25 February 2014 – As the violence across the Central African Republic (CAR) continues unabated, United Nations agencies are sounding the alarm about the plight of civilians at risk inside the country and are now also warning that the crisis threatens to engulf the region, with thousands of people fleeing the fighting to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Since December 2012, violence and instability have displaced more than 700,000 people inside Car and forced over 288,000 to flee to neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that neighbouring…
Author: UN News
24 February 2014 – Côte d’Ivoire must adopt urgent reforms before the presidential elections scheduled for October, a United Nations independent expert today warned following an official visit to the country. Doudou Diène, who is charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the situation of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, urged the authorities there to accelerate the resolution of substantive issues, including the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission and the updating of the electoral list. The expert, who during a 13-day visit to the country met with officials, civil society and members of…
24 February 2014 – The South Sudanese city of Malakal is looted and burned, with more than 100 bodies scattered along the route, United Nations peacekeepers in the country reported today. UNMISS, the UN Mission, conducted multiple patrols over the weekend to the capital of the Upper Nile state where the situation is said to be “tense.” According to information from a UN spokesperson in New York, the Mission visited various civilian sites in the town, including churches and a hospital. “At the Malakal Teaching Hospital, the patrol observed approximately 100 patients, most of whom were wounded or sick,” the…
24 February 2014 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have spoken out against the anti-homosexuality law signed into force today in Uganda, saying it violates basic human rights and endangers lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country. The law criminalizes and imposes life imprisonment for homosexuality, same-sex marriage and “aggravated homosexuality,” according to a news release issued by the High Commissioner’s Office (OHCHR). “Disapproval of homosexuality by some can never justify violating the fundamental human rights of others,” Ms. Pillay said. “This law will institutionalize discrimination and is likely…
25 February 2014 – As the conflict that has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Syrian people prepares to enter its fourth year, United Nations officials today stressed the need for a political solution to end the crisis, as well as greater efforts to protect civilians and ensure they receive the assistance they desperately need. “We are in a race against time. More people are slipping out of our reach as the conflict intensifies and armed groups fragment and more battle lines are drawn,” said Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Kyung-wha Kang. “We desperately need a…
25 February 2014 – The Middle East peace process is nearing a defining moment, the top United Nations political chief today told the Security Council today urging Governments to back the peace agenda and to raise awareness of the benefits of peace among their constituents. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman told the 15-member Council that direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, which resumed in August of last year following efforts by United States Secretary of State John Kerry, have opened “a credible political horizon for achieving the two-state solution.” He urged that they continue to be supported…
25 February 2014 – Inclusive economic integration in the Arab region would create six million new jobs by 2020 and increase regional gross domestic product by three per cent, the United Nations today reported arguing for a unified model like that of the European Union or other regional economic blocs. The argument is part of a report launched today by Rima Khalaf, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission of Western Asia (ESCWA), entitled, Arab Integration: A 21st Century Development Imperative. Cultivating a dynamic economic environment “would guarantee economic and social gains and ensure their place among the regional…
24 February 2014 – Moved by the dire plight of more than 5 million war-traumatized Syrian children – both inside and outside the country – United Nations agencies and their partners today joined forces to urge the world to demand an end to the “relentless horror and suffering” those children face before an entire generation is lost. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mercy Corps, Save the Children and World Vision have issued an impassioned appeal to engage at least 1 million voices of support before the war in Syria reaches the end of…
24 February 2014 – A senior United Nations official said today he was shocked by what he saw during a visit to a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, and underscored the need for full and unhindered access to all conflict-affected communities in the country. “I am deeply disturbed and shaken by what I observed today,” said Filippo Grandi, the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). “The Palestine refugees with whom I spoke were traumatized by what they have lived through, and many were in evident need of immediate support, particularly…
23 February 2014 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for an immediate end to escalating violence in Thailand, and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice. In a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, Mr. Ban condemned the aggression, which included armed attacks this weekend against anti-Government protesters. At least two children where killed in the attacks. “The Secretary-General believes strongly that there should be no place for violence by any side in resolving political differences and disputes,” his spokesperson stressed, adding that Mr. Ban is ready to assist in any way possible. The top…