TheNewsGuru

Tag: UN CHIEF

  • Israel-Palestine: UN Chief reiterates call for humanitarian ceasefire

    Israel-Palestine: UN Chief reiterates call for humanitarian ceasefire

    The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has reiterated the call for immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war ongoing between Israel and militant group Hamas.

    Guterres made the call in his address at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation summit that held between 18 and Oct.19, in Beijing.

    The summit with the theme: “High-quality Belt and Road cooperation: together for common development and prosperity,” marked the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

    The UN chief said there is the need to give space among warring forces to ease suffering of the people.

    According to him, to Hamas there is the need for immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and to Israel, there is the need to immediately allow unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to respond to the most basic needs of the people of Gaza.

    “The overwhelming majority of whom are women and children.” he said.

    The UN chief, therefore, said he is aware of the grievances of the Palestinians, adding that brutal attacks against civilians could not be justified.

    He also condemned the attacks on Al Ahli hospital in Gaza October 17 that killed hundreds of people.

    “I am fully aware of the deep grievances of the Palestinian people after 56 years of occupation.

    “As serious as these grievances are they cannot justify the acts of terror against civilians committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, that I immediately condemned.

    “I call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to provide sufficient time and space to help realize my two appeals and to ease the epic human suffering we are witnessing,” he added.

  • Effects of colonialism still being felt – UN chief

    Effects of colonialism still being felt – UN chief

    The consequences of colonialism are “still being felt to this day”, the UN Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray, told the Special Committee on Decolonisation on Friday.

    Speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, he also reminded the participants of the challenges which face the so-called Non-Self-Governing Territories which remain around the world.

    “Global cooperation is central to addressing its impacts”, he underscored, urging the Committee, also known as C-24, to “commit to making 2022 a year of recovery for everyone”.

    The Special Committee is “a unique platform to promote the implementation of the Declaration on Decolonisation”, in accordance with all relevant resolutions, the senior UN official said.

    In 2021, the C-24 made every effort for the territories and others to engage and be heard.

    He drew attention to new working methods, that allow the Committee to hear first from the territories before considering related resolutions.

    The C-24 remains committed to fulfilling its mandate, Rattray assured.

    He described transparent and constructive dialogue as “pivotal” in opening further opportunities which could see progress towards full decolonisation.

    Guided by the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, “the Secretariat will continue to support the Special Committee in its work to promote decolonization,” the Chef de Cabinet said.

    Also speaking, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, pointed out that the “health, social and economic consequences of COVID-19” had served to compound the development challenges that territories have long faced.

    “Addressing these impacts requires improved global cooperation and solidarity”, including vaccine equity to enable COVID inoculations that are affordable and accessible to all,’’ she said

    “Vaccinationalism is self-defeating and will only delay global recovery,” DiCarlo said, encouraging countries to stick to the commitment to leave no-one behind.

    This session marks the beginning of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism and December 2020 marked the 60th anniversary of the Decolonisation Declaration.

    The Committee continues its efforts to implement the Declaration and is further determined to strengthen informal dialogues with “administering powers” – the countries which continue to hold or claim sovereignty over territories – and other stakeholders, according to the UN political chief.

    “A constructive relationship with all involved is indispensable for the advancement of the decolonisation process, on a case-by-case basis,’’ she said.

    DiCarlo stressed that expediting the decolonisation process is “imperative” and urged everyone to “engage in new dynamics” to address the challenges ahead.

    Since the birth of the United Nations, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence.

    As 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs) remain – or nearly two million people – the process of decolonisation continues.

    Completing this mandate will require continuing dialogue among the administering powers, the 29 different nations that make up the Special Committee, and the Non-Self-Governing Territories.

  • UN chief, Trump saddened by California wildfires

    UN chief, Trump saddened by California wildfires

    UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed sadness at the wildfires in the State of California, which killed at least 31 people and burned a staggering 6,500 homes.

    Guterres, in a statement by his Deputy Spokesman, Farhan Haq, said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives and extensive damage that resulted from the wildfires.”

    Three major fires are burning through the state, reportedly the most destructive wildfires in California’s history, and officials are bracing for the possibility that the death toll could rise significantly.

    The UN chief extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of the United States.

    The Secretary-General said he stood in solidarity with the Government of the United States.

    The fires, whipped by strong winds, raged through thousands of acres of forests and in both Northern and Southern California on Monday.

    The inferno had already wiped out Paradise – a town in the Sierra Nevada – and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents west of Los Angeles, while more than 200 people unaccounted for in Paradise.

    The inferno burnt about 200,000 acres and was only about 25 per cent contained as at Monday.

    U.S. President, Donald Trump, said on Monday evening on Twitter that he had approved a request to declare the fires in California a major disaster, making people affected eligible for various types of federal government support.

    Trump tweeted: “I just approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California.

    “Wanted to respond quickly in order to alleviate some of the incredible suffering going on. I am with you all the way. God Bless all of the victims and families affected”.

    The president in his tweets earlier said: “More than 4,000 are fighting the Camp and Woolsey Fires in California that have burned over 170,000 acres.

    “Our hearts are with those fighting the fires, the 52,000 who have evacuated, and the families of the 11 who have died. The destruction is catastrophic. God Bless them all.

    “The California Fire Fighters, FEMA and First Responders are amazing and very brave. Thank you and God Bless you all!”

    Trump, while raising an alarm on the seriousness of the inferno cautioned that: “these California fires are expanding very, very quickly (in some cases 80-100 acres a minute).

    “If people don’t evacuate quickly, they risk being overtaken by the fire. Please listen to evacuation orders from State and local officials.”

    The president had earlier incurred the wrath of the fire fighters when tweeted over the weekend that “there is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor.

    “Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!

    “With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart.”

    The International Association of Firefighters called the president’s comments an “irresponsible” and “reckless” act on behalf of the Trump administration.

    The association said “President Donald Trump has chosen to respond with an irresponsible, reckless and insulting tweet criticising the work being done on the frontline to contain these disasters.

    “While fire fighters and civilians are still in harm’s way, the president even suggested cutting off necessary funding to keep Americans safe.”

  • Africa is ‘on the rise’, says UN chief

    Africa is “on the move and on the rise” with communities coming together to resolve their problems and offer mutual support, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said.
    Guterres, while addressing the inaugural Africa Dialogue Series at the UN Headquarters, in New York, urged collaboration among African countries for better future.
    The UN chief urged everyone with a stake in Africa’s success to seize the new opportunities and work together with people on the continent for the common good.
    He, however, said alongside the progress and resilience, on the back of stability and improved governance, parts of Africa remained fragile with challenges to overcome.
    The two-day series focused on the nexus between peace, security, human rights, humanitarian and development in the continent, and replaced Africa Week, which was launched in 2010.
    “The volatility of financial markets, the looming trade conflicts, and high levels of debt in some countries are causing concern over economies that may be vulnerable to shocks.
    “The widening impacts of climate change will create additional strains in the years ahead.
    “Inclusive, sustainable development in Africa is a goal unto itself. It is also a leading tool to prevent conflict and crises,” the UN chief added.
    On sustainable development, the Secretary-General noted the synergies between the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
    On the UN-AU partnership on peace and security, Guterres cited examples from the Central African Republic and South Sudan where UN is working closely with African-led initiatives.
    “I will continue to advocate strongly for predictable, sustained and flexible financing for AU-led peace support operations authorised by the Security Council.
    “These operations are contributing to global security and deserve multilateral support,” he said.
    Briefing on the theme of the dialogue and expected outcomes, Bience Gawanas, the UN Special Adviser on Africa, said that the Dialogue “bears testimony of the desire to engage with the UN to realise a prosperous and peaceful Africa”.
    “Africa is changing and it is seeking to achieve peace, prosperity and socio-economic transformation,” Gawanas said.
    Ms María Espinosa, the President of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly, highlighted the central role of Africa in the multilateral system.
    Espinosa highlighted the importance of stronger and more collaborative efforts between the AU and the UN, saying such efforts will strengthen multilateralism.
    She also noted the revitalisation processes at the two institutions and expressed hope that the end result will allow them to “work together on behalf of all people”.
    Similarly, Ms Inga King, the President of the Economic and Social Council, underlined the importance of synergies between UN’s 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 of the AU.
    “The Economic and Social Council has an important role to play in sustaining peace and promoting sustainable development in Africa,” she said.
    King noted the body’s collaboration with other entities of the UN system and beyond.
    Also speaking at the Dialogue, Sacha Llorenty, the Permanent Representative of Bolivia and the President of the Security Council for the month of October, spoke of the link between peace, security and development.
    He also said that partnerships were critical to overcome challenges in the continent, as illustrated by the G5 Sahel Joint Task Force and the UN-AU Mission in Darfur.

  • Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission hindered by Boko Haram – UN chief

    Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission hindered by Boko Haram – UN chief

    The demarcation of the Cameroon-Nigeria border and the pillar construction continued to face challenges due to insecurity in areas affected by the presence of Boko Haram, the UN has said.

    This is contained in a ‘Report of the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)’.

    Guterres also cited the unrest in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon as partly contributing to the challenges faced by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission.

    “Insecurity in areas affected by Boko Haram continued to hinder the activities of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission in the northernmost regions of the land boundary between the two countries.

    “Social and political unrest in the English-speaking north-western and south-western regions of Cameroon raised additional security concerns.

    “As a result, the demarcation of the border and the subsequent emplacement of pillars continued to be a challenge,’’ he said.

    Against that background, parties to the Mixed Commission met in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 19 and March 20 to finalise the implementation of reinforced security measures for field operations.

    In this regard, Guterres noted the activities of his Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who also serves as Chair of the Mixed Commission.

    He said Chambas, on March 18 in Abuja and on May 15 in Yaoundé, “engaged in bilateral consultations with the heads of the Nigerian and Cameroonian delegations to work on outstanding areas of disagreement.

    “Overall, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the judgment of the International Court of Justice of October 2002 and to fully demarcating the land and maritime boundaries shared by the two countries.

    “My Special Representative also successfully concluded fundraising efforts to replenish a trust fund for pillar construction along the land boundary.

    “Consequently, pillar emplacement is expected to resume in October 2018 at the end of the rainy season.’’

    On the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers, he said UNOWAS supported the ECOWAS Commission in the development of a regional action plan on transhumance.

    Guterres said the office also established an informal working group on pastoralism and conflict prevention with the participation of the UN and regional entities working on the issue.

    “In Abuja, from April 24 to April 26, UNOWAS participated in a ministerial and experts meeting on conflicts between herders and farmers in West Africa, organised by the ECOWAS Commission and the Government of Nigeria.

    “Relevant recommendations included the need for States to report on the implementation of the ECOWAS transhumance protocol,’’ the UN Chief said.

    On Boko Haram, he said his Special Representative continued to support diplomatic, security and humanitarian responses to the terrorist organisation.

    “On Feb 28, my Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel took part in the International Conference on Lake Chad, hosted by the Government of Nigeria with the support of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

    “The Heads of State and Government of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, the Niger and Nigeria adopted a declaration reaffirming their commitment to increase cooperation to safeguard Lake Chad and address the socio-economic impact of climate change and instability.

    “In his capacity as my High-level Representative for Nigeria, my Special Representative also held discussions with security institutions and other key stakeholders on the situation in the Lake Chad basin with a view to enhancing regional cooperation, reintegrating ex-combatants and dealing with root causes.

    “Through the facilitation of my Special Representatives for West Africa and the Sahel and for Central Africa, the governors of territories bordering Lake Chad met for the first time in Maiduguri, Nigeria on May 8 and May 9.

    “They established the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to enhance joint efforts towards building peace and fostering sustainable development across the Lake Chad basin.

    Guterres said governance and development efforts must continue to be accompanied by a robust security response.

    He commended the efforts of the countries participating in the Multinational Joint Task Force and encouraged strengthened partnership among the affected countries and with regional organisations, including the African Union.

    “I congratulate the Government of Nigeria for conducting trials of Boko Haram suspects and urge the acceleration of the reintegration of victims and other categories of individuals associated with extremist groups in all affected countries.

    “I encourage national authorities to provide critical humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.

    “In addition, I reiterate my call on the international community to increase political, humanitarian, logistical and financial assistance to the affected countries, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel and the Multinational Joint Task Force, and to advance the disbursement of pledged funds.’’