated by up to 50 per cent."

As such, UNAIDS urged the leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States to translate their previous commitments on AIDS – including their 2005 pledge to provide $60 billion to fight HIV and other illnesses in Africa – into tangible action.

"AIDS must be a top priority for the G8 this year and every year – in commitments and action," the agency said.

Set up in 2002 on the initiative of then Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Global Fund is a public-private partnership that has committed $7.6 billion so far to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in 136 countries. The three diseases kill more than 6 million people a year, and that number is growing.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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VISITING SOMALIA, UN'S TOP POLITICAL OFFICIAL URGES RECONCILIATION

VISITING SOMALIA, UN'S TOP POLITICAL OFFICIAL URGES RECONCILIATION
New York, Jun 8 2007 5:00PM
During an unannounced visit to Mogadishu today, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs expressed solidarity with the people of Somalia while encouraging the leaders of the Transitional Federal Government to reach out to their opponents for the sake of peace and reconciliation in the war-torn Horn of Africa country.

"The international community is willing to help Somalia in all areas as long as there is progress on the ground," Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe told reporters at Mogadishu airport.

His comments came at the end of a four-hour visit in which he met at a heavily-guarded presidential compound in Mogadishu with President Abdullai Yusuf Ahmed and Prime Minister Mohamed Ali Gedi, along with members of his cabinet, a UN spokesperson reported.

Mr. Pascoe held a separate meeting with Ali Mahdi, the Chairman of an independent committee charged with organizing an upcoming National Reconciliation Conference intended to forge social and political compromise between the country's various clans and factions.
"The National Reconciliation Conference is critical to the political development of this country," Mr. Pascoe said.

During his meetings, Mr. Pascoe expressed concern about recent politically motivated arrests and the forced closure of three radio stations which had criticized the Government.

He also raised concerns about the treatment of humanitarian workers, insisting their neutrality be respected and they be allowed to work without interference.

While emphasizing the need for political progress, Mr. Pascoe said security improvements are required in tandem, according to the UN spokesperson.

The Under-Secretary-General also praised the work of African Union forces deployed in February in an effort to help stabilize the Transitional Government, while urging that more troops, financing and logistical support be provided to the roughly 12,000-strong force, known by its acronym AMISOM.

The Under-Secretary-General is on a weeklong trip aimed at shoring up peace and stabilization efforts in Somalia. He attended a meeting of the International Contact Group for Somalia in London on Wednesday and travelled from there to Kenya, where he met with diplomats, humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN aid agencies before his visit today to Mogadishu.

On Saturday he is scheduled to travel to Nairobi and proceed to Asmara, Cairo, Addis Ababa and Brussels before returning to New York where he will brief the Secretary-General and the Security Council on his findings.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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CLIMATE CHANGE 'DEFINING ISSUE OF OUR ERA,' SAYS BAN KI-MOON, HAILING G8 ACTION

CLIMATE CHANGE 'DEFINING ISSUE OF OUR ERA,' SAYS BAN KI-MOON, HAILING G8 ACTION
New York, Jun 8 2007 3:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called climate change the "defining issue of our era," and welcomed the agreement by the world's richest nations to address the threat as an "important first step."

Speaking at a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1035">press conference in Heiligendamm, Germany, where the leaders of the "Group of Eight" leading industrialized nations met this week for their annual summit, Mr. Ban said climate change was "the main reason I came here."

The agreement by G8 leaders on "strong and early action" to combat climate change, and to pursue related negotiations under UN auspices, is "only a first step – a beginning, not an end," the Secretary-General stated.

Political will at the highest level is "desperately" needed now to make significant emissions reductions and to help countries adapt to climate change, Mr. Ban said. "On both, we will need leadership by the G8 countries."

To facilitate further discussion on the issue, Mr. Ban announced he will convene a special high-level meeting in New York on climate change on 24 September, just ahead of the opening of this year's annual debate of Heads of State and Government.

Also today, Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change Convention, <"http://unfccc.int/files/inc/graphics/image/pjpeg/070607_g8.jpg">welcomed the intention of leaders to conclude by 2009 negotiations on a replacement for the Convention's Kyoto Protocol, which contains legally binding targets for reducing emissions through 2012.

"The green light has been given for negotiations to begin on a comprehensive, flexible and fair agreement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Bali in December this year," he stated.

"A negotiating agenda must now be mapped out, which needs to address how future climate change policies can green economic growth and assist societies, especially the most vulnerable societies, to adapt to climate change," Mr. de Boer added.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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LIBERIAN WOMEN 'VANGUARDS OF PEACE,' NOT JUST VICTIMS OF WAR - UN ENVOY

LIBERIAN WOMEN 'VANGUARDS OF PEACE,' NOT JUST VICTIMS OF WAR – UN ENVOY
New York, Jun 8 2007 1:00PM
The senior United Nations envoy to Liberia has <"http://www.unmil.org/article.asp?id=2263">called for the mobilization and inclusion of all the post-conflict nation's women to realize lasting peace and reconciliation, saying they should not be looked on only as victims of war but as "vanguards of peace."

"Such inclusion can only be achieved through the strengthening of democratic institutions necessary to ensure peace, security, human rights and justice for all," Alan Doss, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Alan Doss and head of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), told a recent conference in Monrovia.

He told members of the Women Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) Secretariat of Liberia – established in 2005 with UNMIL's support – that an inclusive approach would help towards the success of the ongoing recovery and reconstruction process.

Bringing together and supporting women NGOs and groups will "guarantee that women's voices are heard and heeded in all spheres of life," he emphasized.

In particular, he urged collective action by international and national organizations in the West African nation in the campaign against rape, which he described as "by far the most serious crime committed against women and girls in Liberia," stressing that more must be done to prevent and punish the perpetrators.

Since 2003, UNMIL has been assisting the peace process in Liberia, which has emerged from a civil war that claimed the lives of almost 150,000 people - mostly civilians - and led to a complete breakdown of law and order. A landmark vote two years brought the first woman President of an African nation - Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf - into office.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UNESCO CHIEF APPLAUDS REGIONAL COOPERATION IN SOUTH-EAST EUROPE

UNESCO CHIEF APPLAUDS REGIONAL COOPERATION IN SOUTH-EAST EUROPE
New York, Jun 8 2007 1:00PM
The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today <" http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=38236&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">welcomed the commitment of South-East European leaders to regional cooperation and dialogue.

At the opening of the fifth summit of heads of state of South-East Europe in Sibiu, Romania, UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said that underlying the annual meetings is the leaders' commitment to "dialogue, understanding, reconciliation and peace."

Organized by Romanian President Traian Basesc, five other leaders – of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia – are participating in the two-day meeting with the <"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=38239&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">theme "Cultural Diversity – a Bridge between Cultural Heritage and the Culture of the Future."

"Heritage is no longer understood solely as the built environment," Mr. Matsuura said, appealing for the ratification of the 2003 <" http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php">Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. "It is seen to encompass all aspects of human creativity."

He added, "Drawing on this heritage, human creativity can invent new forms of expression that will become, in turn, the legacy for the future."

Mr. Matsuura expressed satisfaction that each of the four previous summits have contributed to supported regional cooperation and "has chosen culture as the foundation for such an endeavour."

The meeting's participants have selected Greece as the site of next year's summit, and later today, they are expected to adopt a final declaration.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED PARTNERSHIP SAYS NEW VACCINE COULD END MENINGITIS MISERY IN AFRICA

UN-BACKED PARTNERSHIP SAYS NEW VACCINE COULD END MENINGITIS MISERY IN AFRICA
New York, Jun 8 2007 1:00PM
A new meningitis vaccine has proven effective in West African children, trumping any other vaccine currently on the market in the region and providing hope that the epidemic will eventually be eliminated, a United Nations-backed partnership announced today.

The preliminary results of the successful trial of the vaccine – expected initially to sell for 40 cents a dose – were <" http://www.meningvax.org/files/press-0706-improved-phase2.html">released by the Meningitis Vaccine Project (MVP), a UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en">WHO) and United States-based nonprofit PATH partnership.

The 21 affected sub-Saharan African countries, collectively known as the 'meningitis belt,' could witness the slashing of the epidemic's incidence due to the vaccine, according to the results.

Last year over 41,500 cases were reported, while between 1 January and 6 May of this year, an additional almost 48,000 cases have been reported, raising concerns of a new epidemic wave in the region.

"This important study brings real hope that the lives of thousands of children, teenagers, and young adults will be saved by immunization and that widespread suffering, sickness and socioeconomic disruption can be avoided," said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General.

Meningitis – one of the most dreaded infectious diseases worldwide – occurs when the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord becomes infected. Even with antibiotic treatment, at least 10 per cent of patients die and up to 20 per cent are left with permanent problems including mental retardation, deafness, epilepsy and necrosis which could lead to limb amputation.

The partnership's data shows how the vaccine could block serogroup A meningococcus, which could lead to the entire population, including those who are not vaccinated, to be protected as well in a phenomenon known as 'herd immunity.'

"When it becomes part of the public health arsenal, this vaccine will make a real difference in Africa," said F. Marc LaForce, MVP director. "The vaccine will allow elimination of the meningococcal epidemics that have afflicted the continent for more than 100 years."

The trial was conducted in 12 to 23-month-olds in Malia and Gambia, and results showed that the vaccine is safe and produces antibody levels nearly 20 times higher than those obtained with the polysaccharide vaccine which is being sold on the market, which means the protection the new vaccine provides can last for several years.

The next phase of trials will take place in Mali, Gambia and at least one other country in the region, and the vaccine will be tested in 2 to 29-year-olds, which is the population that will be mostly targeted by mass vaccination campaigns.
2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UNICEF RECOMMENDS HELPLINE TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN LESOTHO FROM ABUSE

UNICEF RECOMMENDS HELPLINE TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN LESOTHO FROM ABUSE
New York, Jun 8 2007 8:00AM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has recommended the establishment of a telephone outreach line in Lesotho to help prevent abuse, violence and exploitation of the country's young people.

"A child helpline offers a tremendous opportunity to establish a long-lasting protective environment for children," said Anne-Marie Fonseka, Programme Coordinator, UNICEF Lesotho. "Abuse, neglect, HIV and AIDS, conflict with the law and social challenges facing children should be topics of ongoing discussion."

The impact of HIV and AIDS on the development of children in Lesotho is compounded by factors such as poverty, abuse, violence and exploitation, the agency said, citing the results of a study it conducted of 500 individuals, mainly children, throughout the country.

About 94 per cent of children interviewed in the study said they had felt sad because of such reasons as death or sickness of parents; being beaten; lack of empathy from parents including following rape and being neglected, insulted and scolded, UNICEF said. When asked whether children have problems, 91 per cent said yes, quoting not going to school, hunger, rape, death of loved ones, being abused, insulted, threatened and exploited.

Over 90 per cent of children said it is important to listen to children's opinions. UNICEF quoted one 16-year old female respondent as saying, "children are often raped and treated badly, especially orphans, so listening to our opinions is important to protect us from these problems."

A Child Helpline -- a phone and outreach service for children -- would provide emergency assistance and link children in need of care and protection to long term services and resources, UNICEF said.

"The child helpline will be linked to Social Welfare services, to the police and adolescent-friendly health services to provide a comprehensive and effective all-round protection for children" said Nafisa Binte-Shafique, UNICEF's Youth an
Specialist in Lesotho.

In the study, more than three quarters of all children said they would call a helpline and 81 per cent said they have used and have access to a phone, even in rural areas.

2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS CONDEMN MURDER OF SRI LANKAN AID WORKERS

UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS CONDEMN MURDER OF SRI LANKAN AID WORKERS
New York, Jun 8 2007 8:00AM
Two United Nations experts joined a growing chorus of voices from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon down condemning the recent murder of two workers of the Sri Lankan Red Cross.

"This is another outrageous act in an apparent trend of deliberate targeting of aid workers, which severely jeopardizes and impedes their ability to deliver humanitarian assistance in a secure environment," said Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, Hina Jilani, and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston.

In their statement on the 1 June abduction and murder, the experts urged the Government to expedite its investigation of the killings, pointing out that the 2006 killings of 17 aid workers from Action contre la Faim remain unsolved.

"We urge the Government, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and other armed groups to take all measures to protect aid workers and provide a secure and conducive environment to the functioning of humanitarian assistance," the experts said in their joint statement.

Earlier this week, Mr. Ban condemned the killings, voicing concern about the security of civilians and aid workers in Sri Lanka and reminding "all parties in the country that aid workers have a right to protection at all times," according to a statement by his spokesperson.

He was joined in this call by UN agencies and their partners working in Sri Lanka, who warned that the latest killings were "an ominous sign of an evolving situation in which aid workers are facing increasing difficulties in delivering assistance to needy populations."

2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY CONCERNED AT ATTACKS ON FOREIGNERS IN UKRAINE

UN REFUGEE AGENCY CONCERNED AT ATTACKS ON FOREIGNERS IN UKRAINE
New York, Jun 8 2007 8:00AM
Reacting to reports of attacks on foreigners in Ukraine, the United Nations refugee agency today acknowledged steps taken by the Government to address the problem while urging action to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

"We are extremely concerned at what seems to be an increasing trend in the number and seriousness of racist attacks against asylum seekers, refugees and other foreigners in Ukraine," William Spindler, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told a press briefing in Geneva.

He noted that "a number of incidents of police violence against people seeking protection in Ukraine have been reported."

The agency cited the 3 June killing in Kiev of an Iraqi asylum seeker who was seeking protection in Ukraine. "The motives for this act are not yet known, and a police investigation is currently under way," said Mr. Spindler. "But the number of attacks and harassment against foreigners in Ukraine in the last few months make it necessary to investigate the motives of this murder carefully, including racist motivations."

The spokesman said that since 2001, when the agency first voiced concern after a refugee from Rwanda was beaten to death outside his home, UNHCR's office in Kiev "has been receiving on a regular basis, first-hand reports of racially motivated incidents, unprovoked attacks, beatings, verbal insults and other acts of xenophobia against refugees and asylum seekers in different regions of Ukraine."

UNHCR acknowledged the "important steps taken by the Ukrainian authorities to address this problem, including high-profile public statements by the Minister of the Interior," said Mr. Spindler, voicing appreciation for the "openness of the authorities in Kiev to discuss these problems."

The agency encouraged the Ukrainian authorities "to increase their efforts to put an end to these attacks and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, as a matter of

He noted that UNHCR is working with other UN agencies, the diplomatic community and human rights organizations in Ukraine to counteract xenophobia and racism, including through advocacy activities designed to promote tolerance and free legal aid to victims of xenophobia and racial violence.

2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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AFRICAN SWINE FEVER HITS GEORGIA, THREATENS NEIGHBOURING STATES -- UN

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER HITS GEORGIA, THREATENS NEIGHBOURING STATES -- UN
New York, Jun 8 2007 8:00AM
A United Nations agency today warned that Georgia has been hit by the devastating pig disease African Swine Fever -- and neighbouring countries are also at risk.

"This is a dramatic development in the international distribution of African Swine Fever, which has been almost entirely confined to sub-Saharan Africa since 1990," said Jan Slingenbergh, Senior Animal Health Officer of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The highly contagious viral disease of pigs causes fever and results in very high pig mortality but does not affect humans the agency said, warning that its effects on commercial and smallholder pig production can be "catastrophic."

There is no vaccine against the disease, which can only be stamped out, according to FAO.

Georgia reported that outbreaks have started at the end of April in 10 regions spread across the country, the agency warned in a news release. A total of 20,000 pigs in village and commercial farms have been slaughtered.

"Delayed detection of the virus has resulted in a long danger period where the disease has been unrecognized and the virus could have moved to neighbouring countries. Armenia, Azerbaidjan and the Russian Federation should be on high alert," said Mr. Slingenbergh.

FAO said the virus probably entered Georgia through imported frozen or processed pig meat.

The European Union, the World Organisation for Animal Health and FAO will send a joint team of experts to Georgia in the next days to assess the situation and advise the government on immediate control measures, according to the UN agency.

2007-06-08 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON SPEAKS OUT AGAINST IRANIAN PRESIDENT'S REMARKS ON ISRAEL

BAN KI-MOON SPEAKS OUT AGAINST IRANIAN PRESIDENT'S REMARKS ON ISRAEL
New York, Jun 8 2007 12:00AM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today spoke out against a recent verbal attack on Israel by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinajad, who repeatedly said that the world could soon witness the "destruction of the Zionist regime."

The Secretary-General was "shocked and dismayed" by the 3 June comments, his spokesperson said in a statement, pointing out that "the State of Israel is a full and long-standing member of the United Nations with the same rights and obligations as every other member."

Mr. Ban recalled that under the UN Charter, "all members have undertaken to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State."

The statement also noted that Mr. Ban has repeatedly made his views on this issue clear.

2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN WAR CRIMES PROSECUTOR CALLS FOR ARREST OF FIRST DARFUR SUSPECTS

UN WAR CRIMES PROSECUTOR CALLS FOR ARREST OF FIRST DARFUR SUSPECTS
New York, Jun 7 2007 7:00PM
Briefing the Security Council today, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (<"http://www.icc-cpi.int/home.html&l=en">ICC) called for the arrest of the two suspects wanted to stand trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's conflict-wracked Darfur region.

Early last month, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Ahmad Muhammad Harun, former Minister of State for the Interior of the Government of Sudan and currently Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, and Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb.

"Acting together, they committed crimes against humanity and war crimes," ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo told the 15-member Council.

The ICC's investigation of the two men focuses primarily between 2003 and 2004 when the highest number of crimes were recorded.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9036.doc.htm">underscored that the Council and regional organizations – such as the African Union (AU) and the Arab League – must lead the effort to encourage Sudan to arrest the two men and surrender them to the ICC.

"The territorial State, the Sudan, has the legal obligation and the ability" to arrest and surrender the suspects to the ICC, the Prosecutor said.

Although "a degree of cooperation has been forthcoming" from the Sudanese Government, to date, it has refused to allow for the questioning of Mr. Kushayb and Mr. Harun, he told the Council. He said that he hopes that the Council can bring the issue up when it visits Khartoum on 17 June as part of its weeklong mission to the region.

"Today, the Security Council recognized the need to emphasize and [remind] the Sudanese authorities about their responsibility," Mr. Moreno-Ocampo told reporters after the Council meeting.

A militia commander also known as the "colonel of colonels," Mr. Kushayb "personally led militia/Janjaweed during attacks" on four villages, "presiding over summary executions and massive rapes," Mr. Moreno-Ocampo told the Council.

Mr. Harun, who was appointed as Minister of State for the Interior and head of the "Darfur security desk" in 2003, "recruited militia/Janjaweed and incited them to violence with full knowledge that they, often in the course of joint attacks with the Sudanese Army, would commit crimes against the civilian population," Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said.

Given that Mr. Harun is currently his country's Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo told reporters that it is "unacceptable" that "these people who were his victims are in his hands."

In its 27 April decision, the ICC determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects are criminally responsible for 51 counts of crimes against humanity, including persecution, murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture and cruel treatment.

"The key is their arrest and surrender," Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said to the Council, adding that his Office is finalizing its preparations for pre-trial proceedings against the two men.

The Prosecutor said that, in addition to the Darfur investigation which has been going on for two years, his Office is also looking into current crimes committed by all sides.

He said that the Sudanese Government has launched "indiscriminate and disproportionate" air strikes in Darfur from January through April. The ICC has also heard reports that women who are internally displaced have been raped when venturing outside their camps. It has also heard about local clashes which in part have been allegedly motivated to reward people collaborating with the Militia/Janjaweed.

Outside Sudan, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said the ICC is also looking into the spillover effects in neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

In eastern Chad, he said that his Office has compiled information on reported attacks on refugee camps and in the villages of Tiero and Marena in March. There have been reported incursions by militia/Janjaweed from Sudan, as well as the presence of Sudanese rebels in Chad and Chadian rebels in Sudan.

Meanwhile in CAR, the ICC opened an investigation last month into crimes – including massive rapes – allegedly committed between 2002 and 2003.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo voiced alarm that aid workers have been assaulted and beaten and their vehicles have been hijacked, stressing that attacks on humanitarian personnel are "prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitute a war crime within the jurisdiction of the ICC."

He also expressed concern for attacks on UN peacekeepers in Sudan and AU troops. In the period from early February to early May of this year alone, 11 AU peacekeepers and police officers have been killed and five seriously wounded.

In a related development, the UN Mission in Sudan (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmis/">UNMIS) announced that the situation in Darfur last month was characterized by forced civilian movement given increasing insecurity, rising tensions in camps, surging numbers of the displaced and increasing targeted violence against aid operations.

Almost 140,000 people have become internally displaced since the start of the year, with at least 10,000 newly displaced in May, according to UNMIS.

The Mission also called attention to the rising use of physical and mental violence against non-governmental organizations' compounds and staff.

The Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Darfur Jan Eliasson is arriving in New York today and is scheduled to brief the Security Council tomorrow on his joint efforts with the AU to revive the peace process, according to Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson.

The UN and AU are expected to meet with Sudanese authorities in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on 11 and 12 June regarding the planned hybrid force, and the Security Council will hear a briefing on the meeting's outcome prior to its departure for Africa on 14 June.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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'JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE' SAYS BAN KI-MOON AFTER UN OFFICIAL FOUND GUILTY IN FRAUD CASE

'JUSTICE HAS BEEN DONE' SAYS BAN KI-MOON AFTER UN OFFICIAL FOUND GUILTY IN FRAUD CASE
New York, Jun 7 2007 7:00PM
Reacting to a guilty verdict against Sanjaya Bahel, a former senior United Nations procurement official, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed satisfaction that justice has been done and noted that evidence gathered by the UN had been used in the case.

The Secretary-General said he "remains committed to actively pursuing any fraud and wrongdoing at the United Nations," in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11031.doc.htm">statement released by his spokesperson.

Citing evidence presented at the trial, Robert Appleton, Chair of the UN Procurement Task Force, told a press briefing at Headquarters that, "There was $100 million in contracts at issue, it was a product of fraud."

Asked to specify a dollar figure of the cost of fraud to the UN, he said, "We've had several cases in which there has been significant loss and waste."

Mr. Ban, through his spokesperson, said, "Such acts tarnish the reputation of the organization, and the tens of thousands of UN employee who work honourably and honestly."

After an internal fact-finding investigation by the Organization's own Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) into allegations of misconduct, the UN formally charged Mr. Bahel, an Indian national, with misconduct on 31 August 2006 and suspended him without pay, providing its final report to United States and Indian authorities.

Following a request from United States authorities, then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan waived Mr. Bahel's immunity from legal process late last year, leading to the levying of criminal charges against him by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.

The spokesperson reaffirmed Mr. Ban's support for the work of the Task Force, whose 86-page report about Mr. Bahel's conduct was given to United States authorities last year.

"The evidence supporting this guilty verdict was based in large part on the extensive work done by the Task Force," the spokesperson said.

That evidence supported the criminal charges against Mr. Bahel and Nishan Kohli, a principal of a company that did business with the UN and who pleaded guilty to bribing Mr. Bahel and testified against him, according to the statement.

OIOS chief Inga-Britt Ahlenius told reporters that the Task Force currently had under review contracts worth around $1 billion, and had already found "significant amounts of fraud and waste," adding that "the UN is a victim of such fraud."

"In my view, and in the view of OIOS, there is a need for major overhaul of the procurement system in the Organization," she added.

Mr. Ban said he expects all vendors, contractors, and their representatives, to conduct their business with the UN with the "highest levels of integrity and honesty."

"Those who fail to do so will not be permitted to continue doing business with this organization," he stressed.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN AWARD RECOGNIZES POPULATION EFFORTS IN IRAN, US, ALGERIA, MALAYSIA

UN AWARD RECOGNIZES POPULATION EFFORTS IN IRAN, US, ALGERIA, MALAYSIA
New York, Jun 7 2007 7:00PM
Four laureates – from Iran, the United States, Algeria and Malaysia – today received the United Nations Population Award at a ceremony in New York.

"Today, we celebrate outstanding contributions to the awareness of population questions or to their solutions," Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/dsgsm323.doc.htm">told participants.

"And we recognize individuals and institutions who, through their work and achievements, are at the forefront of human progress and development," she added.

Dr. Hossein Malek Afzail of Iran, Allan Rosenfield of the United States, Le Comité National de Population of Algeria, and the National Population and Family Development Board of Malaysia shared this year's Award.

Praising their accomplishments, Ms. Migiro noted that the awardees are "leaders not only on population issues, but also in our race to the Millennium Development Goals, especially the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger," referring to the eight global development targets to be achieved by 2015.

For the first time in its 17-year history, the Award is being bestowed upon four laureates – selected by the Population Award Committee, which is administered by the UN Population Fund (<"http://www.unfpa.org/">UNFPA) and comprises 10 Member States elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – instead of two, one each in the individual and institutional categories.

Dr. Rosenfield, a Columbia University professor, co-wrote a seminal paper on maternal death and as a result, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation established the Averting Maternal Death and Disability programme which supports projects in 50 countries.

Dr. Afzali works in Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and has helped design strategies to improve health procedures, particularly adolescent health, reproductive health and family planning.

In the institutional category, the Algerian National Population Committee was honoured for its advocacy for a strategic population policy in Algeria, and the National Population and Family Development Board of Malaysia has pushed for socio-demographic research and monitors population trends to create awareness among policymakers.

"Their work highlights the importance of empowering people in the most basic areas of their lives: planning or managing pregnancies, limiting unsafe abortions, practicing responsible sexual behaviour and reversing the deadly tide of AIDS," Ms. Migiro said at the ceremony. "These are the most crucial milestones on the road to prosperity. They remain the ultimate measures of human progress."

In another address, the Deputy Secretary-General underscored that much remains to be done to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"Some progress has been made, and there are clear signs of hope," she said yesterday in New York, in an address to the 20th annual meeting of the Academic Council on the United Nations System.

"But we still have a long way to go to fulfil the vision underpinning the Millennium Development Goals – a vision of a world with less poverty, hunger and disease; with greater survival prospects for mothers and their infants; with better educated children; with equal opportunities for women; and with a healthier environment," she added.

She observed that Governments have already made "impressive commitments" to support the attainment of the MDGs, and she said that "concerted action now" is crucial in such areas as poverty, health, and education, among others, as this "may mean the difference between success and failure in achieving these critical targets."

Ms. Migiro stressed that rapid progress is a definite possibility when backed by "firm commitments, sound strategies and adequate financing."
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL RECOMMENDS 6-MONTH EXTENSION OF UN MISSION IN CYPRUS

SECRETARY-GENERAL RECOMMENDS 6-MONTH EXTENSION OF UN MISSION IN CYPRUS
New York, Jun 7 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has recommended a six-month extension of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) while pointing out that some are questioning the value it adds in the absence of political progress.

"<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unficyp/index.html">UNFICYP has played an important role in maintaining peace and security in Cyprus," Mr. Ban said in his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/328">report to the Security Council covering the past six months.

At the same, time he observed that, "After 43 years of presence in Cyprus, the value added of UNFICYP, particularly in the absence of significant progress on the political process, is increasingly being questioned by various actors in the international community."

The situation along the ceasefire lines has stayed "generally calm and stable," but he noted security concerns regarding civilians endeavouring to seek their property rights in the buffer zone, disregarding security considerations.

Mr. Ban underscored his "firm belief that the responsibility of finding a solution lies first and foremost with the Cypriots themselves," and said that "it is essential that the parties demonstrate their readiness to match words with deeds through sincere efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement."

Despite the lack of any significant advancement, "the parties have taken small but incremental steps in the right direction," he observed, welcoming the sustained dialogue between representatives of the two leaders regarding bicommunal working groups and technical committees.

He voiced regret that the atmosphere in which the two parties are allowed to engage in bicommunal contacts has not improved substantially, and said he believes an active civil society could aid the political process.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN HEALTH AGENCY CALLS FOR 'TRANS FAT-FREE AMERICAS'

UN HEALTH AGENCY CALLS FOR 'TRANS FAT-FREE AMERICAS'
New York, Jun 7 2007 6:00PM
The Pan American Health Organization (<"http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PIN/pr070607.htm">PAHO), a regional arm of the United Nations World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO), called today for the elimination of industrial trans fats from food supplies throughout the Americas in order to prevent heart attacks.

Citing "conclusive evidence" that consuming trans fats increases the risk of heart disease and possibly the risk of sudden cardiac death and diabetes, nutrition and public health experts convened by PAHO said reducing such consumption by just 2 per cent to 4 per cent of total calories would prevent an estimated 30,000 to 225,000 heart attacks in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The negative effects of trans fats "are completely avoidable through good education and information," said Dr. Ricardo Uauy, President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences and chairman of a task force on the issue.

Trans fats are found primarily in foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils, whose texture and longer shelf-life make them attractive to food processors, but which have harmful effects on human health, according to the experts.

Research has shown that trans fats contribute to heart disease by raising levels of "bad cholesterol," lowering levels of "good cholesterol," and damaging the cells in the linings of blood vessels, contributing to inflammation and blockage and leading to heart attacks.

The PAHO task force suggested several measures to speed up the process of eliminating trans fats from food in the Americas, including eliminating industrial trans fat from food supplies and promoting unsaturated fats as an alternative.

It also recommended that governments consider mandatory labelling of trans fat content in foods, and that public health advocates work with industry to speed the phasing out of trans fats and to promote healthier oils and fats in foods.

The experts noted that several countries have begun to take action to reduce or eliminate industrially produced trans fats. Canada and the United States both require labelling of trans fat in processed foods and recommend that consumers reduce trans fat consumption to as little as possible. Meanwhile, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Uruguay are all considering proposals to reduce trans fat consumption by their populations.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMANITARIAN OFFICIAL URGES ACTION TO ADDRESS DISASTERS

UN HUMANITARIAN OFFICIAL URGES ACTION TO ADDRESS DISASTERS
New York, Jun 7 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator today urged action on plans to cope with disasters as delegates from 120 nations meeting in Geneva wrapped up a conference which warned that some of the world's greatest cities are at risk.

"At least half of the countries of the world have started to implement the Hyogo Framework for Action agreed by 168 nations in Kobe, Japan in January 2005. But we want every country to take up the challenge," said John Holmes, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, who chaired the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction.

"There is still a huge amount to do," he said. "International effort must concentrate on those countries that are most vulnerable to natural hazards. But, too often, international funding for risk reduction is inadequate and uncoordinated."

Over the past 30 years the number of storms, droughts, and floods has increased threefold and the number of people affected by disasters has increased fivefold, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/webpage.asp?Page=873&Lang=en">OCHA).

It said that eight of the world's ten most populous cities are now prone to earthquakes while 1 billion people live in unstable, overcrowded slums. The effects of climate change are expected to increase the risks significantly, OCHA warned.

Tokyo, Mumbai, Shanghai, Jakarta and Dhaka are examples of rapidly-growing cities that are simultaneously vulnerable to earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis and storm surges, the Office said.

The meeting brought together a wide range of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in emergency relief, development and education. "For the first time," said Mr. Holmes, "everybody – the UN, the NGOs, the private sector, academic institutions, disaster experts and local authorities – are working together."

Among the initiatives launched at the Global Platform is an initiative which will unite three UN agencies and bring new expertise to help nations and communities confront disaster. A Forum for Cities was announced by four UN agencies to address natural hazards and urban vulnerability.

"Disaster risk reduction policies are urgent, necessary, efficient and effective. They are the best tools we have to save lives and assets and are the best investments countries, cities and local communities can make," said Mr. Holmes.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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DR CONGO: UN OFFICIAL URGES PROTECTION FOR CIVILIANS CAUGHT IN CONFLICT

DR CONGO: UN OFFICIAL URGES PROTECTION FOR CIVILIANS CAUGHT IN CONFLICT
New York, Jun 7 2007 5:00PM
At a conference of religious leaders in the troubled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a United Nations humanitarian official has said dialogue among parties is a cornerstone for the protection of civilians caught in the conflict.

Andrew Wyllie, the acting head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/webpage.asp?Page=873&Lang=en">OCHA) in the Central African country, repeated his invitation "to those of you who are playing a central role in your communities, who have direct and privileged links with all their members and who have their confidence" to respect humanitarian principles and work towards improving the living conditions of all Congolese.

He spoke at the Conference of Church Leaders, Religious Denominations and Organizations for Peace, Security and Development in the Countries of the Great Lakes Region, which was held form 4 to 6 June in Bukavu, in South Kivu province.

The meeting was organized so participants could discuss the repatriation of armed groups and refugees, and also the sexual violence and other crimes perpetrated against the civilians of the African Great Lakes region.

Regarding the situation in North and South Kivu provinces in the DRC's volatile east, Mr. Wyllie stressed that humanitarian aid must be provided based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence, impartiality and in consideration of need. He added that all sides have a responsibility to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.

The worsening security situation caused by armed groups and continuing military operations is hampering the provision of aid to vulnerable populations, particularly those forced to flee their homes, he said.

Welcoming the work of churches in helping those in need, Mr. Wyllie voiced hope that they would partner with humanitarian agencies to advocate with the disagreeing parties.

The Conference was attended by representatives from churches and church associations from Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and the DRC, as well as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the DRC, Ross Mountain, and the Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/news">UNHCR) in the DRC, Eusebe Hounsokou.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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NEARLY A QUARTER OF WORLD'S WORKFORCE CLOCKING 'EXCESSIVE' HOURS - UN REPORT

NEARLY A QUARTER OF WORLD'S WORKFORCE CLOCKING 'EXCESSIVE' HOURS – UN REPORT
New York, Jun 7 2007 5:00PM
A new study by the United Nations labour agency finds that more than one in five workers around the world – over 600 million people – are working "excessively" long hours.

The International Labour Organization (<"http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_082827">ILO) estimates that 22 per cent of the global workforce are still working more than 48 hours a week, "often merely to make ends meet."

The <"http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_082837.pdf">study, <i>Working Time Around the World: Trends in working hours, laws and policies in a global comparative perspective</i>, spotlights working time in over 50 countries, and for the first time explores the implications for working time policies in developing and transition countries.

"The good news is that progress has been made in regulating normal working hours in developing and transition countries, but overall the findings of this study are definitely worrying, especially the prevalence of excessively long hours," said Jon C. Messenger, Senior Research Officer for the ILO's Conditions of Work and Employment Programme and a co-author of the study.

In the period from 2004 to 2005, Peru topped the list with just over half of its workers (50.9 per cent) putting in long working hours – defined as more than 48 hours per week. Following close behind were the Republic of Korea at 49.5 per cent, Thailand at 46.7 per cent, and Pakistan at 44.4 per cent.

Among developed countries, where working hours are typically shorter, the United Kingdom stood at 25.7 per cent, Israel at 25.5 per cent, Australia at 20.4 per cent, Switzerland at 19.2 per cent, and the United States at 18.1 per cent.

The study points out the positive consequences of shorter hours, including benefits to workers' health and family lives, reduced accidents at the workplace, greater productivity and equality between the sexes.

The study highlights a "gender gap" in working time. It says men tend to work longer average hours than women worldwide, with women working shorter hours in almost every country studied. This is likely due to women bearing the primary responsibility for "unpaid" work in households and caring for family members, including children, the elderly and individuals suffering from diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Among its recommendations, the study calls for measures that allow workers to devote more time to their families and to have more influence over their work schedules, in order to make formal jobs a possibility for more women.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES CLIMATE DEAL STRUCK BY WORLD'S RICHEST NATIONS

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES CLIMATE DEAL STRUCK BY WORLD'S RICHEST NATIONS
New York, Jun 7 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today's agreement by the "Group of Eight" leading industrialized nations to effectively tackle climate change, and to pursue related negotiations under United Nations auspices.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11029.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban "wholeheartedly welcomes that G8 leaders have agreed on a strong and early action to combat climate change."

As they began their three-day summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States have agreed to seek "substantial" cuts in emissions in an effort to tackle climate change, according to media reports.

Earlier this week, in his <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2601">message marking <"http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/">World Environment Day, Mr. Ban said that developed countries in particular can do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage energy efficiency.

"The acceptance by the leaders of their responsibility to act on emission reductions and eventual cuts is to be commended," he said following today's agreement.

The Secretary-General had placed great diplomatic efforts in getting the G8 leaders to acknowledge the central role of the UN and its Framework Convention on Climate Change (<"http://unfccc.int/2860.php">UNFCCC) as the forum for climate change negotiations, his spokesperson said.

Prior to arriving in Germany, he told a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1034">press conference in Madrid that the UN, as the only global forum, is uniquely positioned to forge a common approach to combating climate change.

Mr. Ban also welcomed the G8's stated intention to conclude by 2009 negotiations on a replacement for the Convention's Kyoto Protocol, which contains legally binding targets for reducing emissions through 2012.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES SAY NEW APPROACH MAKING STRIDES IN TACKLING MALNUTRITION

UN AGENCIES SAY NEW APPROACH MAKING STRIDES IN TACKLING MALNUTRITION
New York, Jun 7 2007 2:00PM
An innovative approach to tackling severe acute malnutrition – affecting approximately 20 million children under the age of five globally – is boosting survival rates, United Nations agencies announced jointly today.

According to the UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2007/pr27/en/index.html">WHO), the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP), the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_39936.html">UNICEF) and the UN Standing Committee on Nutrition, this method combines community-based care with traditional hospital treatment.

Severe acute malnutrition kills roughly one million children yearly, or an average of one child every thirty seconds, and such children are 20 times more likely to die than well-nourished children.

"The 20 million children under five in the world today who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition urgently need treatment," said Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO. "This integrated approach should provide a new impetus."

The agencies said that three quarters of children with severe acute malnutrition who have good appetites and no medical complications can receive home treatment through highly fortified, ready-to-eat therapeutic foods, known as RUTFs.

Rich in nutrients and energy, RUTFs are tasty, soft and can be eaten by children over six months without adding water, thus reducing the risk of bacterial infection, the agencies said. They allow for severely malnourished youth to be treated at home, and do not require refrigeration. As a further benefit, the technology to produce this food is relatively simple and can be duplicated in countries with high severe acute malnutrition rates.

"Ready-to-use therapeutic foods have proven very effective in addressing severe acute malnutrition in children," said Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF's Executive Director.

On a large scale, this approach could save hundreds of thousands of lives annually and has already been shown to bolster survival rates for children in countries facing emergencies such as Ethiopia, Malawi, Niger and Sudan. It is hoped that the method will spread to severely malnourished children in non-emergency situations as well.

Many families, especially in the poorest countries where the majority of affected children live, do not have easy access to health facilities where children are traditionally referred for in-patient treatment to receive special milk-based diets.

Additionally, many families cannot leave their homes for weeks while their children are being treated in hospitals, and youth are also vulnerable to infections due to their weakened immune systems and also because of crowded hospital conditions.

"With this new approach, we have the right product composition to save millions of young lives – this is an example of the new technology and capacity which bring us closer to achieving the first Millennium Development Goal," WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said, referring to the aim of eradicating extreme hunger and poverty by 2015.

In another development, the Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000592/index.html">FAO) said today in its latest "<"http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/ah864e/ah864e00.htm">Food Outlook" report that, due in part to soaring biofuel demand, the price of food imports has surged, with the poorest countries bearing the brunt.

Marking a 5 per cent increase since last year, expenditures worldwide on imported food will likely exceed $400 billion in 2007, FAO observed.

"The food import basket for the least developed countries in 2007 is expected to cost roughly 90 per cent more than it did in 2000," said FAO economist Adam Prakash. "This is in stark contrast to the 22 per cent growth in developed country import bills over the same period."

The majority of the increase is a result of rising prices of imported coarse grains and vegetable oils, both of which are utilized heavily for biofuel production.

In addition, rising costs for feed ingredients will make meat and dairy products more expensive for import. Freight rates globally have climbed to a record high, further impacting import prices.

Economically vulnerable countries are expected to be hit hardest, with total import expenditures on food by low-income food-deficit nations and least developed countries (LDCs) predicted to soar by 10 per cent from last year.

Although world cereal production has increased at a rate higher than forecast by FAO, the agency warned that total supplies will be barely sufficient to meet the expected surge in demand, not just from food and feed sectors, but also from the biofuel industry.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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LEBANON: UN FOOD AGENCY HELPS RUSH AID TO PALESTINIANS DISPLACED BY CAMP VIOLENCE

LEBANON: UN FOOD AGENCY HELPS RUSH AID TO PALESTINIANS DISPLACED BY CAMP VIOLENCE
New York, Jun 7 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) today announced plans to support an emergency operation helping people displaced by clashes in two of the largest Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

WFP said in a <"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2517">news release that it has deployed three staff to provide help in logistics, communications and coordination of assistance among partners involved in the current operation.

This action came in response to a request from the main UN agency tasked with aiding Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, which is seeking $12.7 million to assist an estimated 27,000 people displaced from the Nahr al-Bared camp.

The relief agency estimates that most of the camp's population has fled, seeking shelter with relatives, in <"http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/index.html">UNRWA schools or in the nearby Beddawi camp, where living conditions are now seriously threatened as the population has more than doubled – to 37,000, WFP said. Those still remaining in Beddawi camp are without adequate water and sanitation.

"We are concerned for the safety and welfare of thousands of refugees both inside Beddawi camp as well as those who have fled to other areas; many are still without power, medical help or supplies," said Naila Sabra, WFP's Regional Director for the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

"WFP is working closely with UNRWA and the UN country team to reach those in need," she added.

Since fighting broke out in Nahr al-Bared camp near the northern city of Tripoli on 20 May, thousands of civilians have fled the camp with only the belongings they could carry, according to WFP, which said clashes erupted earlier this week in a second camp, al-Hilwah, near the southern city of Sidon.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON RECOMMENDS EXTENSION OF UN FORCE IN GOLAN HEIGHTS

BAN KI-MOON RECOMMENDS EXTENSION OF UN FORCE IN GOLAN HEIGHTS
New York, Jun 7 2007 2:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says another six-month extension of the United Nations force observing the ceasefire between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights is essential given continuing tension in the region.

The situation in the Middle East is likely to remain that way "unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem can be reached," Mr. Ban states in his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/331">report to the Security Council on the UN Disengagement Observer Force (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/undof/index.html">UNDOF), which has for the past 33 years supervised the disengagement accord between Syrian and Israeli forces after the 1973 war.

While acknowledging that the situation in the Israel-Syria sector has remained "generally quiet," he states that the continued presence of the Force "essential."

The Secretary-General recommends that the Council extend the through the end of this year the mandate of the Force, currently made up of just over 1,000 troops from Austria, Canada, India, Japan, Poland and Slovakia.

At the same time, the report draws attention to a funding shortfall facing the Force, with unpaid dues currently amounting to some $1.1 million owed to the Member States that contribute troops. He appeals to all countries to pay their assessments "promptly and in full" and to clear all remaining arrears.

In UNDOF's area of operation, especially in the area of separation, minefields continue to pose a threat to the Force's personnel and local inhabitants, the report notes, cautioning that this threat has increased, owing to the age of the mines and their deteriorating explosives. In addition to carrying out mine clearance, the Force supported the activities of the United Nations Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) to promote mine awareness among the civilian population.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED FORUM AIMS TO SPREAD TECHNOLOGY KNOW-HOW IN AFRICA

UN-BACKED FORUM AIMS TO SPREAD TECHNOLOGY KNOW-HOW IN AFRICA
New York, Jun 7 2007 11:00AM
A United Nations-backed forum aiming to spread the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in West and Central Africa kicked off today in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The two-day meeting, called the ICT Best Practices Forum, was organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (<"http://www.uneca.org">ECA), the Government of Burkina Faso, the African Development Bank and Microsoft.

This forum is an element of the African Information Society Initiative, and will allow Governments, donors, institutions and other groups from the region to share their experiences.

Government leaders, as well as representatives from international financial organizations, donors, academia and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are expected to attend.

According to a recent European Union meeting, if all of the innovations in ICT from all African countries were to be compiled in one country, it would be the 12th most technology advanced nation in the world. This finding highlights how African countries have much to learn from both each other and from nations worldwide.

It is hoped that by providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and share successes, the high level of interest in technology in addressed development issues in African can be harnessed.

The forum, which will be replicated in East and Southern Africa over a one-year period, also aims to enhance the effectiveness of Government institutions, as well as allow technology solutions to be diffused in the region.

Microsoft, in concert with its partners, will create a 'best practices' website tailored to Africa to underscore issues discussed at the forums.
2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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ZIMBABWE: UN-BACKED DRIVE AIMS TO VACCINATE 2 MILLION CHILDREN AGAINST POLIO

ZIMBABWE: UN-BACKED DRIVE AIMS TO VACCINATE 2 MILLION CHILDREN AGAINST POLIO
New York, Jun 7 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its partners are working to vaccinate 2 million children against polio in Zimbabwe, where most families are suffering from deteriorating economic conditions.

The campaign, which was launched on Monday, is "on track to meet its bold targets and is vital for child survival amid the challenges in Zimbabwe today," said UNICEF's Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr. Fest Kavishe. Children will also receive Vitamin A supplements.

UNICEF said in a news release that families in Zimbabwe "are under ever-greater pressure from record high inflation, unemployment and orphan numbers, and severe economic stresses." The country had been declared polio free in 1999 following a massive effort, but Dr. Kavishe warns that now, "the threat of polio remains very real, with recent cases in Botswana and Namibia."

The agency's Head of Health in Zimbabwe, Dr. Colleta Kibassa, said nationwide immunization campaigns are the single most important support towards reducing child illnesses and deaths in Zimbabwe, but cautioned that "past successes have to be maintained and built upon. Our aim must remain to reach all of Zimbabwe's children."

2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY SPOTLIGHTS PLIGHT OF IRAQI CHRISTIAN COUPLE IN EUROPEAN LIMBO

UN REFUGEE AGENCY SPOTLIGHTS PLIGHT OF IRAQI CHRISTIAN COUPLE IN EUROPEAN LIMBO
New York, Jun 7 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations refugee agency is calling attention to the plight of an Iraqi Christian couple that has been bounced back and forth between European countries while trying to reconnect with their son and other relatives.

While not releasing names in order to protect them, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a news release that the pair, who are members of Iraq's embattled Chaldean Christian community, have been in and out of detention centres in Greece and Belgium, where their relatives live with refugee status.

"They are currently being held in the Steenokkerzeel Detention Centre 127-bis near Brussels Airport, unable to communicate with staff, confused about the reasons for their four-month detention and angry about their treatment as asylum seekers," the agency said.

UNHCR, which has called on the Belgian authorities to allow the couple to remain, said their case reflects the problems that many asylum seekers, especially Iraqis, are facing under the European Union's (EU) 2003 Dublin Regulation, which identifies the EU member state responsible for examining an asylum claim.

In practice, the clause often leads to people being held in detention in one European country prior to being sent to another European country considered responsible for their claim. The Iraqi couple have been going back and forth between Greece and Belgium at a time when returning home is not an option.

Originally from Zakho in northern Iraq, the couple lived for 30 years in Baghdad, running a grocery store and raising their four children, according to UNHCR, which said Christians in the capital faced increasing difficulties after the fall of Saddam Hussein. The family fled after armed men raided their home in December 2004 and threatened to kill them if they did not produce $50,000 within 10 days.

In Greece, they were detained for three months on the grounds of illegal entry. They applied for asylum during
in the first instance decision -- as has been the case for the majority of asylum applicants in Greece in recent years, UNHCR said.

Asylum seekers who are served with a negative first instance decision in Greece can usually appeal within 30 days, but this was not possible for the couple because the Mediterranean nation has suspended all decision-making on Iraqi cases at the appeal level since 2003.

In November 2005, the couple paid a human trafficker to bring them to Belgium, where their son is about to become a Belgian citizen. On arrival, they asked for asylum. Again, they were detained and were sent back to Greece, where they were held for two weeks at the airport.

Belgium argued that Greece was responsible for their asylum claim under the Dublin rule. But the regulation also states that a member state can take over processing of a case for humanitarian reasons, particularly those based on family considerations, the refugee agency said.

The Greek authorities again issued an order for the couple to leave the territory -- on the grounds that their case had been ruled on and was now closed. With the help of a local priest, they tried to apply for asylum again. They were told they had only been freed because of their age and must leave the country immediately, even though they had nowhere to go.

Earlier this year, they paid another "agent" to get them back into Belgium and they were detained on arrival at Brussels Airport on 7 February. "They are now hoping that a hearing into their case due on Thursday will end their ordeal and reunite the family," said UNHCR.

The agency estimates that some 2.2 million Iraqis have fled their country since 2003, with most finding refuge in Syria, Jordan and elsewhere in the Middle East. A few have made their way to Europe. Last year, 20,000 Iraqis applied for asylum in EU countries, nearly half of them in Sweden. In Belgium, there were just 695 applications from Iraqis in 2006, and 233 during the first four months of this year.

2007-06-07 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL TRANSMITS REPORT TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON DARFUR HYBRID FORCE

SECRETARY-GENERAL TRANSMITS REPORT TO SECURITY COUNCIL ON DARFUR HYBRID FORCE
New York, Jun 6 2007 7:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has transmitted his revised report to the Security Council regarding the planned hybrid United Nations-African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission for the violence-wracked Darfur region of Sudan.

In his letter to the 15-member Council's President, Mr. Ban wrote that the AU had requested some additional clarifications and revisions to the report, his spokesperson told reporters in New York today.

Based on further consultations with the AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konaré, these changes are reflected in the text, she added.

Mr. Konaré will take steps to submit the revised report to the AU Peace and Security Council.

Last November, the Government, the UN and the AU agreed to the creation of a hybrid force in Darfur as the third phase of a three-step process to replace the existing but under-resourced AU Mission in the Sudan (AMIS), which has been unable to end the fighting.

More than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million others displaced from their homes since clashes erupted in 2003 between Government forces, allied Janjaweed militias and rebel groups.

In another development, the number of displaced Sudanese helped by the UN to return home has topped 100,000, according to the UN Mission in Sudan (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmis/">UNMIS), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/news">UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (<"http://www.iom.int/jahia/jsp/index.jsp">IOM).

Since last January, more than 55,000 refugees and almost 50,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been transported to their places of origin – a remarkable achievement, given that just two years ago flying or even driving between most towns in southern Sudan was impossible.

This milestone represents a significant step towards implementing the January 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the decades-long north-south civil war – which is separate from the conflict in the Darfur region.

UNHCR has led all of the refugee operations in the region and has participated in monitoring efforts to ensure that the returnees' concerns have been addressed. In addition, the agency also works with its partners in implementing reintegration programmes involving health, education, water and sanitation, as well as income-generating projects in the main areas where Sudanese are returning.

IOM has provided transportation for all IDPs and many refugees from abroad, while UNMIS has supplied coordination services.

Other UN agencies, including the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=31">WFP) and the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF), and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also contributed to the effort.

Sudan poses challenges to aid workers, with most of the south of the country inaccessible during the June-December rainy season, and IOM has utilized air, river, rail and road corridors to return Sudanese to their homes areas.

However, the UN reported that much remains to be done. Basic services such as the supply of clean water, health care and education are not keeping pace with demand, in spite of assistance from the Government and the international community.

The number of Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries has dropped significantly since 2004, falling from 515,000 to 270,000. Repatriation operations from the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have ended. Large-scale returns continue from Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, with fewer numbers repatriating from Libya and Egypt.
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL URGES JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF IRAQ'S INVASION OF KUWAIT

SECURITY COUNCIL URGES JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF IRAQ'S INVASION OF KUWAIT
New York, Jun 6 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations Security Council today urged justice for the victims of Iraq's 1990 invasion and subsequent occupation of Kuwait.

Council members strongly condemned the execution of Kuwaitis and others by the previous Iraqi regime, said Ambassador Johan Verbeke of Belgium, which holds the presidency of the 15-member body, in a statement to the press.

"Security Council members agreed that those responsible for these horrendous crimes should be brought to justice," he said.

The statement noted the recent positive identification of further human remains and the repatriation of others from Kuwait to Iraq.

A total of 233 mortal remains have so far been identified, according to the Secretary-General's latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/321">report on the issue.

Council members welcomed the work of the Tripartite Commission, which includes Iraq, Kuwait and the United States, and is dealing with the issue, "including provision of mutual assistance among them."

Security Council members issued the press statement following a closed-door briefing by Ambassador Yuri Vorontsov, the Secretary-General's High-level Coordinator on Kuwaiti persons and others as well as property harmed during the invasion.

Ambassador Verbeke said the members were "confident that all parties, in particular Iraq and Kuwait, could work towards constructive arrangements to enable a satisfactory solution to all of the outstanding humanitarian aspects covered by Ambassador Vorontsov's mandate."
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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UN, OTHER MEMBERS OF SOMALIA SUPPORT GROUP CALL FOR CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES

UN, OTHER MEMBERS OF SOMALIA SUPPORT GROUP CALL FOR CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES
New York, Jun 6 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations and other members of a group supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in Somalia today called on all parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and protect civilians in the war-ravaged country.

In a communiqué released following talks in London, the International Contact Group expressed concerns about "continued sporadic violence" in Mogadishu and the resulting deaths and injuries.

Representing the world body at the Group's gathering in London was Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe, who is on his way to the region to discuss how to bring peace and reconciliation to Somalia.

The Group strongly condemned "actions of extremists and terrorists and those looking to undermine the political and reconciliation process."

The communiqué welcomed the assurances given by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) that a planned Reconciliation Congress "will be fully inclusive and that no clan or sub clan, or individual members of them who renounce violence and are selected by their clans, are excluded from the reconciliation process."

The Contact Group said it would fund the Congress, which "should lead to a process of genuine political reconciliation."

The Group agreed to continue to work with all parties to address the humanitarian needs of the Somali people and called on all parties to provide free and unhindered humanitarian access.

According to UN figures, 340,000 people, roughly one third of the capital's population, have fled the hostilities in Mogadishu since the start of February, while at least 1,000 have sustained injuries. The recent violence is some of the worst the country has seen in the 16 years it has gone without a functioning Government.

The International Contact Group for Somalia includes Italy, Kenya, Norway, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the African Union, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States and the UN.

Also attending today's meeting were the leaders of the TFG, senior officials of the Group's member States and the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, François Lonsény Fall.
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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SENIOR UN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OFFICIAL PLEDGES STRENGTHENED MANAGEMENT

SENIOR UN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OFFICIAL PLEDGES STRENGTHENED MANAGEMENT
New York, Jun 6 2007 4:00PM
A senior official from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today outlined a series of measures from financial disclosure to standardizing information available on the Internet to improve management at the agency.

"As we work in increasingly more dangerous and challenging environments, the need for stronger oversight and accountability has even become more important," Ad Melkert, Associate Administrator of <"http://www.undp.org/dpa/journalists/">UNDP, told a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

Mr. Melkert pledged that "a number of categories of staff" would be required to file financial disclosure statements, including senior-level personnel and those involved in procurement activities. This comes is in addition to measures already in place at the Under-Secretary-General level.

"I am happy to inform you that both the UNDP Administrator and I have completed our financial disclosure statements this year as part of the overall UN procedure," he said.

A correspondent asked whether the officials would follow the example of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and make their financial disclosure forms public. "I'm not in favour of having financial disclosure made public on the website," Mr. Melkert replied. "I think that is overstepping the privacy of people."

Other measures include the establishment last year of an independent audit advisory committee which has since met four times. "In the ongoing dialogue, it is extremely useful to get that external advice; it's the first time UNDP has opened up itself to that," Mr. Melkert said.

He also said top UNDP officials were committed to providing members of the Executive Board with access to findings from internal audits. "In doing so we will make sure that all information in internal audit reports is accessible to Member States," he said.

"Again we have to discuss that with the Board, but I feel that is the right thing to do and it is really new in UNDP that we do that."

Another measure he said would help boost transparency is standardizing the information provided on all UNDP websites. "While we already have an information disclosure policy, having all programme information on our websites will help cut the current 30-day requirement for responding to information requests hopefully to get you the information you need within your deadlines," he told reporters.

Mr. Melkert also announced that UNDP is developing a "legal framework for addressing non-compliance with ethical and professional standards."

"Basically the document serves to remind staff members of their duties to abide by the highest standards of conduct and to inform the mechanisms available to report wrongdoing," he explained.

Asked why UNDP did not seek an external investigation of reports that its staff and vehicles were involved in diamond-smuggling in Zimbabwe, Mr. Melkert said he took the allegation very seriously. At the moment there are two investigations ongoing, he said, "and then we will decide whether more is needed, and I don't exclude also that that should be something more than internal."
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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AFRICA OFF-TRACK TO MEETING GLOBAL ANTI-POVERTY TARGETS, SAYS MIGIRO

AFRICA OFF-TRACK TO MEETING GLOBAL ANTI-POVERTY TARGETS, SAYS MIGIRO
New York, Jun 6 2007 3:00PM
Despite faster growth and strengthened institutions, Africa remains off-track to meeting the world's shared goals for fighting poverty in all its forms, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said today, urging international support for the continent.

Presenting an <"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/docs/MDGafrica07.pdf">update on sub-Saharan Africa's progress towards obtaining the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/">MDGs) – a set of global anti-poverty and development targets to be achieved by 2015 – Ms. Migiro said the summit of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations, currently meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany, provides an opportunity for donor countries to lay out concrete timetables for how they will increase development assistance to African countries.

Speaking to reporters in New York, she said the latest data compiled by the UN showed that "challenges remain daunting, yet progress is emerging."

The rise in extreme poverty – the number of people living on less than one dollar a day – has levelled off since 1999, primary school enrolment is increasing in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and malaria control has been achieved in Niger, Togo and Zambia, Ms. Migiro noted.

Among the challenges, she cited "shockingly high" maternal mortality rates, and the fact that the number of new HIV/AIDS cases is still rising faster than the rate at which new treatment is being offered.

All of the challenges, she said, can be addressed using resources, skills and technologies that the international community has at its disposal, based on the commitments made by African Governments and the donor community alike.

She added that recent experience has demonstrated that large-scale progress towards reaching the MDGs is possible through strong government leadership combined with adequate financial and technical support and market access opportunities from international partners.

"While money will not solve everything," added Guido Schmidt-Traub, head of the MDG Support Team at the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the lack of financing in Africa clearly contributes to a situation in which "the number of countries on track to achieving the MDGs is zero today."
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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UN UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO PUSH FOR EFFORTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE - BAN KI-MOON

UN UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO PUSH FOR EFFORTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Jun 6 2007 2:00PM
As the only global forum, the United Nations is uniquely positioned to forge a common approach to combating climate change, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

"All of us are experiencing it, and all of us are becoming more conscious of the need to address this issue," he said at a joint <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1034">press conference in Madrid with Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero following a meeting between the two men.

"The time for action is now," Mr. Ban stressed.

The Secretary-General will travel next to the summit of the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized countries in Heiligendamm, Germany, where climate change will feature prominently on the agenda.

The topic will be discussed "at the highest level" during the General Assembly session later this year, he said.

Mr. Ban also voiced concern regarding the recent announcement of the Basque organization ETA breaking the ceasefire.

"Keeping the ceasefire would have ensured the security as well as the safety of many human lives," he observed, urging a redoubling of efforts to keep the ceasefire alive.

Despite differences of opinion, Mr. Ban said that issues must be resolved through peaceful means.

"Terrorist attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances or pretexts," he said, denouncing the violence unequivocally. "There cannot be dialogue when there is violence."

Regarding the Middle East, Mr. Ban said that a political solution is urgently needed to end the hardship and suffering there.

"It is incumbent on the international community to help the peoples of the region find a political solution," he said.

Mr. Ban, who has called the Middle East a "priority" and has visited the region several times since assuming the role of Secretary-General this January, called for seizing opportunities posed by both the renewed efforts of the diplomatic Quartet – comprising the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States – as well as the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

He also said he would "make another visit later this month" to the Middle East.
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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UN, TIMORESE POLICE CONTINUE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT IN FATAL SHOOTING

UN, TIMORESE POLICE CONTINUE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT IN FATAL SHOOTING
New York, Jun 6 2007 1:00PM
United Nations and Timorese police are continuing their search for an officer of the country's national police force accused of a fatal shooting on Sunday, the UN peacekeeping operation there said today.

The incident occurred one hour after the completion of a National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) campaign rally in Viqueque town, when a man from the nearby town of Ossu was fatally shot in a marketplace. The CNRT is headed by former President Xanana Gusmão.

According to the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (<"http://www.unmiset.org">UNMIT), the victim is believed to have been shot by an off-duty officer of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).

UN Police (UNPOL), supported by the International Stabilisation Forces (ISF), are continuing to search by foot and air for the accused officer, who is thought to have escaped into the mountains, the mission said.

Investigations into a second incident in which two people were shot during a disturbance at a road block in Ossu are also continuing. The incident resulted in one death.

Eric Tan, the deputy head of UNMIT, emphasized that Sunday's incidents should not be seen as a reflection of the majority of the PNTL. "The majority of Timorese police officers across the country are working well and are participating in an ongoing process of reconstitution," he stated.

Officers in Ossu, Uatulari and Viqueque Town have been placed on desk duties until the investigations are concluded and UNPOL is patrolling the area in the meantime, Mr Tan said.

He added that a process of screening for PNTL officers has been completed in Dili. A total of 1,200 officers underwent the process, and while 200 of those need further investigation, the remainder had undergone firearms recertification.

The same process will be extended to the remaining 12 districts in Timor-Leste, which the UN ushered to independence in 2002.
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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UNESCO REPORT SPOTLIGHTS CORRUPTION IN EDUCATION SYSTEMS

UNESCO REPORT SPOTLIGHTS CORRUPTION IN EDUCATION SYSTEMS
New York, Jun 6 2007 1:00PM
Corruption in schools creates serious obstacles to education, according to a new report launched today by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Entitled "Corrupt school, corrupt universities: What can be done," the study by UNESCO's International Institute for Educational Planning <"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=37993&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">traces illegal registration fees, academic fraud, embezzlement and other problems which are undermining education systems worldwide.

"Such widespread corruption not only costs society billions of dollars, it also seriously undermines the vital effort to provide education for all," said UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura. "It prevents poorer parents from sending their children to school, robs schools and pupils of equipment, lowers teaching standards and thus education standards generally, and compromises the future of our youth."

The report assessed the experiences of more than 60 countries, with information derived from government ministries, development agencies and research institutes. Several cases studies illustrate the array of corrupt practices in both rich and poorer countries.

Bribes and payoffs in the recruitment and promotion of teachers lowers their quality, and illegal fees paid for school entrance and other hidden costs result in low enrollment and high dropout rates, the study noted. Also, according to recent surveys, 'ghost teachers' take up five per cent of the payroll in Honduras and 15 per cent in Papua New Guinea.

In universities, much of the corruption is in the form of fake universities offering bogus degrees and engaging in accreditation fraud. Phony universities offering sham degrees have quadrupled from 200 to 800 on the Internet between 2000 and 2004.

The report also examines cases in which corruption in education systems has been ameliorated through the introduction of simple measures. For example, in the early 1990s in Uganda, only 13 per cent of the funds granted to schools per student was actually received, while the rest was utilized by local officials for purposes unrelated to education. However, a national campaign highlighting the fact that the funds were not reaching their intended target has lead to an improvement in the situation, as schools are now receiving 85 per cent of the allocated funds.

Leadership and political will at the highest levels of government is crucial, the study argued. Transparent regulatory systems and stronger management efforts to bring about greater accountability are among the improvements necessary for corruption in education systems to abate.

The report recommended that management, accounting, monitoring and audit skills are crucial for such groups as administrative staff of schools, parent-teacher associations, unions and other individuals associated with the educational process. In addition, schools must be properly informed to not only detect possible fraud, but also to know what resources they are entitled to receive.
2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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MORE THAN 100,000 LIBERIAN REFUGEES RETURN FROM SIERRA LEONE - UN AGENCY

MORE THAN 100,000 LIBERIAN REFUGEES RETURN FROM SIERRA LEONE – UN AGENCY
New York, Jun 5 2007 1:00PM
A repatriation convoy carrying some 250 Liberians from Sierra Leone is set to bring to over 100,000 the number returning home with United Nations assistance, the world body's refugee agency said today.

"The landmark convoy carrying 258 returning refugees will cross today from Sierra Leone into Liberia at Bo Waterside border crossing," Jennifer Pagonis, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva.

Upon their arrival to Liberia from neighbouring countries and the region, refugees are provided with food and other essential items, as well as with vocational training to secure jobs in their new communities.

Set to close by the end of this month, the effort will mark the largest repatriation in the West Africa region, according to Ms. Pagonis, who predicted that "many more Liberians" will return before the cut-off date of 30 June.

Following the end of the organized repatriation, <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/466587694.html">UNHCR is preparing, together with the countries still hosting thousands of Liberian refugees, to embark on long-term programmes aiming to achieve their local integration, Ms. Pagonis stated, noting that there are still some 83,000 Liberian refugees in West Africa.

"The ultimate goal of these programmes will be to bring the displacement chapter in West Africa to a successful closure," she stated.

Since October, 2004 when the Liberian repatriation operation began, more than 150,000 refugees have returned to Liberia. In addition to 100,000 returns assisted by UNHCR – half of them from neighbouring Guinea – another 50,000 Liberian refugees returned home on their own over the past few years, encouraged by the restoration of peace and the inauguration of the democratically elected president and Government.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf became the first female head of State in Africa during elections held with support from the UN Mission in Liberia (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmil/index.html">UNMIL) in January, 2006. Her inauguration culminated a peace process begun in 2003.

During that period, UNMIL supported national efforts to achieve the transition to democracy by providing a secure environment, disarming more than 100,000 ex-combatants, facilitating the return of tens of thousands of displaced persons and refugees, and helping organize the elections.

Civil war in Liberia claimed the lives of almost 150,000 people – mostly civilians – and led to a complete breakdown of law and order. It displaced hundreds of thousands of people, both internally and beyond the borders, resulting in some 850,000 refugees in the neighbouring countries.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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OVER ONE THIRD OF ZIMBABWEANS FACE FOOD SHORTAGES, UN AGENCIES SAY

OVER ONE THIRD OF ZIMBABWEANS FACE FOOD SHORTAGES, UN AGENCIES SAY
New York, Jun 5 2007 2:00PM
Over 4 million people in Zimbabwe – or one third of the Southern African nation's population – will need food aid by early next year due to the combined effects of drought and economic decline spurred in part by Government policies, two United Nations agencies said today.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/">FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2511">WFP) blamed poor harvests in the southern provinces and rising poverty in both rural and urban areas, <"http://www.fao.org/docrep/010/10127e/10127e00.htm">predicting that out of Zimbabwe's total estimated population of 11.8 million, 2.1 million will face critical food shortages later this year.

This number is expected to surge to 4.1 early next year, according to a new report by the two agencies.

"Zimbabwe's looming food crisis is the result of another poor harvest, exacerbated by the country's unprecedented economic decline, extremely high unemployment, and the impact of HIV/AIDS," said Amir Abdulla, WFP's Regional Director for Southern Africa.

Henri Josserand, FAO's Chief of Global Information and Early Warning System, said the most important factor was that "uneconomic prices set by the Government have discouraged many farmers from producing surplus cereals for sale."

Drought devastated crops in many areas, but Zimbabwe's overall production "was also hampered by insufficient fertilizer, fuel and tractors, and by the country's crumbling irrigation system," he said.

The "Crop and Food Supply Assessment" report is based on a joint mission to the country from 25 April to 18 May. Over 350,000 tonnes of cereals and 90,000 tonnes of other food items will be required to feed Zimbabweans.

This year's harvest marked a 44 per cent decline from last year's, with many families in the worst-affected provinces of Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Midlands harvesting nothing.

"Hyperinflation, currently over 3,700 per cent per annum, and the ever plummeting Zimbabwe dollar have drastically reduced people's purchasing power, greatly limiting access to available food supplies for low and middle income people, particularly in urban areas," observed Kisan Gunjal, who lead the two agencies' mission to the country.

The FAO and WFP approximately that 1 million people in urban areas will not have sufficient food in the next few months.

The report made suggestions to bolster the nation's food supply and improve the harvest next year, calling for farmers to be supplied with quality seeds and fertilizer in a timely manner and urging the Government and the international community to work in tandem to improve food security through such means as providing tractors to farmers and implementing better irrigation systems.

In addition, the report welcomes Zimbabwe's goal to switching to a market-based economy, which could potentially usher in a lifting on restricting on cross-border trade, the removal of a ban on private sector imports and allowing farmers to sell grain to each other.

Meanwhile, in another report released by FAO today, the agency observed that most rural households across the world, due to limited skills they possess because of a deficit in training and means, still derive significant portions of their livelihoods from agricultural activities.

The global study, entitled "Rural Income Generating Activities: A Cross Country Comparison," noted that although the fraction of rural families' income generated by non-farm pursuits – including commerce, the providing of services and remittances – is growing, 90 per cent of these households still depend on earnings from agriculture.

Kostas Stamoulis, the Chief of FAO's Agricultural Sector in Economic Development Service, said the poorest households often lack the education, capital and credit needed to participate in non-farm work.

The new report, issued at a seminar on rural incomes, is based on a newly-developed database of household surveys, which incorporates different categories of rural income and access to assets. The data was compiled by FAO, along with the World Bank and American University in Washington, DC.

"This systematic study of the sources of rural household income will fill some of the gaps that exist in our understanding of who has access to what type of income and such information could be very helpful to policy-makers looking for ways to reduce poverty," Mr. Stamoulis noted.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES HIGHLIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE'S IMPACT ON HUMAN SECURITY, HEALTH

UN AGENCIES HIGHLIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE'S IMPACT ON HUMAN SECURITY, HEALTH
New York, Jun 5 2007 4:00PM
The heads of two United Nations agencies today marked World Environment Day with calls for decisive action to address climate change, warning of its potential risks on human security and health.

In his message for the Day – commemorated every year on 5 June – Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), observed that climate change is "magnifying existing disparities between rich and poor" and "aggravating tensions over fragile or increasingly scarce natural resources" such as productive land and freshwater.

"It increases the potential to create a new class of displaced people known collectively as environmental refugees," Mr. Steiner warned.

He stressed that collective and decisive political will is "the final – and still missing – piece in the jigsaw puzzle."

While many sectors of society are moving to deal with climate change – including local authorities, industry, the financial sector and civil society – the collective political process, he said, is moving "frustratingly slowly."

Referring to this year's theme, Melting Ice: A Hot Topic?, Mr. Steiner urged people everywhere to ask their political leaders and elected representatives: "Just how much hotter does this topic need to become before Governments across the globe finally act?"

Meanwhile, the head of the UN health agency highlighted in her message the close relationship between health and the environment, noting that 60,000 deaths from climate-related natural disasters occur every year, the majority in the developing world.

"Limiting the impact of climate change is about saving lives and livelihoods, as much as it is about protecting the natural environment," Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said.

She stressed the need to strengthen public health systems, the "first line of defence against climate-related health risks." Also, noting that prevention is just as important as a cure, she said many of the actions that are necessary to reduce the impact of humans on the global climate can also reduce pollution and save lives now.

"Reducing our impact on the global climate requires individuals, communities and governments to make the behaviour and policy changes – such as cleaner energy and more sustainable transport systems – that will also bring immediate health benefits."

World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to raise global awareness of the environment and boost political attention and action.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR NEW THINKING ON SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE PROBLEMS

BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR NEW THINKING ON SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE PROBLEMS
New York, Jun 5 2007 4:00PM
The world needs "new thinking and a new inclusiveness" to tackle the perils of climate change, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, marking <"http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/">World Environment Day with a call for urgent global action that takes into account the needs of the world's least affluent countries.

"Solutions to global warming proposed by developed nations cannot come at the expense of less fortunate neighbours on the planet," Mr. Ban wrote in an opinion column for <i>The International Herald Tribune</i>.

Noting that global warming "affects us all, yet it affects us all differently," he said wealthy nations already have the resources and know-how to adapt to global warming.

"An African farmer, losing crops or herds to drought and dust storms, or a Tuvalu islander worried his village might soon be under water, is infinitely more vulnerable."

Mr. Ban, who is travelling to Heiligendamm, Germany, for a summit meeting this week with leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations, noted that the United States and European countries were proposing contrasting strategies for dealing with climate change.

"We shall see how all this unfolds… But let us remember. A G8 agreement that is not global in scope cannot hope to offer solutions to a global problem. It is time for new thinking and a new inclusiveness."

He welcomed US President George W. Bush's recent declaration that he would launch a US climate initiative, but urged that it take place within the UN's global framework for discussion.

Mr. Ban stressed that "the science is clear" on climate change, with every day bringing new evidence of both its growing impact and its principal cause – humans – and the need for urgent action.

"Today's solution du jour – the rage for carbon trading – is but one weapon in our arsenal," he wrote. "New technologies, energy conservation, forestry projects and renewable fuels, as well as private markets, must all be part of a long-term strategy. So must adaptation. After all, mitigation can only go so far."

He added that he would soon announce the details of a special high-level meeting on climate change, to be held in New York in September before the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Recently, he appointed three special envoys, tasked with speaking out for the interests and concerns of nations most vulnerable to climate change, home to the vast majority of the world's people.

In a separate <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2601">message issued to mark World Environment Day, the Secretary-General said there are many policy and technological options available to avert the impending crisis, but increased political will is needed to use them.

Developed countries in particular can do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage energy efficiency, he said. They can also support clean development in fast-growing economies such as Brazil, China and India, as well as adaptation measures in those countries that face the greatest hardships from climate change.

Everyone must recognize the need to slow the momentum of the dramatic environmental changes that are taking place around the globe, he added.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED FORUM ON DISASTER REDUCTION KICKS OFF

UN-BACKED FORUM ON DISASTER REDUCTION KICKS OFF
New York, Jun 5 2007 4:00PM
Representatives of more than 100 governments converged in Geneva today to launch a new United Nations-chaired forum on disaster reduction that is expected to the major international consultative group on the issue.

The first meeting of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction brings together governments, the UN and other specialized organizations, academic institutions, financial associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society groups to tackle threats posed by climate change and urbanization.

"Our vulnerability to disasters has never been so high," said John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and chair of the Platform.

He noted that the proportion of people living in urban areas has exceeded that of people residing in rural regions for the first time ever, with one-third of the urban population inhabiting marginal settlements or slums.

"Growing urbanization combined with climate change will create new stresses on urban settlements, making millions of people even more vulnerable to disasters," he added. "We have no choice. We need to move the disaster risk reduction agency forward if we want to save lives."

Of the 10 most populated cities in the world, eight are prone to earthquakes while six are exposed to storm surges, floods and tsunamis. The UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<"http://www.ipcc.ch/">IPCC) envisages increased instances of weather-related disasters in the future, with over 200 million people at potential risk from coastal flooding in densely populated cities such as Cairo, Dhaka, Mumbai, New York and London.

This week's three-day meeting will review progress made in policies adopted since the January 2005 World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan. Taking place only weeks after the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, countries adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action, a 10-year plan to bolster the ability of nations and communities to respond to disasters.

"We certainly need to continue reducing carbon emissions but as global warming is already here, we need at the same time to find other ways to reduce the impacts of climate change," said Sálvano Briceño, Director of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (<"http://www.unisdr.org/">ISDR) Secretariat.

"Good governance, effective planning, courageous budgeting and implementing policies to prevent human settlement in hazardous areas are indispensable; we have to ensure that hospitals, schools, transportation and water systems are hazard-resilient," he said.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES AND PARTNERS CONDEMN KILLINGS OF TWO SRI LANKAN AID WORKERS

UN AGENCIES AND PARTNERS CONDEMN KILLINGS OF TWO SRI LANKAN AID WORKERS
New York, Jun 5 2007 5:00PM
United Nations agencies and their partners on the ground today condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal killings of two workers of the Sri Lankan Red Cross, warning that this is a sign of intensified danger for relief personnel.

In a statement issued today, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) country team in the South Asian country – comprising UN agencies and its partners including the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Oxfam and Save the Children – said that the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killings of the workers demand that the police investigate the case thoroughly.

"The IASC is deeply concerned about the security of all aid workers in Sri Lanka," the Committee said, recalling that just ten months ago, 17 aid workers from Action Contre la Faim (Action Against Hunger) were killed in Sri Lanka.

"These latest killings are an ominous sign of an evolving situation in which aid workers are facing increasing difficulties in delivering assistance to needy populations."

The Committee's members called for those behind the killings to be brought to justice and for confidence to be restored to the humanitarian environment.

Yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the killings, voicing concern about the security of civilians and aid workers in Sri Lanka and reminding "all parties in the country that aid workers have a right to protection at all times," according to a statement by his spokesperson.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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POLITICAL SOLUTION THE ONLY ANSWER TO MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT, BAN KI-MOON STRESSES

POLITICAL SOLUTION THE ONLY ANSWER TO MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT, BAN KI-MOON STRESSES
New York, Jun 5 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked today's 40th anniversary of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War with a reminder to all sides that Palestinian statehood, security for Israelis and peace in the region cannot be achieved by force.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11026.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said "an end to the occupation and a political solution to the conflict is the only way forward – for Israelis, Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese and the wider region.

"This will only be achieved through negotiations to bring about an end to the occupation, on the basis of the principle of land for peace, as envisaged in Security Council resolutions <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/res/242(1967)">242 (1967) and <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/res/338(1973)">338 (1973)."

The statement stressed that the UN remains committed to working tirelessly "for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region" in line with those Council resolutions and international law.

"The Secretary-General remembers the men, women and children who have been killed or had their lives shattered by the tragedies of conflict in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinians who continue to live under an occupation that has lasted 40 years."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour also issued a <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/1A29FB98288E024BC12572F10030A61C?opendocument">statement to mark the anniversary, calling for human rights to be given a more prominent role in the search for a solution to the Middle East conflict.

Ms. Arbour said the Israeli occupation since 1967 was "a regime which has led to wide-ranging and serious violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people, first and foremost among them the right to self-determination."

She said "the occupation must give way to a lasting political solution allowing both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders."

Saying "human rights have for too long taken a back seat" in the search for a solution, Ms. Arbour said both crises that flare up and the longer-term resolution of the conflict should be dealt with according to international human rights and humanitarian law.

"This includes the relevant obligations as reaffirmed in July 2004 in the International Court of Justice's (<"http://www.icj-cij.org/homepage/index.php?lang=en">ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

The High Commissioner observed that the right to life "continues to be violated within a general climate of impunity in the region," whether through the Israeli Defence Forces' (IDF) extrajudicial executions or artillery attacks, internal Palestinian violence or Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians.

Greater efforts should be made to counter the growing sense of disempowerment that so many Palestinians feel in the occupied territory, she said, calling for immediate steps towards removing settlements and lifting obstacles to Palestinians' freedom of movement.

The right of Palestinians to travel, particularly between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, "is seriously compromised and has severely curtailed Palestinians' exercise of a wide range of other human rights, including health, education, work and family life."
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES HELP CHILDREN DISPLACED BY LEBANESE FIGHTING RETURN TO SCHOOL

UN AGENCIES HELP CHILDREN DISPLACED BY LEBANESE FIGHTING RETURN TO SCHOOL
New York, Jun 5 2007 6:00PM
About 1,000 Palestinian children and teachers displaced from a refugee camp in northern Lebanon because of deadly fighting have returned to school ahead of critical examinations under a programme organized by two United Nations aid agencies.

Eight buses are ferrying the youths and teachers from the Beddawi refugee camp to schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the area around Tripoli, according to a press release issued today by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which is also supporting the operation.

Under the bus programme, which began on Saturday, the teenage pupils and their teachers are being transported in three shifts each day to the schools.

Classes normally held at Beddawi had stopped last month so that schools there could be converted to shelters for the thousands of refugees fleeing the fighting between Lebanese armed forces and Fatah al-Islam gunmen in the nearby Nahr el-Bared camp.

UNRWA estimates that 21,000 people have fled Nahr el-Bared since fighting erupted on 20 May, with the majority of families living now in Beddawi, either in the schools or with host families.

This has meant that schools at both Beddawi and Nahr el-Bared have closed at a crucial time in the Lebanese academic calendar, when qualifying examinations are nearing.

Students in grade nine face a mandatory "Brevet" exam before they can pursue secondary school education, while senior students must take the Baccalaureate exam to qualify for university.

UNICEF stressed today that a return to school for the students is vital for more than just academic reasons; it also enhances the emotional well-being of children caught up in extremely difficult living conditions.

Aside from the bus programme with UNRWA, UNICEF is strengthening its recreation programmes and psychosocial support services for children affected by the fighting in Nahr el-Bared. Recreation kits have been distributed to more than 3,000 children and over 100 Palestinian youths have been trained to facilitate games, sports and other activities with their peers.

Yesterday UNRWA launched an emergency appeal for nearly $13 million to help the Palestinians who have fled Nahr el-Bared, with the funds raised to be spent on food assistance and emergency shelter to relieve the congestion at Beddawi.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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UN PROVIDING AFGHAN RETURNEES WITH LIFE-SAVING MINE RISK EDUCATION

UN PROVIDING AFGHAN RETURNEES WITH LIFE-SAVING MINE RISK EDUCATION
New York, Jun 5 2007 7:00PM
Afghans who have returned from Iran over the past few weeks are receiving life-saving education to reduce the risk of injury from mines and unexploded ordnance, thanks to the efforts of the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA).

"Mine risk education is crucial for these newly returned Afghans," UN spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Kabul today, noting that all but two of Afghanistan's 34 provinces are still contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance, and that an average of two Afghans fall victim to these devices every day.

Mine risk education teams from the Afghan Red Crescent Society and other groups are being deployed to run sessions for returnees at the Zaranj and Islam Qala border points and also in Farah province. Mine risk education posters will also be placed in prominent sites in these areas.

UNMACA will broadcast frequent messages in Farah through local radio networks to target returnees and raise their awareness of mines and unexploded ordnance.

The mine risk education programme is also working with the BBC and Afghan Education Projects to incorporate mine risk education into the programme <i>New Home New Life</i>, which is broadcast several times a week on the BBC World Service in both Pashto and Dari.

The Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan (MAPA), an umbrella organization comprised of partners that are coordinated by UNMACA, has cleared more than 1 billion square meters throughout Afghanistan since 1989 – destroying more than 323,000 anti-personnel mines, over 18,500 anti-tank mines and almost seven million pieces of unexploded ordnance.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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SITUATION TENSE IN TIMOR-LESTE IN WAKE OF DEADLY WEEKEND SHOOTINGS - UN

SITUATION TENSE IN TIMOR-LESTE IN WAKE OF DEADLY WEEKEND SHOOTINGS – UN
New York, Jun 5 2007 7:00PM
Although the overall security situation in Timor-Leste is stable, the district of Viequeque remains tense in the wake of two deadly shootings over the weekend, according to the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the country which the world body ushered to independence in 2002.

UN Police (UNPOL) conducted 43 patrols and responded to five incidents in the capital Dili today, and reported no injuries or damage to property, the UN Mission in Timor-Leste (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/index.html">UNMIT) said.

UNPOL is also continuing its investigation into the two killings that took place in Viqueque over the weekend, and officers from the Major Crime Investigation Unit are working with forensics experts and other officers from the National Investigation Unit who arrived in the district today.

The first shooting took place one hour after a campaign rally for the National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) concluded. Following altercations between CNRT supporters and their opponents, one man was shot dead in a marketplace.

UNMIT said the man is believed to have been shot by an off-duty officer of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and a search is under way to apprehend the person responsible.

The second deadly incident occurred when a group of CNRT supporters, accompanied by former President Xanana Gusmão who heads the party, returned the body of the deceased man to his hometown of Ossu. Initial reports said that PNTL members fired shots to control a crowd and a 24-year-old man was killed while a 16-year-old was injured.

Earlier this week, the Government stressed that it will not tolerate retaliation for the shootings, and reiterated its call for political supporters to remain calm, said UNMIT's acting head, Eric Tan.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCIES, PARTNERS CALL ON WEALTHY NATIONS TO ADOPT EMISSION TARGETS

UN AGENCIES, PARTNERS CALL ON WEALTHY NATIONS TO ADOPT EMISSION TARGETS
New York, Jun 5 2007 7:00PM
United Nations agencies and their partners are calling on the world's leading industrialized nations, on the eve of their Group of Eight (G8) summit, to take bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.

Climate change will feature prominently on the agenda, when leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States meet tomorrow in Heiligendamm, Germany, for their three-day summit.

Today, the heads of more than 20 leading financial service companies – members of the UN Environment Programme's (<"http://www.unep.org/">UNEP) Finance Initiative – called on G8 leaders to adopt deep emission reduction targets no later than 2009.

They fear that "unchecked climate change" could lead to an increase in climate-related disasters and include annual economic losses that could rise to as much as $1 trillion by 2040.

"Many of the effects of climate change are beginning to be manifested and the threats posed by continued warming will affect – and even possibly disrupt – the operation of markets, societies, ecosystems and cultures," the group stated.

Meanwhile, senior officials from the UN Development Programme (<"http://www.undp.org/dpa/journalists/">UNDP), the Convention on Biodiversity and the World Conservation Union and their partners encouraged G8 leaders to protect the diversity of life on earth and support adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, stated that "climate change and biodiversity loss, two strongly linked issues, are poised to interfere with, and even reverse, progress that is being made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)" – specific targets agreed to by world leaders for reducing poverty and achieving major advances in health, education, environment and equality by 2015.

The two issues could also disrupt economies and international trade, as well as fuel international conflict over access to natural resources, Dr. Djoghlaf added.

Also today, UNDP named banking and insurance leader Fortis as the financial services provider for UNDP's MDG Carbon Facility, thereby making the Facility – designed to harness the vast resources of the carbon market to bring long-term sustainable development to developing countries – operational.

Under the terms of the partnership, announced in Berlin, UNDP will help developing countries conceive projects intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and will ensure that these projects meet the Kyoto Protocol's agreed standards and deliver real, sustainable benefits to the environment and broader human development.

Fortis will then purchase and sell the emissions-reduction credits generated by these projects. The proceeds will provide developing countries and communities with a new flow of resources to finance much needed investment and to promote development.

The issue of global climate change is also being discussed at the Junior 8 Summit, an international youth conference in Wismar, Germany, this week with an agenda that mirrors that of the G8 summit.

A joint initiative sponsored by the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) and the Morgan Stanley International Foundation, "J8" aims to strengthen the voice of children and young people and enhance their ability to influence decisions with the G8.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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WEALTHY COUNTRIES MUST CONTINUE SHOWING LEADERSHIP ON AIDS -- UN AGENCY

WEALTHY COUNTRIES MUST CONTINUE SHOWING LEADERSHIP ON AIDS -- UN AGENCY
New York, Jun 6 2007 8:00AM
As top officials from the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized countries gather in Germany for their summit meeting today, the main United Nations agency dealing with AIDS urged them to show continued leadership on the issue.

The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) "urges the G8 leaders to translate their previous commitments on AIDS into tangible action and to ensure that additional pledges on AIDS reinforce and build on existing," according to a press statement released ahead of the meeting of leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States in Heiligendamm.

The agency praised the G8 leaders for their "unprecedented commitments" that led the international community to work towards the goal of ensuring universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by the year 2010.

It welcomed the results of resource tracking reports that show increases in international financing from the G8, European Commission and other donor governments. "We also applaud the increases seen in domestic spending on AIDS and recent announcements to extend and expand investment in the global AIDS response."

At the same time, the agency cautioned that commitments to reaching universal access will not be met at the current rate of progress. "Despite increases in funding, according to latest data for 2006, resources available for AIDS still fell dramatically short of the estimated needs by $6 billion," UNAIDS said.

This occurred against the backdrop of 4.3 million new HIV infections in 2006. Latest evidence indicates that the 11 million people projected to need antiretroviral treatment by the year 2010 may be underestimated by up to 50 per cent, based on a better understanding of clinical progression to AIDS and new data which shows that starting treatment earlier provides a more effective response, according to the agency.

"While the G8 leaders meet in Ge
33,000 people will be newly infected with HIV and nearly 24,000 people will die from AIDS-related illnesses," UNAIDS noted, pledging to "continue working with countries to 'make the money work' and to ensure universal access becomes a reality."

2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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RISK REDUCTION IS KEY TO ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE, BAN KI-MOON SAYS

RISK REDUCTION IS KEY TO ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE, BAN KI-MOON SAYS
New York, Jun 6 2007 8:00AM
Risk reduction is critical to addressing climate change and other hazards, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message to an expert meeting being held in Geneva to address the issue.

"We must act with renewed commitment to save lives and livelihoods from the effects of natural hazards, particularly in developing nations, where the world's poorest are also the most vulnerable," Mr. Ban said in a video message to the first session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, which opened yesterday and runs through tomorrow.

"And we must act with even greater urgency given the impact of climate change," he cautioned, pointing out that scientists predict more extreme weather, with rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms and droughts.

"This could affect millions of people. Risk reduction is our front-line defence against these threats," said Mr. Ban, calling on those present "to act with common purpose" in addressing the problem.

Representatives of more than 100 governments are attending the meeting, which is also attracting the participation of the UN and other specialized organizations, academic institutions, financial associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups.

They will review progress made in policies adopted since the January 2005 World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Japan, where countries adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action, a 10-year plan to bolster the ability of nations and communities to respond to disasters.

2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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YEMEN'S WORST LOCUST OUTBREAK IN YEARS THREATENS CROPS -- UN

YEMEN'S WORST LOCUST OUTBREAK IN YEARS THREATENS CROPS -- UN
New York, Jun 6 2007 8:00AM
Yemen faces its worst outbreak of crop-devouring locusts in nearly 15 years, a United Nations agency warned today, urging action to head off the damage.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) called in a news release for a helicopter survey and control campaign to avoid massive infestations and serious damage to food crops.
"Widespread breeding is in progress within a large and remote area of an estimated 31,000 square kilometres in the interior of Yemen, where locust swarms are likely to form," said FAO expert Keith Cressman, who has just returned from a weeklong assessment mission to the country.

He estimated that overall, between 50,000 and 75,000 hectares may have to be treated this summer.

The situation could be exacerbated in the coming days by heavy rains and high winds associated with a very strong tropical cyclone over Oman, the agency warned.

It noted that the Government of Yemen is mobilizing national funds to address the problem but international assistance will be necessary to support this effort.

According to FAO, a "very small part" of an average locust swarm eats the same amount of food in one day as about 2,500 people.

2007-06-06 00:00:00.000

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IRAQ SHOULD PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR 1990-1991 KILLINGS - UN REPORT

IRAQ SHOULD PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR 1990-1991 KILLINGS – UN REPORT
New York, Jun 5 2007 6:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Iraqi Government to bring to justice those responsible for killings that occurred during the 1990 invasion and subsequent occupation of Kuwait.

In a just-published <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/321">report to the Security Council on efforts to recover Kuwaiti and third country nationals as well as property lost during the war, Mr. Ban strongly condemns the killings by the previous Iraqi regime.

"The execution of Kuwaiti civilians and a decade-long cover-up of the truth constitute a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law," writes Mr. Ban. "I call on the Government of Iraq to ensure that those responsible for these despicable crimes are brought to justice."

A total of 233 mortal remains have so far been identified, according to the report. Kuwait has informed the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that it will be returning about 40 sets of human remains to Iraq because the test results produced inconclusive results.

Those materials will be returned with DNA profiles and other information which may help Iraq to identify its nationals who lay in mass graves, the report notes.

The Secretary-General acknowledges that "serious security challenges confront continued searches for the Kuwaiti detainees and third-country nationals or their remains in Iraq" but voices hope that efforts by the Tripartite Commission, which includes the United States, will provide an "avenue for the continuation of work and resumption of field operations."

Also released today is the latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/314">report of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), which describes work on the issue of chemical and biological agents.

In a detailed annex, the report notes that "it may be difficult for Iraq's authorities to collect a complete set of data on activities in the chemical area in the country without appropriate national regulations and/or requirements on its facilities and other entities" since the Iraqi Government no longer has as much control as in the past.

On biological agents, the report points out that UNMOVIC "has improved its capabilities for assessing whether a biological agent was produced in a particular laboratory, by now having access to the forensic microbiology capabilities of its international network of reference laboratories."

The Commission adds that this capability "can assist in the genetic identification of micro-organisms and can enable the tracing of its source."
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEDGES 'GREEN' UN COMPLEX

SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEDGES 'GREEN' UN COMPLEX
New York, Jun 5 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today pledged that the United Nations will help safeguard the planet by making its own in-house practices more climate-neutral and environmentally sustainable.

In an <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11028.doc.htm">address at the headquarters of the UN World Tourism Organization (<"http://www.world-tourism.org/newsroom/news/en/press_det.php?id=711&idioma=E">UNWTO) in Madrid, Mr. Ban said that he believes that the Capital Master Plan – a planned $1.9 billion refurbishment of the Organization's Secretariat building in New York – is a "good starting point" for building on success achieved so far.

"I would like to see our renovated Headquarters complex eventually become a globally acclaimed model of efficient use of energy and resources," he said, urging all UN offices around the world to join in this initiative.

In the speech which coincided with World Environment Day, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to eliminate wasteful practices.

"That is why, today, I am asking the heads of all UN agencies, funds and programmes to join me in this effort," he said, adding that UN staff members across the system should do their part.

"This undertaking will require dedication, perseverance and considerable financial resources, and the strong support of our Member States," Mr. Ban noted.

In the speech, he also said that tourism is harbinger of peace and can propel economic growth.

"Tourism is the people's building block for global peace and cultural understanding," he observed. "By bringing ordinary men and women from around the world into contact with one another, it helps dispel the myths, stereotypes and caricatures that often hold sway from a distance."

He also highlighted the role that travel can play in boosting economies and mitigating poverty, as tourism has shown to be one of the best means by which the least developed countries have increased their participation in the global marketplace.

Although UNWTO is the smallest and youngest of the UN specialized agencies, attaining that status in 2003, Mr. Ban emphasized its key role in the broader work of the world body.

UNWTO's "Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty" programme works towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of global anti-poverty targets to be reached by 2015, while the agency's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism "provides a much-needed framework for responsible and sustainable world tourism," he noted.

Climate change is an issue the impacts UNWTO, the Secretary-General observed, as mass travel – 840 million people yearly travel across borders while an even larger number travels within their own home country – play a part in rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

He welcomed the agency's undertaking of the topic at its Summit later this year, and said that he looked forward to presenting UNWTO's conclusions at a major world conference on climate change to be held in December in Bali, Indonesia.
2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON URGES STUDENTS TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

BAN KI-MOON URGES STUDENTS TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
New York, Jun 5 2007 11:00AM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on students around the globe to join the fight against climate change.

"If we do not act, the true cost of our failure will be borne by succeeding generations, starting with yours," Mr. Ban told young people gathered at Headquarters in New York, as well as those in Pakistan and Canada linked via video-conference, as part of the annual student observance of World Environment Day.

"That would be an unconscionable legacy; one which we must all join hands to avert," he stated.
Warning that the world cannot continue with "business as usual," he stressed the need for joint action on a global scale to address climate change.

"There are many policy and technological options available to address the impending crisis, but we need the political will to seize them," he stated.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to raise worldwide awareness of the environment and boost political attention and action.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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UN FUND'S $3 MILLION DONATION FACILITATES AID FLIGHTS IN SOMALIA

UN FUND'S $3 MILLION DONATION FACILITATES AID FLIGHTS IN SOMALIA
New York, Jun 5 2007 8:00AM
A $3 million contribution from a United Nations humanitarian fund will help facilitate the delivery of badly needed aid to Somalia, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said today.

The contribution from the UN Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF) "means that agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be able to send more staff and more assistance by air -- something that is essential during the current long rains, especially with the recent increased needs arising from the fighting in Mogadishu," said WFP Somalia Country Director Peter Goossens in Nairobi.

WFP manages the UN Common Air Service, which makes regular flights into and out of Somalia from neighbouring Kenya and internal flights within Somalia carrying both humanitarian workers and cargo. The new CERF funding will underwrite part of the costs for passengers and all the costs for cargo that until now have been paid in full by agencies and partner NGOs using the service.

In addition, the CERF donation will pay for the emergency rehabilitation of the airstrip at Wajid in southwestern Somalia to avoid its imminent closure. Wajid is the only continuously accessible airstrip in south and central Somalia and is a vital hub for humanitarian assistance, WFP said.

The United Nations estimates that nearly 400,000 people fled Mogadishu between 1 February and the end of April. In addition to the people forced to leave their homes in Mogadishu by fierce fighting, WFP aims to feed some 850,000 people in other parts of Somalia during 2007.

2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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MORE THAN 4 MILLION IRAQIS HAVE FLED HOME AS SITUATION WORSENS -- UN

MORE THAN 4 MILLION IRAQIS HAVE FLED HOME AS SITUATION WORSENS -- UN
New York, Jun 5 2007 8:00AM
More than 4 million Iraqis have fled their homes, seeking refuge either inside the country or beyond its borders as the situation deteriorates, the United Nations refugee agency said today, urging countries to do more to ease their plight.

"The situation in Iraq continues to worsen, with more than 2 million Iraqis now believed to be displaced inside Iraq and another 2.2 million sheltering in neighbouring States," said Jennifer Pagonis a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said today in Geneva.

"UNHCR is rapidly expanding its operations and presence in the region, but the magnitude of the crisis is staggering," she said.

Calls for increased international support for governments in the region have so far brought few results, and access to social services for Iraqis remains limited, according to the agency, which notes that most of the burden is being carried by Jordan and Syria.

"Recognition rates of Iraqis in various countries outside the region, particularly in Europe, remain low. UNHCR repeats its call for all borders to remain open to those in need of protection."

Inside Iraq, some 85 per cent of the displaced -- mostly from Baghdad and surrounding districts -- are in the central and southern regions. Since February last year, an estimated 820,000 people have been displaced, "including 15,000 Palestinians who have nowhere to go," Ms. Pagonis said.

She said the governorates inside Iraq "are becoming overwhelmed by the needs of the displaced." At least 10 out of the 18 governorates have closed their borders or are restricting access to new arrivals.

"UNHCR is receiving disturbing reports of regional authorities refusing to register new arrivals, including single women, and denying access to government services. Many displaced have been evicted from public buildings," she said.

The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and WFP indicate that nearly half of the displaced have no ac
channels and the number of impoverished shanty towns is increasing.

According to government figures, some 1.4 million Iraqis are now displaced in Syria, up to 750,000 in Jordan, 80,000 in Egypt and some 200,000 in the Gulf region. Syria alone receives a minimum of 30,000 Iraqis a month.

UNHCR has 300 staff based in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Geneva and in Iraq itself working full time the issue.

"Since the beginning of the year, our offices in surrounding countries have registered more than 130,000 Iraqi refugees," Ms. Pagonis said, adding that by the end of May, UNHCR had interviewed some 7,000 of the most vulnerable Iraqis and sent their dossiers to potential resettlement countries for their further assessment and action.

"We urge these countries to make rapid decisions and facilitate the departure of those most in need."

UNHCR is racing to help the displaced but requirements far outstrip resources. "Our goal is to provide basic assistance and shelter to some 300,000 uprooted Iraqis inside the country by the end of this year. This, however, is just a fraction of the overall needs," Ms. Pagonis said.

2007-06-05 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON DISPATCHING UN POLITICAL CHIEF TO HORN OF AFRICA

BAN KI-MOON DISPATCHING UN POLITICAL CHIEF TO HORN OF AFRICA
New York, Jun 4 2007 7:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today that he will <" http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2599">dispatch the world body's top political officer to the Horn of Africa to discuss how to bring peace and stabilization to troubled Somalia.

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs <"http://www.un.org/depts/dpa/usg.html">B. Lynn Pascoe will leave later this week for his trip, during which he plans to visit several countries, starting with Kenya. Some details of the itinerary have not yet been finalized.

En route to Africa, Mr. Pascoe will participate in a London meeting on Wednesday of the International Contact Group for Somalia, whose members include Italy, Kenya, Norway, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the AU, European Union (EU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), League of Arab States and the UN.

The meeting will also be attended by leaders of the East African country's Transitional Federal Government (TFG), senior officials of the Group's member states and the Secretary's Special Representative for Somalia, François Lonsény Fall.

Mr. Pascoe plans to brief the Security Council on his visit to the region upon his return to New York.

According to UN figures, 340,000 people, or roughly one-third of the Somali capital's population, fled the hostilities in Mogadishu since February, while at least 1,000 have sustained serious injuries.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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MIGIRO SAYS AFRICA STRIVING TO BUILD PEACE BUT COMPLEX CHALLENGES REMAIN

MIGIRO SAYS AFRICA STRIVING TO BUILD PEACE BUT COMPLEX CHALLENGES REMAIN
New York, Jun 4 2007 7:00PM
Hailing the progress made in recent years to advance peace and security in Africa, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today said that equal attention must be devoted to development and human rights on the continent.

"Africa's progress disproves the distorted and widespread portrayal of the continent as a sea of conflict and undifferentiated poverty," she said, noting the dramatic drop in violent conflicts in the last decade.

Addressing the New York City Bar Association's Committee on African Affairs, Ms. Migiro said that in many parts of the continent, remarkable advances have been made in ending armed conflict and consolidating peace, highlighting examples such as Liberia, where a landmark vote two years ago brought the first woman President of an African nation into office.

At the same time, she recognized that Africa continues to grapple with immense challenges such as promoting human rights and the rule of law, and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals">MDGs) – a set of global anti-poverty targets to be achieved by 2015.

"So much needs to be done before we can speak of a real improvement in Africa's human rights situation," she stated.

Another major challenge is the violence that continues to have tragic consequences for civilians in Africa's remaining conflict areas, she said, adding that "nowhere is the tragedy of conflict more evident than in Darfur."

The Deputy Secretary-General said that despite the joint efforts of the UN and the African Union (AU) to reinvigorate the peace process and strengthen peacekeeping, the violence in that war-torn region of Sudan is taking an "unacceptable toll" on human lives.

"Today, there is no single issue to which the Secretary-General or his senior colleagues devote more efforts than Darfur," she said.
The UN has organized what is currently its largest humanitarian operation in the world in Darfur, where more than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million others displaced from their homes since clashes erupted in 2003 between Government forces, allied Janjaweed militias and rebel groups.
"The goal is to work out a negotiated solution and deploy a robust peacekeeping operation capable of supporting an enhanced peace agreement," Ms. Migiro said.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT URGES GREATER FEMALE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN MIDDLE EAST

ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT URGES GREATER FEMALE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN MIDDLE EAST
New York, Jun 4 2007 6:00PM
For genuine gender equality to take root in the Middle East, more women must take leadership positions in the public sphere, the United Nations General Assembly President said today in an <" http://www.un.org/ga/president/61/statements/statement20070604.shtml">address to the Senate of Spain in Madrid.

"The Middle East is a vast, diverse region and the status of women varies significantly from one country to the other," Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa – a legal expert who has championed women's rights for 30 years – of Bahrain said. "Women in some parts of the region still face multi-layered discrimination that is deep-rooted in our legal framework, culture and educational system," she added.

Citing some of the problems women in the Middle East face, Sheikha Haya noted that in many countries, they are hindered by family laws which have been interpreted "subject to completely different social contexts in today's world," and she stressed the importance of basing interpretations of Islamic texts to the needs of the 21st century.

"Often traditions are associated with religion, making them far more difficult to criticize or change," she observed. "This has created a mentality that fears the autonomy of women because it is viewed as a threat: a threat to the traditional family and a threat to marital relationship s as well as a catalyst to sexual freedom."

As a result, she said, some men consider women physically incapable of carrying out certain duties, which has the consequence of women doubting their own capabilities and "accepting a level of control and submission, even violence at times, to keep the family intact."

Sheikha Haya also called for the implementation of curricula, focusing on such subjects as philosophy and theology, which encourage critical thinking.

"These subjects lay the foundation to review, evaluate and criticize the ideas that shape our societies," she noted, adding that education should respect diversity and equip future educations with the skills to openly tackle obstacles we face today.

"We should not be left with fertile ground for extremist ideologies," she said. "We should not allow those who want to limit us to the past to solve problems of the present."

The Assembly President pointed out that in recent elections in Bahrain and Kuwait, many religious leaders pushed for women to not be elected, arguing that a woman's place is in the home. She added that some women themselves do not want other women to be involved in politics, which they see as unfeminine and a threat to society.

However, she emphasized that despite women in the Middle East remaining under-represented in the public sphere – including in parliaments, at high government positions and in multilateral institutions – many play a key role and influence policy and public opinion through the media, petitions to governments and their participation in union, political party and non-governmental organization (NGO) activities.

"Indeed, there is a long tradition of women's involvement in NGOs and civil society institutions in the Middle East," she said. "It is a trend that needs to be strengthened by all."

Sheikha Haya is in Spain on a three-day visit to Cordoba, Seville and Madrid, organized by Casa Arabe, an international institute of Arab and Islamic studies.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES OPENING OF WAR CRIMES TRIAL OF CHARLES TAYLOR

BAN KI-MOON WELCOMES OPENING OF WAR CRIMES TRIAL OF CHARLES TAYLOR
New York, Jun 4 2007 6:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has <" http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2596">welcomed today's start of the war crimes trial of the notorious former Liberian president Charles Taylor, calling it "a significant move towards peace and reconciliation" in West Africa.

The trial adjourned this morning in The Hague after an initial hearing in which the Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (<"http://www.sc-sl.org/index.html">SCSL) Stephen Rapp and trial attorney Mohamed Bangura presented the charges against Mr. Taylor and gave his opening statement.

"The witnesses that we will call and the documents that we will present will prove that the Accused is responsible for the development and execution of a plan that caused the death and destruction in Sierra Leone," Mr. Rapp and Mr. Bangura said in their statement.

"The plan, formulated by the Accused and others, was to take over political and physical control of Sierra Leone in order to exploit its abundant natural resources and to establish a friendly or subordinate government there to facilitate this exploitation."

The prosecutors noted in their statement that Sierra Leoneans have high expectations for the trial.

"They are the ones who still bear the scars of this brutal conflict and for whom this process of accountability, no matter what the eventual outcome, will have its greatest meaning."

Mr. Taylor did not attend but sent a lengthy statement challenging the competence of the SCSL and the charges against him. He also dismissed his SCSL-appointed legal defence team, electing to represent himself when the trial resumes on 12 March.

Mr. Taylor is facing 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, including mass murder, mutilations, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers, for his role in the decade-long civil war that engulfed Sierra Leone, which borders Liberia.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban thanked all States for their contributions towards the work of the SCSL and urged they continue their support until the Special Court can complete its mandate.

"This is an important day for the international community, contributing to the fight against impunity and the strengthening of the rule of law, not only in West Africa, but in the world as a whole," the statement said.
The trial is expected to last until December 2008, with a judgement likely by mid-2009. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call up to 139 core witnesses.
A year ago the Security Council authorized the staging of Mr. Taylor's trial at The Hague, citing reasons of security and expediency. Although the trial will be held at the premises of the International Criminal Court (<" http://www.icc-cpi.int/home.html&l=en">ICC), it will remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the SCSL.
The SCSL was established in January 2002 by an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the UN and is mandated to try "those who bear greatest responsibility" for war crimes and crimes against community committed in the country after 30 November 1996. So far 11 people have been indicted.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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WESTERN SAHARA'S DISPUTING PARTIES INVITED TO UN-LED TALKS

WESTERN SAHARA'S DISPUTING PARTIES INVITED TO UN-LED TALKS
New York, Jun 4 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited Morocco and the Frente Polisario to talks, along with their neighbours Algeria and Mauritania, later this month in an attempt to resolve the long-standing dispute over the status of Western Sahara.

The talks involving representatives of the two parties and the neighbours will take place "in the proximity of New York" on 18 June, Mr. Ban's spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters today.

Peter van Walsum, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, will conduct direct talks as a first step in the process of negotiations, Ms. Okabe added, noting that Mr. Ban hopes the talks will lead to a mutually agreed political solution to the dispute.

The invitations to the 18 June talks follow a request from the Security Council in its latest resolution on Western Sahara, issued in late April, that Morocco and the Polisario Front enter into negotiations without preconditions.

The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (<"http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/missions/minurso">MINURSO) has been in operation since 1991 monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front and organize the planned referendum on self-determination.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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AFRICA TO DOMINATE SECURITY COUNCIL'S WORK THIS MONTH, SAYS PRESIDENT

AFRICA TO DOMINATE SECURITY COUNCIL'S WORK THIS MONTH, SAYS PRESIDENT
New York, Jun 4 2007 5:00PM
The United Nations Security Council will have a "fairly heavy programme" this month, dominated by African subjects and including a visit to the continent, its President for June said today.

Briefing reporters at UN Headquarters on the 15-member body's schedule, Belgian Ambassador Johan C. Verbeke said the focus on African-related subjects is due partly to the fact that Africa is an important topic within the Council, and also because its members will embark on a week-long, five-nation visit next week.

The mission, which will depart on 14 June, will take Council members to Accra, Ghana; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Khartoum, Sudan; Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) before returning to New York on 21 June.

In addition, on 25 June, the Council will focus on the relationship between natural resources and conflicts during an open debate initiated by Belgium.

"The purpose is that we look at the relationship [between] natural resources and conflict from a perspective which transcends the classical perspective [that] the Council has been looking at it until now," Mr. Verbeke said.

"We see three ways of approaching the problem," he added. The first was in terms of natural resources being the origin or the cause of conflict, while the second was to view natural resources and their revenues as fuel for prolonging conflicts. The third was to view the resources as empowering newly-recovered governments to move beyond the conflict period.

Regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict – the focus of a meeting scheduled for 22 June ¬ Mr. Verbeke said he hoped that Council members will come with "some insights and a sense of urgency that all the diplomatic work ultimately bears on women, children and men for whose protection we are working here in New York."

Kosovo, the situation in the Middle East, and the possible phasing out of the UN mission tasked with verifying Iraq's compliance with its obligations to be rid of its weapons of mass destruction (<"http://www.unmovic.org">UNMOVIC) are among the other topics that are expected to be considered during June.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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FORMER NORWEGIAN, SOMALI OFFICIALS APPOINTED TO UN CHILDREN'S AGENCY

FORMER NORWEGIAN, SOMALI OFFICIALS APPOINTED TO UN CHILDREN'S AGENCY
New York, Jun 4 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today named a former Norwegian development minister and a former senior Somali government official as deputy executive directors of the United Nations Children's Fund (<" http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF).

Hilde Johnson of Norway has been serving as Senior Adviser to the President of the African Development Bank since 2005. Immediately prior to that, she was Norway's Minister of International Development, a post she has held twice. She succeeds Rima Salah of Jordan.

Omar Abdi, a Somali-born Canadian citizen, has been serving as Director of UNICEF's Middle East and North Africa Region since August last year. Before joining UNICEF in 1992, he held a number of senior positions in the Somali Government. He succeeds Toshiyuki Niwa of Japan.

Active in over 190 countries, UNICEF advocates for the protection of children's rights and helps meet their basic needs.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY LAUNCHES APPEAL TO AID REFUGEES DISPLACED BY LEBANESE FIGHTING

UN AGENCY LAUNCHES APPEAL TO AID REFUGEES DISPLACED BY LEBANESE FIGHTING
New York, Jun 4 2007 4:00PM
The main United Nations agency tasked with helping Palestinian refugees launched an appeal today for nearly $13 million to help the thousands of people who have had to flee the Nahr el-Bared camp in northern Lebanon because of deadly fighting.

More than 27,000 people have fled in the past two weeks, mainly to the already crowded Beddawi camp, where the living conditions are becoming unbearable as a result, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported.

UNRWA's <"http://www.un.org/unrwa/emergency/appeals/LebFlashAppeal_Jun07_sum.html">flash appeal calls for $12.7 million to deal with the immediate needs of the displaced refugees, especially for food assistance and emergency shelter to relieve the congestion at Beddawi, where the population has swollen from 16,000 to 37,000.

"Displaced persons have very little resources to cater for their needs, and the coping mechanisms of hosting refugee families are severely strained," UNRWA said in a press statement accompanying the launch of its appeal in Beirut.

The agency is working with officials in the city of Tripoli, not far from Nahr el-Bared and Beddawi, to provide temporary alternative accommodation for some of the displaced families.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen Koning AbuZayd appealed to international donors to help the agency as soon as possible.

"The situation in the camps was already extremely and now it has deteriorated even further," she said. "This fighting has placed refugees in the front line and I am very concerned about the precarious situation in which they find themselves."

The appeal also includes provisions for emergency health, water and sanitation services, as well as a means to allow schoolchildren displaced by the fighting to sit for public examinations.

Fighting erupted two weeks ago between Lebanese army forces and Fatah al-Islam gunmen who had based themselves in Nahr el-Bared. Since then dozens of people have been killed, including many civilians.

In a statement released today, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/index.html">UNIFIL) said claims by Fatah al-Islam that it was involved in a military stand-off at the camp were completely unfounded.

"The UNIFIL Maritime Task Force has no part whatsoever in the developments in and around Nahr el-Bared camp," the statement said, adding that the task force is acting fully within its mandate, which includes assisting the Lebanese authorities in preventing the illegal flow of arms from the sea.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL MOURNS DEATHS OF TWO AID WORKERS IN SRI LANKA

SECRETARY-GENERAL MOURNS DEATHS OF TWO AID WORKERS IN SRI LANKA
New York, Jun 4 2007 4:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the brutal killings of two employees of the Sri Lankan Red Cross at the weekend and offered his condolences to their families.

Mr. Ban demanded that the police thoroughly investigate the incident and reminded the Government of its obligation to investigate the murders of 17 Action Contre la Faim aid workers who were killed 10 months ago, according to a statement released by his spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the security of civilians and aid workers in Sri Lanka and reminds all parties in the country that aid workers have a right to protection at all times," the <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2598">statement said.

Mr. Ban has spoken out repeatedly this year against the intensifying violence between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and called for them to return to the negotiating table.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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MELTING ICE WILL AFFECT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS GLOBALLY, NEW UN REPORT SAYS

MELTING ICE WILL AFFECT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS GLOBALLY, NEW UN REPORT SAYS
New York, Jun 4 2007 3:00PM
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide will be affected by melting snow covers, ice and glaciers, <"http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=512&ArticleID=5599&l=en">according to a new United Nations report released ahead of tomorrow's celebrations for World Environment Day.

The availability of water supplies for both drinking and agriculture will also be impacted, while rising sea levels will affect low-lying coastal areas and islands, said the report, <"http://www.unep.org/geo/geo%5Fice/PDF/full_report_LowRes.pdf">Global Outlook for Ice and Snow, compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and a network of about 70 world experts, and launched today in Tromso, Norway.

The report "underlines that the fate of the world's snowy and icy plates in a climatically challenged world should be cause for concern in every ministry, boardroom and living room across the world," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

"Indeed the findings are as relevant to people living in the tropics and temperate climes – and in cities from Berlin to Brasilia and Beijing to Boston – as they are for the people living in Arctic or in ice-capped mountain regions."

Melting snow and glaciers on the mountains of Asia alone could affect approximately 40 per cent of the planet's population, the report noted.

Additionally, as ice and snow melt, avalanches and floods from the build-up of potentially unstable glacial lakes are possible. As ice thaws, there is also the danger of higher levels of methane, a gas which contributes to global warming, being released.

Rising temperatures, coupled with the thawing of frozen land or "permafrost," are leading to the creation of new and expansion of existing lakes in places such as Siberia which are releasing bubbles of methane, estimated to be 43,000 years old.

Meanwhile, less snow and sea ice means that more of the sun's heat will be absorbed by land and polar oceans, which in turn will speed up global warming.

This year's slogan for <"http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english">World Environment Day is "Melting Ice – a Hot Topic" in support of International Polar Year, which runs from 2007 to 2008.

In a separate report released today in Tromso, UNEP said that polar tourism has surged in the past decade, potentially promoting environmental degradation in the regions, especially in the Arctic.

In Antarctica, the number of tourists visiting by land has soared 757 per cent in the past decade and those arriving by sea by 430 per cent in the past 14 years. In the Arctic, the number of tourists has increased from one million in the early 1990s to 1.5 million today.

However, effective management practices and implementation of infrastructure have not matched the challenge posed by these rising numbers of tourists.

Produced in conjunction with the International Ecotourism Society, the report called for relevant sustainable tourism policies to be adopted urgently.

Polar regions, "once the preserve of local indigenous communities and scientists, are now very much on the fashionable tourist map and cruise line schedules," Mr. Steiner said, adding that "tourism is an activity that if sustainably managed and with profits and revenues fairly shared can contribute to the conservation of the polar environment as well as the well-being and livelihoods of local communities in the Arctic," he said.

Stefanos Fotiou, head of UNEP's tourism unit and also coordinator of the report, called for more practical tools to be devised to help communities develop sustainable polar tourism policies and programmes."

The main celebrations for this year's Day will be held in Tromso, which hosts a centre for polar research. South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu will lead an ecumenical service in the Arctic Cathedral, and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will present the winners of a UNEP's children's painting competition on the environment.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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CLIMATE CHANGE RAISES MORE THAN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - BAN KI-MOON

CLIMATE CHANGE RAISES MORE THAN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Jun 4 2007 3:00PM
Projected changes in Earth's climate present more than just an environmental concern, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has told the Organization of American States (OAS) meeting in Panama City, warning of the "serious social and economic implications" as well.

Addressing last night's opening session of 37th OAS General Assembly on its theme "energy for sustainable development," Mr. Ban <" http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11022.doc.htm">said the adverse effects of climate change were already being felt in areas ranging from agriculture and food security to human health and energy, transport and industry.

Global warming, he added, could seriously impair the ability to reach the Millennium Development Goals (<"http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals">MDGs), the set of eight internationally agreed targets for reducing social and economic ills, and could even reverse achievements in human development.

"Today all countries recognize that climate change requires a long-term global response, in line with the latest scientific findings, and compatible with economic and social development," he said.

Mr. Ban's participation in the annual gathering was part of a two-day visit to Panama – his first trip to Latin America as Secretary-General.

During his speech he stressed the need for partnerships to combat climate change, adding that he believed that members of the OAS were "already on the right track" in this field.

"Your region has become a world leader on biofuels, which is an area, if treated carefully, [which] has significant potential. You are successfully implementing national energy efficiency programmes to promote a better use of resources, greater environmental sustainability, and economic growth."

The OAS, which brings together the nations of the western hemisphere, is the region's principal multilateral forum for strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, and confronting shared problems such as poverty, terrorism, illegal drugs and corruption.

Yesterday, the Secretary-General also visited the Panama Canal, where more than 14,000 ships transit every year between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Today he heads to Madrid for the second leg of his three-country tour. In the Spanish capital he is scheduled to meet King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister José Luís Rodriguez Zapatero and senior officials, and he will also visit the headquarters of the <"http://www.world-tourism.org">World Tourism Organization.
The last leg will be in Germany, where Mr. Ban will attend the summit of the Group of Eight (G8) nations at Heiligendamm and hold a series of bilateral meetings during his two-day visit next Thursday and Friday.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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TIMOR-LESTE: UN BOLSTERS ELECTORAL SECURITY AFTER DEADLY SHOOTINGS

TIMOR-LESTE: UN BOLSTERS ELECTORAL SECURITY AFTER DEADLY SHOOTINGS
New York, Jun 4 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste is stepping up electoral security in the eastern city of Viqueque after two people were fatally shot over the weekend.

The first incident took place one hour after a campaign rally for the National Congress for Reconstruction of Timor-Leste (CNRT) concluded. Following altercations between CNRT supporters and their opponents, one man was shot dead in a marketplace. UN Police (UNPOL) responded quickly and used tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

According to the UN mission, known as <"http://www.unmit.org">UNMIT, the man is believed to have been shot by an off-duty officer of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and a search is under way to apprehend the person responsible.

The second deadly shooting occurred when a group of CNRT supporters, accompanied by former President Xanana Gusmão who heads the party, returned the body of the deceased man to his hometown of Ossu. Initial reports said that PNTL members fired shots to control a crowd and a 24-year-old man was killed while a 16-year-old was injured.

"We are treating both shootings seriously," said Eric Tan, UNMIT's acting head, adding that the motivation for the first killing is unknown. Neither incident appears to have targeted Mr. Gusmão, he noted.

Yesterday, UNMIT representatives were present at a meeting convened by President José Ramos-Horta, with Government authorities, the International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL).

The ISF has deployed a platoon to Viqueque while the UN will reinforce its security plan ahead of parliamentary elections later this month.

The Government also stressed that it will not tolerate retaliation for the shootings, and have reiterated their call for political supporters to remain calm, Mr. Tan said.

All 16 parties participating in this month's election have signed a code of conduct that aims to foster a free and fair electoral process.

Mr. Ramos-Horta was sworn in late last month following two rounds of elections in April and May, beating out seven other candidates vying to lead the country, which the UN ushered to independence in 2002.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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CHILD HUNGER COSTING CENTRAL AMERICA BILLIONS ANNUALLY - UN

CHILD HUNGER COSTING CENTRAL AMERICA BILLIONS ANNUALLY – UN
New York, Jun 4 2007 12:00PM
Child undernutrition cost the economies of Central America and the Dominican Republic almost $7 billion – or 6.4 per cent of the region's gross domestic product (GDP) – in 2004, according to a new joint study by two United Nations agencies today.

The study – carried out by the UN World Food Programme (<"http://www.wfp.org/english/?ModuleID=137&Key=2507">WFP) and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (<"http://www.eclac.org/default.asp?idioma=IN">ECLAC) – calculated the effects of hunger and undernutrition on health, education and productivity.

It estimated the costs, including increased health care and education needs as well as a dip in economic activity due to lower productivity, borne by the region as a result.

The study, the first of its kind in the region, found that 90 per cent of economic losses are caused by a higher mortality rates owing to hunger-related illnesses and lower educational levels.

"This study is a wake up call to the international community that widespread child hunger is not only a moral and humanitarian issue, but it has economic consequences as well," WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said. "Clearly, we will not be able to eradicate poverty in the region or in the world for that matter, until we take effective steps to tackle hunger and malnutrition."

In the region as a whole, there are 880,000 children who are underweight, or approximately 14 per cent of children under the age of five.

"Undernutrition has very serious long-term costs, which are not limited to an individual's life-cycle given the impact on intrauterine growth during pregnancy of malnourished women," said Jose Luis Machinea, ECLAC Executive Secretary. "This cycle will more probably be repeated in their offspring and poverty will be perpetuated generation after generation if we don't act to remedy the situation."

The study also noted that current Governments are not to blame for the current levels of undernutrition in children, but rather decades of inaction are.

"We know that the Latin American region produces three times the amount of food needed to feed its population," said WFP Regional Director Pedro Medrano. "This means there are grounds for hope, and an opportunity for Governments and society to help children under age five to break the vicious cycle of poverty and hunger."

In 2006, WFP distributed food aid to over 5.6 million people in ten countries in the Latin American and the Caribbean region, including almost two million children in Food-for Education schemes and more than 850,000 mothers and children in maternal-child heath and nutrition programmes.

The study's findings will be presented today at a parallel event during the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Panama today, which Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to attend.
2007-06-04 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON BRIEFS SECURITY COUNCIL ON TENSE MIDDLE EAST SITUATION

BAN KI-MOON BRIEFS SECURITY COUNCIL ON TENSE MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and tense, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned the Security Council today, with fresh clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the resumption of fighting at a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon.

Briefing Council members in a closed-door session after returning from Berlin, where he took part in a meeting of the principals of the diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East, Mr. Ban said he has spoken to several regional leaders to try to help alleviate the situation.

He noted that the Quartet voiced support for the ongoing bilateral talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as regional efforts – particularly the Arab Peace Initiative – to find a solution to the conflict.

The Quartet, which comprises the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States, decided to meet at an undetermined location in the Middle East on 26 June or the day after to continue the momentum of international peace efforts, Mr. Ban's spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

Quartet members will meet with Israelis and Palestinians and will then hold a separate meeting with members of the Arab League to follow up on the Arab Peace Initiative, Ms. Montas added.

In northern Lebanon, fighting has again resumed between Lebanese army forces and Fatah al-Islam gunmen entrenched in the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp near the city of Tripoli.

The shelling today has been heavier than on previous days, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported, and it has meant the agency is unable to obtain first-hand information on the latest conditions for civilians living in the camp.

UNRWA estimates that about 5,000 people remain at Nahr el-Bared, less than two weeks after the deadly clashes erupted in a camp that was home to about 31,000 people. Most refugees fled to Tripoli or the nearby camp of Beddawi during lulls in the fighting.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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DPR KOREA: BAN KI-MOON SAYS AUDIT FINDS NO LARGE-SCALE DIVERSION OF FUNDS

DPR KOREA: BAN KI-MOON SAYS AUDIT FINDS NO LARGE-SCALE DIVERSION OF FUNDS
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
An external audit of the United Nations' activities in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has found there has been no large-scale or systematic diversion of UN funds provided by the world body's agencies to help in humanitarian relief efforts, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11021.doc.htm">statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said the report by the independent UN Board of Auditors "does point to some of the difficulties" that UN agencies have had in operating in the DPRK.

"On independence of staff hiring, foreign currency transactions and access to local projects, the report identifies practices not in keeping with how the UN operates elsewhere in the world," the statement said, adding however that the allegations of large-scale diversion of funds by the Pyongyang Government were not confirmed.

The Board's report has been sent to Mr. Ban – who requested such a review after allegations of wrongdoing emerged in January – and to the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), a UN budget watchdog.

The statement from Mr. Ban's spokesperson stressed that the Secretary-General expects the agencies involved – the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office for Projects Services (UNOPS) – "to act upon the findings in the audit as quickly and as transparently as possible."

He also believed several areas require follow-up in a subsequent audit phase, and he plans to write to the Chairman of the ACABQ to ask that the committee consider requesting the Board of Auditors continue its work, including by visiting the DPRK.

This audit was triggered by press reports alleging that UNDP's own internal audits raised concerns about payments being channelled improperly to the Government of the DPRK, including to its nuclear programme.

After the issue came to light, Mr. Ban promised an external, system-wide probe of UN activities in the field, calling first for a review of all UN activities, ranging from staff hiring to hard currency, in the DPRK from 1998 to the present.

"Today's report represents the first results of this ongoing effort" to systematically probe the world body's activities in the field, the spokesperson's statement said.

Also responding today, UNDP said that in spite of the challenging conditions posed by the DPRK, the agency did not violate its own rules or regulations.

"Overall, we believe that the audit report confirms what we have said all along, namely that UNDP had a relatively small programme in DPRK and certainly much smaller than the huge figures that have been circulating," with a budget of only $2 million to $3 million annually as opposed to the hundreds of millions that have been reported, the agency's Director of Communications, David Morrison, told journalists in New York.

He said that over the past decade, UNDP funds have added up to less than 2 per cent of all development assistance that has gone into DPRK and only approximately 0.1 per cent of foreign currency inflows into the country.

Mr. Morrison also stressed that any international operation in the DPRK involves payment either in hard currency or in local currency. UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foreign diplomatic missions and tourists must pay in either hard currency or the DPRK won, in which case hard currency must be converted at a bank in the country, with currency entering the country either way.

Although the audit report contained findings suggesting that UDNP had made certain payments directly in hard currency instead of converting it at the local bank and using DPRK currency, Mr. Morrison pointed out that there are no restrictions on utilization of foreign money in the agency's financial rules and regulations.

Another topic in the Board's purview was the hiring of Pyongyang Government employees on secondment from national ministries as local staff, which, in the DPRK, has "always been of an exceptional nature" and not in strict adherence with its policies in other countries, Mr. Morrison said.

But these hiring practices have been in use for the almost three decades the UNDP has been operational in the DPRK and thus the agency's board was well aware of it. Other UN agencies, international NGOs and foreign diplomatic missions in the DPRK employed the same hiring procedures.

Mr. Morrison also underscored how UNDP proactively undertook to reform their hiring and currency practices prior to today's audit report. In January, the agency's Executive Board adopted conditions to be implemented, including ending all hard currency payments and discontinuing the sub-contracting of national staff via Government recruitment as of 1 March.

When the DPRK, which has been subject to Security Council sanctions since October following its proclaimed nuclear test, failed to meet these conditions, UNDP suspended its operations in the country on 2 March.

"We are continuing to review the report and we'll focus in particular on the useful suggestions for where our rules and procedures could be strengthened," Mr. Morrison said, pledging UNDP's continued cooperation with the Board. "This will be especially useful in clarifying the basis for our operations in complex situations like in DPRK."
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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UN REFUGEE AGENCY HAILS CREWS SAVING LIVES AT SEA, URGES COASTAL STATES TO DO MORE

UN REFUGEE AGENCY HAILS CREWS SAVING LIVES AT SEA, URGES COASTAL STATES TO DO MORE
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
Spotlighting the plight of people in distress trying to reach Europe by sea, the United Nations refugee agency today hailed the humanitarian response of some crews while urging Mediterranean States to respond more to calls for help.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) "understands the challenges posed by the repeated arrivals of mixed groups of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in various Mediterranean countries but emphasizes that the need for assistance to people in distress at sea should remain the first priority," agency Jennifer Pagonis <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/4660020820.html">told reporters in Geneva.

She called attention to the plight of at least 53 people of mostly Eritrean origin who went missing more than a week ago between Libya and Malta. The group – including 28 women and 6 children – was last seen by the Maltese armed forces aboard a boat off the south coast of Malta on 21 May.

UNHCR recently received indications that the group might be in Libya and contacted the country's authorities, but so far has had no success in finding the missing.

Ms. Pagonis hailed the efforts of Italian and Spanish crews who responded to distress calls. While searching for the missing 53, the Italian crew located another group of 27 sub-Saharan nationals who had been clinging to fishing nets attached to a Maltese fishing boat for "three excruciatingly hot days and freezing nights," she said.

The group had received limited water and fruit from the fishing boat's crew, but were not allowed access to the vessel. The Italian Navy later rescued them and took them to Lampedusa, where they received assistance and would have access to national screening procedures, the agency said.

In a separate incident on 25 May, the Italian coast guard picked up another group of 52 individuals, including a child and seven women, who had been spotted by a Maltese aircraft but did not send out a distress call, according to UNHCR.

A day later, a Spanish fishing boat rescued 26 people – mainly from Côte d'Ivoire – on a sinking boat about 100 nautical miles from both Libya and Malta and provided them with water, food, blankets and assistance. After their efforts to disembark in Libya and Malta were blocked, they were accepted for disembarkation in Spain, Ms. Pagonis said.

"UNHCR is grateful for the prompt humanitarian response by the Italian and Spanish crews who made the saving of lives their priority and in this context calls on all coastal States to fulfil their international obligation in respect of the law of the sea," she said, appealing "to governments to strengthen coordination and cooperation in rescue operations to ensure that such incidents do not occur again."
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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NEARLY ONE QUARTER OF SOMALIS FLEEING MOGADISHU VIOLENCE HAVE RETURNED - UN

NEARLY ONE QUARTER OF SOMALIS FLEEING MOGADISHU VIOLENCE HAVE RETURNED – UN
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations refugee agency today said that nearly a quarter of the hundreds of thousands of people who fled deadly fighting in the Somali capital Mogadishu since this February have gone back but insecurity is preventing more returns.

Of the approximately 391,000 people who left the city, up to 90,000 have returned so far, primarily from the Shabelle and Bay regions in the war-torn country's south and centre.

"Living conditions in Mogadishu however remain difficult for returnees as for those who stayed in the capital throughout the conflict," the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis <"http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/466002064.html">told reporters in Geneva.

Garbage which has not been collected is piling up in many of Mogadishu's neighbourhoods, and numerous schools have remained shuttered as well.

Additionally, people have complained that they have lost their livelihoods. Roadside traders, for example, have complained that their businesses have been torn down by authorities who say that the traders' structures pose a security threat.

UNHCR's partners describe the returns to the capital as a trickle, with most of those coming back to Mogadishu mainly going to areas such as Waberi, Xamar, Jab-Jab and Medina districts which were not affected by rounds of hostilities between insurgents and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) backed by Ethiopian troops.

Although some have been trickling back to Mogadishu, many others are reluctant to return due to the security situation. Others who were previously displaced in the capital and living in public buildings for over a decade cannot return as their previous abodes have been taken over by the Government.

Some of those who have expressed a desire to go back to Mogadishu cannot afford the transportation. Others have been further displaced since the Shabelle river has overflowed, destroying homes and crops.

Earlier this week, a team comprising staff from UNHCR, the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/webpage.asp?Page=873&Lang=en">OCHA), the UN Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF), the UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en">WHO) and UN Security visited Mogadishu to assess options for distributing more aid in the city.

The team met with the TFG, civil society and other partners on the ground to determine methods on reaching 300,000 people as a one-time package to assist the needy.

OCHA announced yesterday that aid has been distributed to more than 90 per cent of those who fled the capital, but voiced particular concern over the prevalence of acute watery diarrhoea, which has killed nearly a thousand people, and the fact that some areas affected by the outbreak remain inaccessible.

This April, UNCHR provided supplies to 50,000 displaced Somalis taking refuge in Afgoye and other areas surrounding Mogadishu. In concert with other organizations, the shelter and basic household supplies needs for almost 70 per cent of those who fled the capital have been met.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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45 SITES NOMINATED THIS YEAR FOR INCLUSION ON UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

45 SITES NOMINATED THIS YEAR FOR INCLUSION ON UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
The committee that oversees requests for inscription on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage List will have 45 nominated sites to choose from when it meets for its annual session next month in New Zealand, <" http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=38088&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO has announced.

The nominated sites this year include 11 natural sites (one of which is an extension to a site already listed), 32 cultural sites and two mixed sites, according to a press release issued by UNESCO yesterday. Some 39 countries are presenting sites for inscription, while two of the nominated sites cross national boundaries.

The 21-member World Heritage Committee, comprised of representatives of the 184 States Parties to UNESCO's 1972 <" http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13055&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage<a/a>, is holding its annual session in Christchurch from 23 June to 2 July.

Each year the committee adds new sites to the World Heritage List, and there are now 830 sites of "outstanding universal value" that have been inscribed – including 644 cultural sites, 162 natural sites and 24 mixed sites.

Under the nominating process, States Parties propose sites, and their applications are reviewed by either the International Council on Monuments and Sites or the World Conservation Union before the committee decides whether to inscribe the sites on the World Heritage List.

This year's nominated sites come from the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, India, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Viet Nam.

During the session in Christchurch, the committee will examine the state of conservation of 31 World Heritage sites which have been inscribed on a separate list of World Heritage in Danger because of threats from natural disasters, pillaging, pollution, poorly managed mass tourism or other problems.

That list includes the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

A working session will be devoted to the state of conservation of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls, UNESCO said, adding the session would focus in particular on the recent archaeological excavations at the Mughrabi ascent.

The committee will also examine a strategy to reduce the risks to World Heritage sites posed by disasters, the impact of climate change and the definition of the concept of "outstanding universal value," which serves as the basis for inscription on the list.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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TIMOR-LESTE: UN OFFICIAL PREDICTS PEACEFUL POLL, NEED FOR COALITION

TIMOR-LESTE: UN OFFICIAL PREDICTS PEACEFUL POLL, NEED FOR COALITION
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
The head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/">UNMIT) today voiced optimism that upcoming parliamentary elections there will be as peaceful as the recent presidential ballot, and predicted the possible need for a coalition government.

"They went much better than any one of us could have expected," UNMIT chief Atul Khare told reporters in New York today, referring to the two rounds of the presidential election in April and May, which led to the swearing in of President José Ramos-Horta just weeks ago.

The biggest challenge following the upcoming parliamentary elections, Mr. Khare said, would be the process of forming a government in the country.

"It is abundantly clear to me that with 14 political parties in the fray, possibilities of forming a coalition government would have to be examined very carefully. It appears as practically unlikely that that any political party would get a clear majority," he stated.

He pointed to the need to strengthen the security sector, taking into consideration of the future role of the army and police. Justice, governance and development will also require attention, he said.

"We trust that the new government, the new leaders, would be in a position to address these challenges, supported by the United Nations, as they have been over the past several years," Mr. Khare said.

He said agreements recently signed by the parties will facilitate the upcoming polls.

The Political Party Accord covers basic principles of governance after the elections, committing all parties to a constructive and inclusive democratic process for the new Government and opposition.

The Code of Conduct signed by all political parties commits them, their candidates, their representatives and supporters to accept the results, or to challenge them only in competent courts, and to campaign positively through programmes of action not personal criticism of other candidates.

Mr. Khare said the Accord "bodes well for [the] development of a genuine multi-party, liberal democracy" in Timor-Leste.

The UN Mission, deployed following an outbreak of deadly violence last year, is helping with all aspects of the 2007 electoral processes, including technical and logistical support, electoral policy advice and verification.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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BOSNIAN SERB INDICTED ON GENOCIDE CHARGES HANDED OVER TO UN TRIBUNAL

BOSNIAN SERB INDICTED ON GENOCIDE CHARGES HANDED OVER TO UN TRIBUNAL
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
A Bosnian Serb ex-army officer and aide to the notorious army chief Ratko Mladic was today handed over to the United Nations war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to face genocide charges over the massacre of more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica.

Zdravko Tolimir, 48, was <"http://www.un.org/icty/pressreal/2007/pr1159e.htm">transferred to the custody of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (<"http://www.un.org/icty/">ICTY) in The Hague in the Netherlands after being detained by authorities yesterday in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Tolimir had been on the run for two years before his arrest.

Mr. Tolimir, who served as Assistant Commander for Intelligence and Security of the Main Staff of the Bosnian Serb army and reported directly to Mr. Mladic, faces charges of genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide and numerous crimes against humanity, including extermination, persecutions on political, racial or religious grounds, forcible transfer and deportation.

His arrest and transfer means only the ICTY's two most wanted men, Mr. Mladic and former Bosnian Serb president Radovan Karadzic, remain fugitives from justice for crimes committed in Srebrenica. In total, only five people of the 161 indicted by the Tribunal since it was set up in 1993 are still at large.

Prosecutors allege Mr. Tolimir has responsibility for the murder of thousands of Muslims at Srebrenica in July 1995, when the town was supposed to be a UN-protected area. The indictment also accuses him of making life unbearable for the civilian residents of Srebrenica and Žepa and forcing them to leave the UN-protected areas.

Mr. Tolimir was involved in the murder of Bosnian Muslim prisoners being held in temporary locations around eastern Bosnia in 1995, the indictment states, including the summary execution of more than 1,700 men and boys by an army detachment at the Branjevo Military Farm and the Pilica Cultural Centre.

The ICTY said today that Mr. Tolimir is scheduled to make his first appearance before the Tribunal's trial chamber on Monday.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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WAR CRIMES TRIAL OF FORMER LIBERIAN LEADER AT UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL TO START MONDAY

WAR CRIMES TRIAL OF FORMER LIBERIAN LEADER AT UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL TO START MONDAY
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
The war crimes trial of Charles Taylor, the notorious former Liberian president, begins on Monday with opening arguments in The Hague before the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (<"http://www.sc-sl.org/">SCSL).

Mr. Taylor faces 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, including mass murder, mutilations, rape, sexual slavery and the use of child soldiers, for his role in the decade-long civil war that engulfed Sierra Leone, which borders Liberia.

The trial is expected to last until December 2008, with a judgement likely by mid-2009. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to call up to 139 core witnesses.

A year ago the Security Council authorized the staging of Mr. Taylor's trial at The Hague in the Netherlands, citing reasons of security and expediency. Although the trial will be held at the premises of the International Criminal Court (<"http://www.icc-cpi.int/home.html&l=en">ICC), it will remain under the exclusive jurisdiction of the SCSL.

The Special Court was established on 16 January 2002 by an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the UN and is mandated to try "those who bear greatest responsibility" for war crimes and crimes against community committed in the country after 30 November 1996. So far 11 people have been indicted.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS HELPS UN LAUNCH GLOBAL RACE FOR SAFE WATER

OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS HELPS UN LAUNCH GLOBAL RACE FOR SAFE WATER
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank today helped kick off a race to bring safe drinking water to 20 million people by 2015 at a United Nations Headquarters ceremony that included live world music and students that have raised funds for water and sanitation projects.

"We're gathered here to acknowledge that for over one billion people on this planet, safe drinking water is simply not available," the Hollywood actress said at the launch in New York of the first-ever around-the-world relay race to raise funds and spread awareness about the need for safe drinking water.

Applauding the men and women taking part in the race – known as the Blue Planet Run – Ms. Swank said, "Because of your efforts on behalf of the one billion people who struggle daily to get the water they need to stay alive, I know I'll never take a glass of water for granted again."

The <"http://www.un.org/works/">UN Works Programme and the UN Fund for International Partnerships (<"http://www.un.org/unfip/">UNFIP) organized today's launch to send off the international team of 20 runners who will run 24 hours a day in 10-mile individual relay segments for 95 days.

Starting today in New York, the team will run along a route that includes the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China, Japan and Canada. Each runner will sprint 10 miles a day and batons will be passed at over 1,500 exchange points. The Run will end back in New York on 4 September.

Blue Planet Run Foundation has already funded 135 projects in 13 countries and provided safe drinking water to 100,000 people. The Run will take place every two years, alternating between the northern and southern hemispheres.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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UNITED STATES CALL FOR CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT 'POSITIVE' - BAN KI-MOON

UNITED STATES CALL FOR CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT 'POSITIVE' – BAN KI-MOON
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today praised a call by the United States for a summit of the countries that have the world's biggest emissions of greenhouse gases to discuss the growing threat posed by climate change.

<"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1031">Responding to a question about the call from US President George W. Bush for such a gathering, Mr. Ban told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York that he considered the summit request to be "a positive statement" that shows Mr. Bush "has realized the urgency and importance of climate change.

"I hope such an effort by the United States will be mutually reinforcing the international community's efforts, particularly led by the United Nations," he said. "I hope all such initiatives, together with the efforts of the international community, will be discussed within the UN framework."

Meanwhile, Mr. Ban heads tomorrow to Panama City, Panama, for a two-day visit highlighted by his attendance at the opening of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly.

The Secretary-General is scheduled to meet OAS Chairman and Panamanian President Martín Torrijos Espino and other Latin American officials in Panama City, before heading to Madrid for the second leg of his three-country trip.

While in the Spanish capital, Mr. Ban will meet King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister José Luís Rodriguez Zapatero and senior officials, and he will also visit the headquarters of the World Tourism Organization.

The last leg of Mr. Ban's trip will be in Germany, where he will attend the summit of the Group of Eight (G8) nations at Heiligendamm and hold a series of bilateral meetings during his two-day visit next Thursday and Friday.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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MILLIONS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS NEED BETTER CARE, SAYS UN HEALTH AGENCY

MILLIONS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS NEED BETTER CARE, SAYS UN HEALTH AGENCY
New York, Jun 4 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2007/np25/en/index.html">WHO) today called on countries to provide a network of community health services to alleviate the hardships faced by the nearly 54 million people around the world suffering from mental disorders as well as those caring for them.

"Not only are community health services more accessible to people living with severe mental disabilities, these are also more effective in taking care of their needs compared to mental hospitals," stated Benedetto Saraceno, WHO's Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

"Community mental health services are also likely to have less possibilities for neglect and violations of human rights, which are too often encountered in mental hospitals," he added.

The call for community mental health services came during WHO's Global Forum for Community Mental Health, which concluded in Geneva yesterday and which, for the first time, included the participation of people living with mental disorders. In addition to the nearly 54 million people suffering severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder, WHO estimates that 154 million suffer from depression.

"This topic should matter to everyone, because far too many people with mental disorders do not receive any care," said Catherine Le Galès-Camus, Assistant Director-General of WHO's cluster on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.

According to WHO, mental disorders are increasingly prevalent in developing countries, the consequence of persistent poverty-driven conditions, the demographic transition, conflicts in fragile States and natural disasters. At the same time, more than 50 per cent of developing countries do not provide any care for persons with mental disorders in the community.

"The challenge is to enhance systems of care by taking effective local models and disseminating them throughout a country. [The Forum] was about showcasing models which are proving effective in delivering mental health care in resource-challenged situations," added Dr. Le Galès-Camus.
2007-06-01 00:00:00.000

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