TheNewsGuru

Tag: UN

  • UN apologises to Nigeria over ‘inciting comments’ on human rights issues

    UN apologises to Nigeria over ‘inciting comments’ on human rights issues

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al-Hussein has apologised to the Federal Government for describing Nigeria as being an “uncooperative” member and blocking multiple UN expert visits to human rights hot spots.

    Al-Hussein’s made the apology in a letter to Amb. Audu Kadiri, Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN Office and Other International Organisations (UNOG), in Geneva.

    “In my oral update to the 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on June 6, I had stated in error that Nigeria had only accepted one visit of special procedures in 2016 and the last previous visit was in 2017.

    “Nigeria has received several special procedure mandate holders in past years.

    “I deeply regret this unfortunate mistake and I trust that you will accept and convey to your government my sincere apology,” the letter read in part.

    Responding, Amb. Kadiri acknowledged receiving the letter with Reference number HC/17/36REV. 1.

    “I acknowledge receipt of the letter conveying your apology,” Kadiri said.

    NAN reports that earlier, the Federal Government had expressed “deep displeasure” over remarks by Al-Hussein.

    Foreign Affairs Ministry, Permanent Secretary, Sola Enikanolaiye, registered Nigeria’s displeasure at the 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    In a statement, Enikanolaiye said: “Nigeria has always cooperated with international experts and committed to discharging its human rights obligations.

    “This amounts to gross misrepresentation capable of eroding the confidence and credibility of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the eyes of Nigerians,” he said

    Enikanolaye, who led Nigerian delegation to the conference, said that the attention of the UN would be drawn to the impeccable record of Nigeria in the sphere of human rights protection and scrutiny by the UN.

    “The delegation will state at the allotted time that Nigeria has continued to cooperate fully and unconditionally with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the various human rights mechanisms.

    “In January 2016, Nigeria received four Human Rights Mandate holders, namely the Special Rapporteur on sales of children, child prostitution, and pornography.

    “Nigeria also received Maud de Boer-Buquicchio; Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Ms. Urmilla Boola, and the Special Rapporteur on Right to Mental and Physical Health, Mr. Dainus Puras.

    “Nigeria similarly received the Special Rapporteur on Internally Displaced Persons, Prof. Chaloka Beyani, from Aug. 23 to Aug. 26, 2016,” he said.

    He said that Nigeria had a known disposition to cooperating with such bodies.

    According to him, the delegation has expressed the country’s preparedness to receive the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, in November this year.

    He said that the delegation was however vindicated by the acknowledgment of this misrepresentation by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as conveyed in the Revised Version of his report.

    “Nigeria is ever ready and committed to scaling up its human rights obligations by applying globally acknowledged best practices,” he said.

    NAN reports that Al-Hueesin called out members such as Venezuela, Egypt, Nigeria and the Philippines for blocking multiple UN expert visits to these human rights hot spots.

    “Most astonishingly, in spite of having been elected to this council in 2015, Burundi continues to commit some of the most serious human rights violations dealt with by this council,” he said.

     

    (NAN)

  • UN chief strongly condemns London terrorist attacks

    UN chief strongly condemns London terrorist attacks

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Saturday night’s terrorist attacks in London and expressed solidarity with the people and Government of the United Kingdom in the combat against terrorism and violent extremism.

    “The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and the Government of the United Kingdom as they fight terrorism and violent extremism,” a statement issued by a UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Sunday.

    Guterres denounced the deadly incidents as “unjustifiable violence” and also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.

    This is a struggle in many parts of the globe that compels the international community to join up efforts to bring to justice those who use such inhuman tactics.

    “It is also a struggle for protecting and promoting the fundamental values, rights and principles that terrorists so fervently seek to undermine,” Guterres said.

    Authorities said seven people were killed and dozens more injured when a van sped across London Bridge on Saturday and rammed into numerous pedestrians.

    After the van came to a halt, the attackers reportedly stabbed several people in the capital’s Borough Market, a crowded weekend gathering spot.

    The three assailants were reportedly shot by the police.

    This is the third deadly incident in the UK that authorities have attributed to terrorists.

    The latest terror attacks followed a deadly attack near the Houses of Parliament in March, and nearly two weeks after a suicide bombing outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

    “This is a struggle in many parts of the globe that compels the international community to join up efforts to bring to justice those who use such inhuman tactics.

    “It is also a struggle for protecting and promoting the fundamental values, rights and principles that terrorists so fervently seek to undermine,” Guterres said.

     

  • EU, AU reaffirm commitment to Paris Agreement

    EU, AU reaffirm commitment to Paris Agreement

    The European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their strong commitment to full implementation of the Paris agreement, and call on all partners to keep up the momentum created in 2015.

    Ahead of the COP23 in November they pledge to work together to finalize the Paris Agreement work programme.

    Climate change and renewable energy will figure on the agenda of the upcoming Africa-EU Summit in Abidjan on 29/30 November.

    This will be an opportunity to confirm the strong solidarity with those most vulnerable to climate change and the determination to work together to build strong and sustainable economies and societies resilient to climate change.

    The European Union and the African Union reaffirm their commitment to continuing to address the adverse effects of climate change on human and animal health, natural ecosystems and other social and economic impacts that threaten our developmental gains as a global community.

    Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States of America from the agreement.

    In a nationwide broadcast, President Trump said the US would either seek re-negotiation or remain withdrawn from the agreement that went into effect on November 4, 2016.

    The President of the US has, however, faced much criticism on home soil and abroad for backing out of the agreement, with the United Nations calling his withdrawal a “great disappointment”.

    “Fortunately, the Paris Agreement is bigger than any one nation or any one government. We can still achieve the promise of Paris, but we have no time to lose.

    “Countries around the world must seize the opportunity to unleash this potential, invest in renewable energy that eliminates harmful carbon pollution, and build economies that are more resilient, inclusive and prosperous,” said Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, World Wildlife Fund’s Global Climate & Energy Practice Leader.

     

  • Trump’s withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord a ‘great disappointment’ – UN

    The United Nations, UN, says the decision by the United States to withdraw from Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a disappointment for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote global security.

    Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General, told the media at the UN Headquarters in New York, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his country’s withdrawal from the Agreement.

    “The Paris Agreement was adopted by all nations in the world in 2015 because they recognise the immense harm that climate change is already causing and the enormous opportunity that climate action presents.

    “It offers a meaningful yet flexible framework for action by all countries,” Dujarric said.

    He added that the Secretary-General António Guterres remained confident that cities, states and businesses within the U.S., along with other countries, would continue to demonstrate vision and leadership.

    According to him, this can be done by working for the low-carbon and resilient economic growth that will create quality jobs and markets for 21st century prosperity.

    “It is crucial that the United States remain a leader on environmental issues,” the spokesman for the Secretary-General noted.

    Dujarric also said that the Secretary-General looked forward to engaging with the U.S. Government and all actors in the country and around the world to build the sustainable future on which the future generations depend.

    Trump had promised to make his decision known this week on the Paris Climate Agreement, which as at May, 195 members of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change had signed and 147 had ratified.

    In a nationwide broadcast, Trump announced: “to fulfil my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord but begin negotiations to re-enter our way into Paris Accord.

    “Or in really entirely new transaction or terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses, its workers, its people and its tax payers.

    “So, we are getting out but we will start to negotiate and we would see if we could make a deal that is fair and if we can, that’s great and if we can’t, that’s fine.

    “As President, I can put no other consideration before the wellbeing of the American citizens. The Paris Climate Accord is simply the latest example of Washington entering into an agreement that disadvantages the United States.

    “For the exclusive benefits of other countries, leaving American workers, who I love, and tax payers to observe the cost in terms of job loss, low wages, shattered factories and vastly diminished economic production.

    “Thus, as of today, the United States would cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris Accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country.

    “This includes ending the implementation of the nationally determined contributions and very importantly, the Green Climate Fund, which is costing the United States a vast fortune.”

    According to him, compliant with the terms of the Paris Accord and the onerous energy restriction that is placed on the U.S. can cost America as much as 2.7 million job loss by 2025.

     

     

     

    NAN

     

  • UN nations tasked to return Nigeria’s stolen assets

    UN nations tasked to return Nigeria’s stolen assets

    Nigeria has renewed calls for the international community to ensure the return of stolen funds and assets illicitly stashed abroad in order for the country to utilise it for development purposes.

    Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, made the call at a seminar on Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Enhancing Assets Recovery in New York.

    The seminar, the third in a series, was organised by the Permanent Missions of Nigeria and Norway to the UN.

    Muhammad-Bande aptly linked the realisation of sustainable development to combating illicit financial flows and called on Member States to scale up cooperation in this aspect.

    The Nigerian envoy, therefore, challenged the global community to “stop, track, and get the illicit assets returned for their judicious use by the Nigerian Government”.

    “The significance of the subject under consideration is that there is still a lot more to know and to do in achieving our aim as members of the international community in this important matter.

    “The global community is focusing on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    “However, without addressing the twin issues of illicit financial flows and assets recovery, our collective aspiration to harness domestic resources to finance the sustainable development goals will remain a dream for many countries, especially in the developing world.

    ​“The realisation of the organic link between combating illicit financial flows and strengthening assets recovery, and achieving our ambitious 2030 Agenda informed the discourse today: “Illicit Financial Flows: Stop It, Track It, Get It and Use It”.”

    The Nigerian envoy noted that the seminar came less than two weeks after the missions held the second edition of the advocacy and awareness seminar recently.

    The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN, Geir Pederson, agreed with his Nigerian colleague that stolen wealth from countries of origin was contributing to underdevelopment.

    The Norwegian envoy, however, said one country could not achieve the agenda but a collaboration that must involve all countries and international actors.

    “Illicit financial flows have a lot of negative effects of the 2030 Agenda. There is the need for political will at the national and international level.

    “Norway and Nigeria are pushing it forward as an international agenda. International cooperation involves sharing information and best practices.

    “It is important to get international institutions together to discuss illicit financial flows because we have a lot of best practices.

    “There is ample evidence that there is the need to do more. If we do that, we will be successful before 2030,” Pederson said.

    TheNewsGuru reports that among participants at the event were representatives of Switzerland, Norway, Mexico, India and notable international experts on financial, assets recovery and development matters.

    They were from the World Bank, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

    The UN General Assembly in December unanimously adopted Nigeria-sponsored resolution on: “Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows” in order to foster sustainable development.

    The resolution was strongly supported at various levels by the African Group and the G-77 including China.

    The resolution reiterated “deep concern about the impact of illicit financial flows, in particular those caused by tax evasion and corruption, on the economic, social and political stability and development of societies”.

  • Microsoft announces $5 million donation to United Nations Human Rights Fund

    Microsoft announces $5 million donation to United Nations Human Rights Fund

    Microsoft announced Tuesday that it intends to contribute $5 million over five years to the United Nations human Rights office, assistance the Geneva-based agency called a “landmark partnership” that could prod other big private-sector donors to follow suit.

    The Redmond, Washington-based company plans to develop and use technology to help the UN rights office “predict, analyze and respond to critical human rights situations” at a time of arbitrary killings, rapes, detentions without trial and other abuses around the world.

    “As a global company that sees the problems of the world, we believe that we have a responsibility to help solve them,” Microsoft President Brad Smith said.

    The partnership, which launched last year, UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said reflects a commitment to using technology to promote human rights and recognition of the role the private sector can play in advancing that cause.

    An example of the technology being developed is an information dashboard, Rights View, to aggregate data on human rights violations by country and type in real time.

    Microsoft also pledged to support the UN’s human rights advocacy and outreach campaigns, including the development of corporate principles for tackling LGBT discrimination in the workplace.

    The announcement comes amid uncertainty about the rights office’s main funding source: countries and governments.

    The United States, traditionally a major donor, is considering cuts to its funding for UN institutions as part of Trump administration plans to trim the US State Department budget.

  • Over 8.5million people in North-East require urgent humanitarian assistance – UN

    Over 8.5million people in North-East require urgent humanitarian assistance – UN

    Sequel to the ravaging effects of the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group in the North-East, the United Nations (UN) on Tuesday said an estimated 8.5 million people in that region are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance while over 5 million remain food insecure.

    It however commended the Federal Government for the recent launch of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), saying it will go a long way to lift Nigeria out of its present economic depression status.

    The UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Edward Kallon, made the commendation in Abuja at the launch of UNDP’s 2016 Human Development Report (HDR).

    Kallon also expressed optimism that “Nigeria has what it takes to surmount its challenges” and pledged the support of the world body in this regard.

    He said that Nigeria with its several medium-term policies and programmes was capable of keeping its economy on a positive development trajectory.

    He said that this was because the ERGP focused on restoring growth, investing in people and building a globally competitive economy.

    The UNDP boss also expressed satisfaction on the feat recorded by Nigeria in the Human Development Index (HDI) where it recorded 13.1 per cent increase between 2005 and 2015.

    The country representative, however, called for tougher policies to sustain gains made in human development index.

    He decried that issues such as insecurity and the drop in prices of export commodities which were major earners in sub-Saharan Africa was fast eroding on this gains

    He noted that Nigeria was being faced with two major problems of economic recession and humanitarian crisis.

    “We are all aware of the humanitarian crisis in the North-East of the country and the looming famine in that region.

    “Although efforts by humanitarian development actors, under the leadership of the Government have yielded significant results.

    “Many challenges remain as an estimated 8.5 million people in that region are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance; over 5 million remain food insecure.

    “And, some 50,000 children are at IPC level five of food insecurity. The need for action, especially for the children, couldn’t be more urgent,” he said.

    He advised the government to utilise the opportunity provided by the national launch of this report to address the twin problems of economic recession and humanitarian crisis facing the country.

    Kallon advised that the nation should utilise the opportunity provided by the report to promote policy dialogue at both national and sub-national levels.

    Besides, he called on Nigeria to urgently find lasting solution to these challenges in order to bring about enduring development in the country.

    “The report shows that between 2005 and 2015, Nigeria’s HDI increased from 0.466 to 0.527 or 13.1 per cent increase.

    “This is encouraging, but given the humanitarian challenges already alluded to, and the economic recession witnessed in 2016, there is an urgent need to design policies and programmes to ensure that the upward trend in human development is not reversed,” he said.

     

  • Children rights activist, Malala conferred with highest UN honour

    Children rights activist, Malala conferred with highest UN honour

    The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, has designated children rights activist and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, as a UN Messenger of Peace with a special focus on girls’ education.

    Guterres, at a ceremony at UN headquarters in New York on Monday, praised Malala for her contributions to girls’ education even in the most difficult places.

    “You have been to the most difficult places, visited several refugee camps. Your foundation has schools in Lebanon, in the Beka’a Valley.

    “You are a symbol of perhaps, the most important thing in the world, ‘education for all’,” the Secretary-General said.

    Guterrers, while conferring the highest UN award on her, said Yousafzai’s life was “a remarkable example of solidarity”.

    “Yet, Pakistan was also such an example. We live in a world where so many borders closed; so many doors are closed.

    “But Pakistan has received seven million refugees with open borders, open doors and hearts – open a symbol of generosity,” he said.

    Guterres said he hoped “this spirit can serve as an example that it is not by closing doors that we will all be able to move forward”.

    Accepting the conferment, Yousafzai, 19, underscored the importance of education, especially education of girls, for advancing communities and societies.

    “Bringing change starts with us and it should start now.

    “If you want to see your future bright, you have to start working now and not wait for anyone else,” she said.

    UN Messengers of Peace are distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the UN.

    Backed by the highest honour bestowed by the Secretary-General on a global citizen, these prominent personalities volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of UN’s efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere.

    After her designation, Guterres, Yousafzai and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, conversed with youth representatives from around the world on the theme of girls’ education.

    Yousafzai, in her remarks, said the most difficult time she faced had been from 2007 to 2009 in the Swat Valley.

    “Because we were at a point of making a decision about whether to speak out or remain silent.

    “And I realized that if you remain silent, you are still going to be terrorized. So speaking out, you can help people,” she said.

    Yousafzai, who was shot in 2012 by the Taliban for attending classes, is the youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace and the first one to be designated by Guterres since he assumed office in January.

    She said while recovering from the Taliban attack, she realized that “extremists tried everything to stop me and the fact that they didn’t is clear evidence that no one can stop me.

    “I have second life for the purpose of education and I’ll continue working on this issue”.

    Yousafazi went on to say that brothers and fathers must also support women and girls in the global effort to ensure education for all and, more importantly, “be who they want to be”.

    According to her, her father always told people not to ask him what he “did for Malala, but ask what I didn’t do – I didn’t clip her wings”.

     

    NAN

     

  • U.S., UN, others condemn Egypt’s churches attacks

    The United States and United Nations has condemned terrorist attacks on two churches in Egypt during the celebration of the Palm Sunday.

    The Department of State, in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Mr Mark Toner, described the bombings as barbaric.

    “The United States condemns in the strongest terms, the barbaric attacks on Christian places of worship in Tanta and Alexandria that killed dozens of innocent people and injured many more on this holy day of Palm Sunday.

    “We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish a quick recovery for all those injured.

    “The United States will continue to support Egypt’s security and stability in its efforts to defeat terrorism,” the statement said.

    Personally, President Donald Trump condemned the attacks and urged the Egyptian Government to handle the “unfortunate’’ incident properly.

    “It is so sad to hear of the terrorist attack in Egypt. U.S. strongly condemns it.

    “I have great confidence that President Al Sisi will handle the situation properly,” Trump said on his Twitter handle.

    Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres and the Security Council also condemned the bombings.

    Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, hoped that “the perpetrators of this horrific terrorist act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice”.

    In a separate statement, the Security Council called the bombings “heinous and cowardly”, and reaffirmed that terrorism was one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

    The bombings were also strongly condemned by the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

    The UN body said that the attacks, which occurred during Palm Sunday when both churches were packed with worshippers aimed at ruining the unity and diversity that characterized the Egyptian society.

    Launched in 2005 through the initiative of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the UN, the Alliance maintains a global network of partners.

    The UNAOC’s alliance includes States, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations and the private sector, to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.

    Guterres, the Security Council and the UNAOC expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks and to the Government of Egypt.

    They also wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, according to the statements.

    The UN scribe and the bodies stressed the need to bring everyone responsible for the attacks to justice, and urged UN member-states to cooperate with Egypt and all other relevant authorities.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the attacks killed no fewer than 41 people and injured more than 100 others in two Coptic churches.

     

     

    NAN

  • Boko Haram: UN team arrives Nigeria to de-mine Sambisa

    A team of UN experts has arrived in Nigeria to assess the number of landmines Boko Haram terrorists have laid in the Sambisa Forest.

    Ms Agnes Marcaillou, Director, UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), told newsmen in New York that the team arrived the country on Tuesday.

    According to her, the assessment is with a view to de-mining and clearing the area of landmines.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that UNMAS collaborates with 11 other UN departments, agencies, programmes and funds to ensure effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problems of landmines and explosive remnants of war, including cluster munitions.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had on Sunday called for deliberate efforts to remove mines from the Sambisa forest after the sack of the insurgents from the area.

    Buratai said the effort required the assistance of the UN, Non-Governmental Organisations and development partners as the country could not do it alone.

    Speaking on the UN response, Marcaillou said: “UNMAS has sent some people to Nigeria and they have arrived already today (Tuesday) to explore this matter further.

    “I would say that the standard is that we need first and foremost, the involvement of the country in looking at the threat, it’s a partnership.

    “The United Nations and UNMAS have no magic wand. We need to get an assessment of the problem together; UN brings the capacities of the UN and the government together.

    “And then the Government of Nigeria will take the lead in mobilising the international community support.

    “This is because everything that we will do together at one point or another in Nigeria will require funding to meet those needs.

    “We need the concrete engagement of the government. We need to have evidence that the Government of Nigeria has put this question as a top priority on its agenda.’’

    She, however, pledged the commitment of the UN mine service to working with the Federal Government to rid the conflict-prone areas of landmines.

    “But right now, the positive side of the story is that we have responded to the call.

    “And we have a number of people who have already arrived the country today (Tuesday) to discuss it further,” she said.

     

    NAN