UN Daily News 09 May 2016

8/17/2019 UN Daily News 09 May 2016

1/13

For information media -

not an official record

For updates and e-mail alerts,visit UN NEWS CENTRE at

www.un.org/News

Issue DH/7154 Monday, 9 May 2016

In the headlines:

• 'Risks of inaction are considerable', says Ban,urging new compact on refugees and migrants

• Most countries lack adequate laws to protect andpromote breastfeeding – UN

• UN refugee agency notes 'profound concern' overKenya's plan to close refugee camps

• UN Forum on indigenous issues opens 2016 sessionwith focus on conflict, peace and resolution

• Syria: UN adviser on preventing genocideexpresses outrage at ongoing civilian attacks

• Three years of violence halt government healthservices in Central African Republic – UN

• In Mauritius, Ban urges focus on small States inrealizing development targets

• Ban condemns deadly terrorist attack againstpolice officers in Egypt

• Egypt: UN experts report worsening crackdown onprotest

• In Seychelles, Ban calls for global action on climatechange and easing humanitarian suffering

• 'Small islands have big ideas,' Ban tells Seychelles,citing leadership on environment, climate action

'Risks of inaction are considerable', says Ban, urging newcompact on refugees and migrants

9 May – Despite bold efforts, responses to the large movements ofrefugees and migrants – which will continue or possibly increase dueto such issues as conflict, poverty and disasters – have been largelyinadequate, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saidtoday in a new report, calling for the adoption of a global compact onresponsibility-sharing that collectively ensures the human rights,safety and dignity of all refugees and migrants.

“Away from the daily headlines and stark images, strains are quietlyaccumulating on refugees and migrants, as well as on countries andcommunities that receive them, sometimes for many years,” Mr. Banstressed in his report to the UN General Assembly, entitled In safetyand dignity: addressing large movements of refugees and migrants.

“If one lesson can be drawn from the past few years, it is thatindividual countries cannot solve these issues on their own.

International cooperation and action to address large movements of refugees and migrants must be strengthened,” he added.

Any approach should uphold the safety and dignity in large movements of both refugees and migrants, Mr. Ban said, urgingMember States to, among other things, address the root causes of such movements, protect people en route and at borders,and prevent discrimination and promote inclusion.

In his report, the Secretary-General also called on Member States to adopt a global compact on responsibility-sharing for

A father kisses his baby boy inside a train outside Vinojug transitcenter, near the town of Gevgelija, in the Former Yugoslav Republic

of Macedonia. Photo: UNICEF/UN012729/Georgiev

UN Daily News


2/13

- 2 -

UN News Centre • www.un.org/news

UN Daily News 9 May 2016

refugees, stressing the need to recognize that large movements of refugees as a result of emerging and unresolved conflictsare “profoundly” affecting individuals and Member States, sometimes for protracted periods of time, as well as the need tocommit to sharing responsibility for hosting refugees more fairly.

In addition, Mr. Ban called on Member States to undertake a State-led process to elaborate an international cooperationframework on migrants and human mobility, in the form

of a global compact for safe, regular and orderly migration, and to hold an intergovernmental conference on internationalmigration in 2018 to adopt the global compact.

Upcoming high-level meeting on refugees and migrants

The Secretary-General also emphasized in his report that the UN General Assembly high-level meeting on addressing largemovements of refugees and migrants, to be held on 19 September, will be a “unique opportunity” for world leaders tostrengthen and implement existing frameworks, as well as agree on new approaches to address the issue.

“Member States must find ways to govern their national borders effectively while protecting the human rights of all refugeesand migrants,” Mr. Ban said.

“The risks of inaction are considerable. If this opportunity to reinforce respect for international law, put into place new

approaches and strengthen common responses is not seized, there will likely be greater loss of life and heightened tensionsamong Member States and within communities,” he added.

As such, the high-level meeting will be the culmination of several international initiatives in response to global refugee andmigrant crises, Mr. Ban said, expressing hope that the meeting will not only galvanize the pledges made at earlier events, butalso build on those commitments to address the underlying causes and to strengthen the collective responses to largemovements of refugees and migrants.

“The components needed for a comprehensive solution are at hand,” the UN chief said in the report. “The requiredconventions, frameworks and tools are in place, although some need wider acceptance and all need to be fullyimplemented.”

Crisis of solidarityIn an opinion piece published by the Huffington Post today, the Secretary-General emphasized that his report is meant tohelp the international community seize the opportunity that will be provided by the high-level meeting in September.

Noting that more than 60 million people – half of them children – have fled violence or persecution and are now refugeesand internally displaced persons, the Secretary-General stressed that an additional 225 million are migrants who have lefttheir countries in search of better opportunities or simply for survival.

“But this is not a crisis of numbers; it is a crisis of solidarity,” Mr. Ban stressed.

“We can afford to help, and we know what we need to do to handle large movements of refugees and migrants. Yet toooften, we let fear and ignorance get in the way. Human needs end up overshadowed, and xenophobia speaks louder thanreason,” he added.


3/13

- 3 -



Most countries lack adequate laws to protect and promotebreastfeeding – UN

9 May – Laws to protect breastfeeding against the growing multi- billion-dollar breast-milk substitute business are inadequate in most

countries, exposing small children to a greater risk of childhooddiseases, according to a United Nations report released today.

The 2016 status report, Marketing of breast-milk substitutes: Nationalimplementation of the International Code, shows that of the 194countries analyzed, 135 have in place some form of legal measurerelated to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-MilkSubstitutes (the Code) and subsequent, relevant resolutions adopted bythe World Health Assembly.

This is up from 103 in 2011, but only 39 countries have laws thatenact all provisions of the Code, a slight increase from 37 in 2011.

The report, by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the International Baby FoodAction Network (IBFAN) , reveals that among the countries that have any laws on marketing of breast-milk substitutes, justover half sufficiently prohibit advertising and promotion of breast-milk substitutes, including infant formula, feeding bottlesand teats.

“It is encouraging to see more countries pass laws to protect and promote breastfeeding, but there are still far too many places where mothers are inundated with incorrect and biased information through advertising and unsubstantiated healthclaims,” said, Francesco Branca, Director of WHO's Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, in a joint pressrelease.

“This can distort parents' perceptions and undermine their confidence in breastfeeding, with the result that far too manychildren miss out on its many benefits,” he adds.

WHO and UNICEF recommend that babies are fed nothing but breast milk for their first 6 months, after which they shouldcontinue breastfeeding – as well as eating other safe and nutritionally adequate foods – until two years of age or beyond.

The report says that globally, nearly two out of three infants are not exclusively breastfed for the recommended 6 months – arate that has not improved in two decades. Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodieswhich help protect against many common childhood illnesses.

Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabeteslater in life. Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes continues to undermine efforts to improve breastfeeding rates and duration worldwide, the report warns.

In this context, WHO member States have committed to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months oflife to at least 50 per cent by 2025 as one of a set of global nutrition targets.

The Code calls on countries to protect breastfeeding by stopping the inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes,including infant formula, feeding bottles and teats. It bans all forms of promotion of substitutes, including advertising, giftsto health workers and distribution of free samples.

Labels must not 'idealize' infant formula

In addition, labels cannot make nutritional and health claims or include images that idealize infant formula. They mustinclude clear instructions on how to use the product and carry messages about the superiority of breastfeeding over formulaand the risks of not breastfeeding.

Photo: WHO/SEARO/Anuradha Sarup


4/13

- 4 -



The breast-milk substitute business is a big one, with annual sales amounting to almost $45 billion worldwide. This is projected to rise by over 55 per cent to $70 billion by 2019.

The breast-milk substitutes industry is strong and growing, and so the battle to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeedingaround the world is an uphill one—but it is one that is worth the effort

“The breast-milk substitutes industry is strong and growing, and so the battle to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeedingaround the world is an uphill one – but it is one that is worth the effort,” says UNICEF Chief of Nutrition Werner Schultink.

“Mothers deserve a chance to get the correct information: that they have readily available the means to protect the health andwellbeing their children. Clever marketing should not be allowed to fudge the truth that there is no equal substitute for amother's own milk.”

Overall, richer countries lag behind poorer ones. The proportion of countries with comprehensive legislation in line with theCode is highest in the Southeast Asia Region at 36 per cent, followed by Africa at 30 per cent while Europe has the lowestrate at six per cent.

WHO and UNICEF have recently established a Global Network for Monitoring and Support for Implementation of the Code

(NetCode) to help strengthen countries' and civil society capacity to monitor and effectively enforce Code laws.

New analyses have revealed that increasing breastfeeding to near-universal levels could save the lives of more than 820,000children under the age of five and 20,000 women each year. It could also add an estimated $300 billion into the globaleconomy annually, based on improvements in cognitive ability if every infant was breastfed until at least 6 months of ageand their expected increased earnings later in life. Boosting breastfeeding rates would significantly reduce costs to familiesand governments for treatment of childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and asthma.

UN refugee agency notes 'profound concern' over Kenya's planto close refugee camps

9 May – The United Nations refugee agency today expressed“profound concern” over the Government of Kenya's announcementthis past week that it intends to end the hosting of refugees because ofeconomic, security and environmental burdens, and called on theGovernment to reconsider its decision.

On 6 May, Kenya's Ministry of Interior said that the Government haddisbanded its Department of Refugee Affairs and was working on amechanism for the closure of the country's refugee camps – a movethat could affect as many as 600,000 people, the Office of the UNHigh Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a press release.

“For almost a quarter of a century Kenya has played a vital role in

East Africa and the Horn of Africa in providing asylum to peopleforced to flee persecution and war. The safety of hundreds ofthousands of Somalis, South Sudanese and others has hinged on Kenya's generosity and its willingness to be a leading

beacon in the region for international protection. Tragically, the situations in Somalia and South Sudan that cause people toflee are still unresolved today,” the agency added.

UNHCR said it has been, and will continue to be, in touch with the Kenyan Government to “fully understand theimplications of its statement.”

“We recognize that Kenya has played an extraordinary role over many years as one of the world's frontline major refugee-hosting nations, and that inevitably this has had many consequences for the country and its population,” the agency said.

New arrivals queuing for tent allocation at Dadaab Refugee Camp's

Ifo Extension site in July 2011. Credit: OCHA/John Ndiku


5/13

- 5 -



UNHCR said that, for these reasons, it has been a prominent advocate for “robust international support” for Kenya,including support for host communities and a “careful listening to their concerns.”

“In today's global context of some 60 million people forcibly displaced, it is more important than ever that internationalasylum obligations prevail and are properly supported,” UNHCR said.

“In light of this, and because of the potentially devastating consequences for hundreds of thousands of people that premature

ending of refugee hosting would have, UNHCR is calling on the Government of Kenya to reconsider its decision and toavoid taking any action that might be at odds with its international obligations towards people needing sanctuary fromdanger and persecution,” the agency added.

UN Forum on indigenous issues opens 2016 session with focuson conflict, peace and resolution

9 May – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon todayannounced the launch of a plan to realize the full rights of indigenous

peoples who are increasingly being drawn into conflicts over theirlands and resources.

“I am pleased to send greetings to the Permanent Forum onIndigenous Issues,” Mr. Ban said via video message at the opening ofthe forum's 15th session, held in the UN General Assembly Hall in

New York. “I welcome your focus on conflict, peace and resolution.”

More than 1,000 indigenous participants from all regions of the worldare expected to attend the annual two-week Forum, this year heldfrom 9 to 20 May. The issues of peace and conflict, often relating toindigenous peoples' lands, territories and resources, and to their rightsand distinct identities, will be at the forefront of this year'sdiscussions.

“Lasting peace requires that indigenous peoples have access to cultural, social and economic justice,” the UN chiefhighlighted. “The 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples called on the United Nations to ensure a coherentapproach. In response, we have developed a System-Wide Action Plan, which we will launch today,” he said.

Noting that it is essential for the global community work as one to realize the full rights of indigenous peoples, Mr. Bancommended the President of the General Assembly for beginning consultations on the further participation of indigenous

peoples at the United Nations.

“Member States are beginning implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa ActionAgenda, the Sendia Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement on climate change,” the Secretary-General underlined. “We must ensure that indigenous peoples, including women, participate and benefit.”

Following a ceremonial welcome by the traditional Chief of the Onondaga Nation, Todadaho Sid Hill, today's openingsession of the Forum is also set to feature remarks from Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and SocialAffairs, General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft and the Vice-President of the UN Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC), Sven Jürgenson.

In his address to the Forum, Mr. Jürgenson highlighted that 2016 has been deemed the year of implementation: “I encourageall indigenous peoples to continue to engage in this important process,” he said. “I also encourage Member States to workwith indigenous peoples, not only because they have the right to participate in the development process, but also becausethey have extremely valuable contributions to make for all.”

Noting that the 2030 Agenda gives the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues a “new and important responsibility,” the

Participants and the 2016 session of the United Nations PermanentForum on Indigenous Issues. Credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elias


6/13

- 6 -



senior UN official encouraged it to guide ECOSOC on how to ensure that indigenous peoples are not “left behind.”

“What are indigenous peoples’ specific situations, challenges, successes, contributions in our common journey towardssustainable development,” Mr. Jürgenson specified. “You are the experts – and we count on you to bring that expertise intothe discussion.”

Meanwhile, the President of the 70th session of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, recalled that since taking office,

he has “sought to advance openness, transparency and inclusion” in how the UN General Assembly conducts its work.

“To me, this includes the ability of indigenous peoples to engage at the UN on matters that affect them,” Mr. Lykketoftnoted. “These are peoples, after all, who not only have a right to contribute or who can provide enriching input, but whohave been targeted when then speak up and historically excluded at all levels resulting in great harm to their communities,their heritage, their livelihoods and even their identity.”

“The current consultations provide a historical opportunity for Member States and Indigenous Peoples to improve andstrengthen the participation of indigenous peoples at the United Nations,” he added.

Syria: UN adviser on preventing genocide expresses outrage at

ongoing civilian attacks 9 May – The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention ofGenocide, Adama Dieng, expressed his outrage today at the ongoing“indiscriminate and seemingly calculated” attacks against civiliansand civilian objects in Syria.

In a note to correspondents, Mr. Dieng said that between 27 April and5 May, there were at least six attacks on medical facilities by different

parties to the conflict in the north-western governorate of Aleppoalone, marking the “deadliest” two weeks since the cessation ofhostilities accord, which came into effect on 27 February.

“These attacks reflect the continued blatant disrespect of internationalhumanitarian law by all parties to the conflict, and may constitute warcrimes,” the Special Adviser stated. “The international communitycannot allow the perpetrators of flagrant violations of internationalhumanitarian law and human rights law to enjoy impunity.”

Mr. Dieng emphasized that just a few days ago, in its Resolution 2286 on health care in armed conflict, the Security Councilhad reiterated the need for Member States to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure thatresponsible parties are held to account.

“It is crucial that the Council consistently apply this principle,” he stressed.

Specifically, Mr. Dieng noted that the attack against the Al Quds Hospital on 27 April reportedly killed 55 civilians,including the last paediatrician in the city, while on 5 May, an attack on the Kamouna Internally Displaced Persons camp innorthern Idlib governorate killed at least 30 civilians.

“Member States have a duty not to fail the Syrian people yet again and to uphold their pledge to protect populations fromgenocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing,” the Special Adviser said.

In this respect, he said that the international community should “step up its commitment” to end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes in Syria and thus contribute to preventing new atrocities from being committed.

“For this reason, I strongly support the Secretary-General's repeated calls to the Security Council to refer the situation in

In East Ghouta, Syria, rural Damascus, a child's plush toy lies in therubble of a destroyed building (file photo). Credit:

UNICEF/UN013166/Al Shami


7/13

- 7 -



Syria to the International Criminal Court,” Mr. Dieng said.

In a humanitarian update, a spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today noted that on 4 and 8 May, two inter-agency convoys delivered critical life-saving assistance to 3,250 people in the hard-to-reach Syrian town of Qaratien inRural Homs province, with food, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, as well as other relief items.

On 6 May, an inter-agency convoy targeting 35,000 people in the hard-to-reach town of Bloudan, in rural Damascus,

delivered essential relief items, including water and sanitation, health, hygiene and education supplies. This was the secondof two convoys to the town, the first one of which was in mid-March.

Since the beginning of 2016, inter-agency operations have reached more than 780,000 civilians in need in besieged, hard-to-reach areas and across conflict lines. Many of these people have been reached more than once.

Three years of violence halt government health services inCentral African Republic – UN

9 May – More than three years of violence have dismantled thealready very fragile health structures in the Central African Republic(CAR), bringing the government service delivery capacity to acomplete stop, and leaving thousands of people vulnerable to diseasesand with little access to health services, the United Nationshumanitarian aid office said over the weekend.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)said that access to health is very poor throughout the country, exceptin the capital Bangui, and insecurity also impedes or delays responseselsewhere.

Currently 1 million people are assisted by 31 health cluster partnersincluding non-government organizations and UN agencies. Aidagencies use mobile services to help thousands of displaced in areas

not covered by the Ministry of Health's basic facilities.

Preventive activities, primary and secondary health care, all functional referral hospitals, early warning mechanisms andrapid outbreak response capacity and psychosocial support remain essentially reliant on humanitarian actors, OCHA said.

Serbian peacekeepers serving with the UN MultidimensionalIntegrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

(MINUSCA) respond to medical needs at the MINUSCA hospital inBangui on 8 May 2015. UN Photo/Catianne Tijerina


8/13

- 8 -



In Mauritius, Ban urges focus on small States in realizingdevelopment targets

9 May – Small island developing States magnify the issues ofsustainable development due to their unique vulnerabilities, United

Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling for extraattention to be paid to the experiences and needs of nations such asMauritius as leaders continue to work on implementing developmenttargets.

“As a nation on the forefront of meeting the sustainable developmentchallenge, Mauritius is well placed to be an example for the world,”said Mr. Ban at an event in the country on the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs).

“We will continue to look to the experience of Mauritius. We willlearn from your approaches to integrate the economic, environmentaland social dimensions of development. And we will support you everystep of the way,” he added.

The Secretary-General noted that while everyone was proud this past September when world leaders adopted the 2030Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 SDGs, mindsets must change in order to realize the implementation of suchtargets.

“We will need high-level, high-energy political commitment. We will need a renewed global partnership for development.We will need to go beyond traditional statistics and embrace a data revolution,” the UN chief said.

For its part, the 2030 Agenda demands that any policy, plan or action considers the most vulnerable, Mr. Ban emphasized.

“It says we must prioritize social goals and the integrity of the planet and transform our economy. It summons us to look beyond national borders and short-term interests and act in solidarity,” he said.

To achieve this, institutions – starting with the UN – must adapt and become fit for an even bigger purpose, Mr. Ban said.

“But this agenda will not be realized in New York or Geneva. It will happen in communities and it will take everyone,” theSecretary-General stressed.

Specifically, Mr. Ban said that realizing sustainable development targets will encompass involving leaders from civilsociety, who will help to shape and implement policies, as well as hold leaders to account; leaders from the private sector,who can be a “critical engine room for action” leaders from academia, who can help to ensure informed decision-making;and leaders from Parliament and local governments, who are crucial to grounding policies to everyday realities and makinga real difference in people's lives.

“In a word, sustainability is development that respects people and the planet,” the Secretary-General said. “Sustainabledevelopment requires us to make the linkages between climate change, energy, food security, water scarcity, global healthand decent work.”

The Secretary-General noted that Mauritius had demonstrated strong results towards achieving the UN MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs), by expanding education, enhancing gender equality and reducing poverty and infant mortality.The country has also been a leader in raising the unique perspectives and contributions of small island developing States inadvancing sustainable development.

“From rising sea levels to increased risks of cyclones and droughts, you are very familiar with the challenges that arise whensustainability is not integrated with development,” Mr. Ban said.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (at podium) delivers remarks to theSustainable Development Goals Stakeholders in Mauritius. Credit:

UN Photo/Mark Garten


9/13

- 9 -



Indeed, he highlighted that Mauritius has been at the forefront of promoting the ocean economy as a pillar of development,and is one of a few countries with a dedicated Ministry of Ocean Economy.

Noting that Mauritius was among the first 15 countries to ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change, Mr. Ban said hewas very pleased that President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim had accepted his invitation to co-chair the UN-World Bank High-Level Panel on Water.

“You are helping to prove that we must move from aspirations to action – from intentions to implementation,” the UN chiefsaid. “I am here to reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations to fully support Mauritius on that critical journey.”

As such, the Secretary-General said he was honoured to work with Mauritius in the country's efforts to translate the globalagenda to the national level through the adoption of ambitious policies and measures – as well as critical monitoring andreporting mechanisms.

Moreover, Mr. Ban said he was greatly encouraged to support the country's adoption of Vision 2030 and other measures toreduce poverty and inequality, noting that the UN will continue to strongly support the widest possible coalition ofsupporters for the SDGs.

“From here, let us send a message across Mauritius and around the world,” Mr. Ban said. “Let us all step forward to make

sure no one is left behind. Let us together build a better, more sustainable world for all.”

At a press conference with Mauritius Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the Secretary-General reiterated the leadershiprole that Mauritius plays among small island developing States, as well as its contributions in areas including climate action,

promoting the ocean economy, and advancing sustainable development.

“I am impressed by Mauritius' achievements in socio-economic development and in consolidating democracy,” Mr. Bansaid.

“Its economic policies, focusing on growth and employment and its strong social welfare system, are models for others.These initiatives have contributed to helping Mauritius become an upper-middle-income country,” he added.

The Secretary-General noted that the country's leadership role and socio-economic performance will also be instrumental in promoting women's economic empowerment and strengthening gender equality.

“Mauritius will continue to have an important leadership role in its implementation along with other States, and this ties intothe implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

“Mauritius has much to offer the world, and in particular, Africa, by way of promoting peace, maintaining unity and nationalidentity while respecting the diversity of its people,” the Secretary-General said.

Arriving in Mauritius yesterday evening, Mr. Ban met with President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. The tow discussedimplementation of the SDGs, efforts to combat climate change and, in particular, the situation of the small island developingStates. The Secretary-General also thanked the President for accepting his invitation to co-chair the UN-World Bank High-

Level Panel on Water.


10/13

- 10 -



Ban condemns deadly terrorist attack against police officers inEgypt

9 May – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon todaycondemned the deadly terrorist attack in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday,

which reportedly killed eight police officers, his spokesperson said.

“The Secretary-General conveys his condolences to the families of thevictims and to the Government of Egypt,” said UN SpokespersonStéphane Dujarric.

“The United Nations stands firmly with the people of Egypt in theirfight against terrorism,” he added.

View of City of old Cairo, Egypt, during mid-morning rush hour.Photo: World Bank/Dominic Chavez

Egypt: UN experts report worsening crackdown on protest

9 May – Three United Nations human rights experts today urged theEgyptian Government to put an end to the disproportionate reactionsagainst the exercise of the rights to assembly and expression in thecountry.

“The worsening crackdown on peaceful protest and dissent in Egyptrepresents a further setback for an open political environment and avibrant civil society,” saidthe UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom ofexpression,

David Kaye; on freedom of peaceful assembly and association, MainaKiai; and on human rights defenders, Michel Forst.

“The use of force against civil society and against the expression ofdissenting views on political issues contribute to a deterioratingclimate for the promotion and protection of fundamental rights that

form the essential components of a democratic society,” they stressed.

The rights experts condemned the authorities’ harsh response to the largest protests in Egypt in the past two years with massarrests and use of force in a continued clampdown on peaceful protestors, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders.They also criticised the storming of Egypt’s Journalists’ Syndicate by security forces on 1 May, a first since its founding 75

years ago.

On 15 and 25 April, protests took place across Egypt and security forces responded with tear gas and use of force to dispersethe protestors. Over 380 protestors, journalists and human rights defenders were arrested during the demonstrations. Securityforces also stopped pedestrians in Cairo and inspected their social media accounts for ‘anti-Government publications’ and‘inciting pictures”.

The UN human rights experts reiterated their call on the Egyptian authorities to cease curtailing public freedoms and insteadtake active steps to encourage the peaceful and legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression and assembly in thecountry.

Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to

freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye. UN Photo/Jean-Marc

Ferré


11/13

- 11 -



In addition, they voiced particular concern over the use of national security provisions and counterterrorism legislation totarget individuals exercising their rights, in particular journalists and human rights activists.

“Security concerns should not be used as a pretext to harass journalists, lawyers and protestors and ban peaceful politicalopposition, which will undermine not only public debate and fundamental rights, but security and long-term stability,” theexperts stressed.

Independent experts or special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff,nor are they paid for their work.

In Seychelles, Ban calls for global action on climate change andeasing humanitarian suffering

8 May – Small States like Seychelles have served as a “magnifyinglens” for many issues that all nations must face, United NationsSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the National Assembly today,calling for the archipelago's continued support as the UN tackles threecritical challenges: climate change, global sustainability and easing

humanitarian suffering.

“In today's world, we are all interconnected. Problems and challengesare never confined to one country or region. Insecurity is spreading.Massive inequality persists, among people and nations,” said said Mr.Ban, stressing that too many people in too many places are excluded

because of their race, religion, faith, sexual orientation, genderidentity and other differences.

Moreover, he noted that violent extremists are committing atrocitiesdesigned to divide and destroy communities. Criminal networks are exploiting lawlessness and chaos and building linkswith terrorists, to traffic people, illegal drugs and weapons, and to hide their profits, he added.

“These problems require cooperation and coordination, in a global response. The United Nations is the forum where we seeksolutions,” the Secretary-General said, praising Seychelles' strong democratic record, its efforts to secure political progressfor women, measures to protect the environment – half the archipelago's land and one third of its vast marine territory arealready protected – and to promote the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

At the same time, Mr. Ban spotlighted key issues on the UN's agenda that would require Seychelles' ongoing commitmentand support, starting with climate change. Recalling that last month, the UN had broken the record for the highest number ofcountries to sign any treaty or convention in one day when world leaders gathered at UN Headquarters on 22 April to signthe Paris Agreement on climate change.

“Seychelles was one of them, and you went on to become the 16 country to ratify immediately as you sign this agreement.

Congratulations and thank you very much for your leadership,” said the UN chief, also hailing the nation's leadership andinfluence in urging other governments to ratify the accord as soon as possible, as 55 countries, representing 55 per cent oftotal global greenhouse gas emissions, are needed for the agreement to enter into force.

Mr. Ban next turned to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, “with its 17 Goals – we call them SDGs – is ourDeclaration of Interdependence.” As the world is becoming more interdependent, among those 17 Goals, none could beimplemented in isolation. “All these 17 Goals […] are tightly interconnected,” he underscored, adding that he Agenda, is a“universal project” that aims to enable all people to live in dignity, on a healthy planet.

“But for island States, climate action and sustainable development are a matter of survival. They are two mutuallyreinforcing sides of the same coin,” said the UN chief, noting that storms, coastal erosion and rising sea levels can halt and

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses National Assembly ofSeychelles, 8 May 2016. Photo: Government of Seychelles


12/13

- 12 -



reverse sustainable development initiatives in a matter of hours or days. Indeed, SDG 14 on conserving and using oceansand marine resources for sustainable development carries particular resonance for Seychelles and other island nations.

“The true test of this new agenda will be in its implementation. We need action from everyone, everywhere. All sectors ofsociety must be involved: government, businesses and civil society,” he said, welcoming the role of parliamentarians in

beginning to engage on the SDGs more than a year ago. Further, Seychelles' 'Blue Economy' initiative is drawing the world'sattention by linking the alleviation of poverty and improved food security with reduced environmental risks and ecological

imbalances.

As for his last key point, the Secretary-General drew attention to the unprecedented numbers of people in urgent need ofhumanitarian aid around the world. “Today's refugees are caught up in the biggest displacement crisis of our era. I have beencalling on leaders around the world, even in countries that have not been directly touched by this global phenomenon, torespond with compassion and respect for human rights,” he explained.

Mr. Ban noted that on September 19th of this year, the UN General Assembly will hold a summit to address largemovements of migrants and refugees across the world – and the need for shared responsibility. Moreover, later this month,on May 23rd and 24th, I am convening the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.

“World leaders will make commitments to uphold humanitarian law, to protect civilians in conflict, and to improve the

global response to the 125 million people who need urgent humanitarian aid,” said Mr. Ban, stressing that this number – 125million – is the largest ever since the end of the Second World War.

“I count on Seychelles to engage in these important events,” he said, noting that from his first days in office in 2007, he hadmade climate change a top priority. “During the years of discussion, one thing has become very clear to me. Small Stateshave big ideas and big political will. Your experiences, commitment and insights have been invaluable, he said, stressing:“When you are united, small states can change the world.”

Speaking directly to the young people sitting in the National Assembly today, he said the United Nations sees youths not asleaders of tomorrow, but as leaders today. “We are working with young men and women around the world on initiatives to

build peace, to create jobs and to fight violent extremism. As you look to the future, I urge you to lift your eyes above theimmediate horizon and become global citizens, demonstrating your allegiance not only to your immediate community, but tothe wider world,” said the Secretary-General.

'Small islands have big ideas,' Ban tells Seychelles, citingleadership on environment, climate action

7 May – The problems facing our planet – climate change, povertyand insecurity – will only be solved through a global, multilateralresponse, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said todayas he began an official visit to the Seychelles, a small island nationwith “big ideas,” having shown leadership on climate action,environmental protection and the fight against maritime crime.

“These islands are famous for their natural beauty. Earlier thisafternoon, I visited the breathtaking Valle de Mai Nature Reserve. Ithink that this is a common asset for the whole humanity and thankyou for preserving all this very valuable treasure of humanity,” Mr.Ban told reporters in Victoria, the archipelago's capital city.

Having wrapped up fruitful meetings with President James AlixMichel and his cabinet members, the UN chief said he is confidentthat the leadership will continue to build on Seychelles' record as a

strong and vibrant democracy.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) and President of Seychelles ,

Michel Alix Michel (right) in the Seychelles, 07 May 2016. Photo:

UNRIC Nairobi/Newton Kanhema


13/13

- 13 -UN Daily News 9 May 2016

The UN Daily News is prepared at UN Headquarters in New York by the News Services Section

“I am even more impressed by the Seychelles' sense of responsibility in our world,” the Secretary-general continued,thanking the Government and people for their leadership on key issues on the international agenda, particularly the country'searly ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“You are one of the 16 countries who have ratified at such an early stage. I sincerely hope that you will exercise your political leadership to encourage many other countries to follow suit. You and your peers have shown that small islands have big ideas and big political will,” said the Secretary-General.

He went on to say that the UN also appreciates Seychelles' leadership on the problem of piracy as Chair of the ContactGroup on piracy off the coast of Somalia – and noted that he was encouraged that since 2013, no commercial shippingvessels have been kidnapped by pirates – [and such] common solidarity and commitment on tackling transnational crime inthe region, while respecting international norms and human rights.

“I applaud Seychelles for working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to ensure that suspects aregiven fair and efficient trials,” said Mr. Ban, the first-ever UN chief to visit the country, noting that tomorrow he would visita coastguard station and he looks forward to hearing about approaches to maritime crime.

Recalling that the Seychelles are highly vulnerable to storm surges, as had been made clear by the recent devastating effectsof Cyclone Fantala, the Secretary-General noted that preventing and preparing for natural disasters in partnership with local

and national governments will be one focus of the World Humanitarian Summit he will convene in Istanbul, Turkey, on23rd and 24th May.

“I hope the Seychelles will bring its expertise to the table,” he said.

Mr. Ban also noted that this s is the first year of implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda , theuniversal, integrated and transformative agenda to end poverty and need and build a more sustainable world on a healthy

planet over the next 15 years.

“The Seychelles is in an excellent position to build on its record of protecting the environment, creating sustainablelivelihoods and increasing the use of renewable energy. The United Nations stands ready to work with you for a better futureon a cleaner planet,” concluded the Secretary-General.

Date post:	06-Jul-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	adila
View:	216 times
Download:	0 times

UN Daily News 09 May 2016

Documents