UPDATE: SYRIA: ‘Flagrant’ violations of international law continue in Syria, top UN relief official warns

United Nations News Centre - ‘Flagrant’ violations of international law continue in Syria, top UN relief official warns: "30 July 2014 – ‘Flagrant’ violations of international law continue in Syria, Top UN relief official warns With the United Nations and its partners in Syria begin to ramp up aid deliveries across battle lines, the Organization’s Emergency Relief Coordinator warned today that attacks on civilians by all parties to the conflict and human rights abuses continue “in flagrant violation of the most basic principles of…international law.”

Valerie Amos, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, delivered that warning and reiterated her appeal for action in a briefing to the Security Council on the situation of the millions of Syrians in desperate need of aid and protection, and on progress in implementing resolutions 2139 and 2165 on humanitarian access in Syria.

“In addition attacks on medical facilities are at their highest levels since December 2012,” said Ms. Amos via videoconference, adding that the targeting of vital services like the main Aleppo water pumping station has interrupted the supply of clean water and electricity.

“Almost one million people remain without safe drinking water, in temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius,” she said in a statement issued by her office after the briefing.

Deliveries to people in hard-to-reach areas have further dropped this month, largely due to the centralization of Government approvals of deliveries to those areas, she said, while arbitrary restrictions by some opposition groups are also obstructing humanitarian access, especially in the eastern governorates of Syria.

“After more than 20 requests, the United Nations reached the besieged town of Madamyiet El Sham – also known as Moadamiyeh ¬– in Rural Damascus earlier this month, and delivered food and medical care. The 24,000 people living there had not had assistance since the end of 2012,” said Ms. Amos, adding that this month the UN World Food Programme (WFP) dispatched food to 3 million people, and medicines were delivered to 2.1 million people.

“Despite deliveries to Madamyiet and Yarmouk, approximately 241,000 people are still living under siege conditions,” she explained."She said that resolution 2165, unanimously adopted by Council members on 14 July, authorized the UN and its partners to use routes across four additional border crossings with Turkey, Jordan and Iraq. The resolution also authorized the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to confirm the humanitarian nature of supplies brought through those crossings points.

“I confirmed to the Security Council that the monitoring mechanism has been established and that on 24 July, the first UN convoy crossed into Syria from Turkey through the Bab al-Salam border crossing,” said Ms. Amos.

Specifically, food, shelter materials, household items and water and sanitation supplies for approximately 26,000 people in Aleppo and Idleb Governorates was transported. The Syrian authorities were notified.

“In the next few days I hope to confirm the dispatch of other planned convoys through the other designated crossing points. However, given the volatile situation near the Iraqi border, we will review when we can start using the Al Yarubiyah crossing point,” said Ms. Amos.

She went on to underscore that there are significant challenges to operating across those four border points, including ongoing fighting, existence of a multitude of armed groups, and terrorist groups, which have stated their objections to international aid and aid workers.

“All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations to protect civilians and comply with the principles of humanitarian law,” she declared, adding that she hoped the terms of resolution 2165 would “enable the step change in humanitarian access and delivery that we all seek.”

Meanwhile, the UN and its partners stand ready to work with all concerned to ensure people receive the assistance they so desperately need, she said, and concluded: “We count on Council members for their full and sustained support.”

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UPDATE: Gaza: UN World Food Programme (WFP) is providing emergency food assistance to 204,000 people, in addition to the regular food programmes

United Nations News Centre - Gaza: deadly shelling of another UN school draws condemnation, calls for ceasefire: "“Of the quarter million people displaced in Gaza, an estimated 204,000 are in 82 schools serving as UNRWA shelters, according to OCHA, the equivalent of 10 per cent of Gaza's population.“Our capacity is stretched to the limit,” said Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.

Given the deteriorating humanitarian situation, peoples' needs will continue to grow,” Ms. Amos said, echoing calls for a ceasefire that would end the conflict. “Let's put people first.”

In today's press conference, Mr. Ging added that Gazans are gripped by “mortal fear” and are caught up in a “traumatic drama.”

“They are being told to flee areas, get out of areas, but to where? Where should they flee? In the end, we don't have the answer for them,” he said, adding that unlike in conflicts in other parts of the world, they population does not have an option of crossing borders.

He also reiterated the humanitarian challenges to providing aid, given that over 70 per cent of the people in Gaza are in need of steady assistance. Among the top priorities are shelter, food and water, and sanitation.

Today's attack was also condemned by UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown.

“This attack emphasizes the urgent need for both parties to end the militarization of schools and to recognize that the violation of schools and schoolchildren is outlawed by the international community,” Mr. Brown said in a statement.

“Schools should not be targeted nor should weapons be stored in them,” he added. “We must protect these places of learning.”

Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, said in her condemnation that the situation is particularly worrying given the damage done to health facilities, which puts an additional strain on already limited resources to care for sick and injured children.

“Rockets fired into Israel by Hamas have injured children and damaged schools. Israeli children also deserve to live in peace,” she added."



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UPDATE: Gaza: deadly shelling of another UN school draws condemnation, calls for ceasefire

United Nations News Centre - Gaza: deadly shelling of another UN school draws condemnation, calls for ceasefire: "30 July 2014 – As another United Nations school serving as a shelter for Palestinians in Gaza was hit by shells this morning, killing children, senior UN officials strongly condemned the attacks and warned against the targeting of civilians.

“Nothing is more shameful than attacking sleeping children,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said immediately upon his arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, for an official visit.

“I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. It is outrageous. It is unjustifiable. And it demands accountability and justice,” he added.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner General, Pierre Krähenbühl, echoed the condemnation calling the attack “an affront to all of us; a source of universal shame.”

According to an initial assessment, Israeli artillery on at least three occasions hit an UNRWA school where 3,300 people were seeking refuge. While the agency says it is too early to provide a death toll, there are at least 16 civilians believed to be dead, and several, including to women and children, and to UNRWA guards trying to protect the site.

“The precise location of the Jabalia Elementary Girls School and the fact that it was housing thousands of internally displaced people was communicated to the Israeli army seventeen times, to ensure its protection,” Mr. Krähenbühl said, “the last being at ten to nine last night, just hours before the fatal shelling.”

“I call on the international community to take deliberate international political action to put an immediate end to the continuing carnage,” he underscored.

Meanwhile in New York, speaking to reporters, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson urged those involved in the conflict to “put people first” and see the high price civilians are paying and the horror of what is happening.

“To me, this is a moment when you really have to say 'enough is enough',” he declared. “You have to search for the right words to convince those who have the power to stop this.”

At least six UN staff members have been killed in Gaza since the latest conflict started, the Deputy UN chief said, visibly frustrated with reported criticism that the world body is not doing enough to stem the violence in the enclave. Since the start of the conflict more than 133 schools have been shelled or suffered collateral damage.

He said UN legal advisors are discussing with Palestinian representatives an official request by President Mahmoud Abbas to place Palestine under an international protection system administered by the UN.

Calling it a “sign of desperation,” Mr. Eliasson admitted that such a task is “not easy to think about” but noted UN involvement in East Timor and Kosovo as potential examples.

In addition to condemning the artillery attacks from Israel, he noted the rockets into Israel and the attacks orchestrated through the tunnel networks.

Yesterday, UNRWA condemned the finding of more rockets in one of its schools, and announced an investigation.

Speaking to journalists alongside Mr. Eliasson, John Ging, Operations Director at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), clarified that the rockets found were in schools abandoned by the UN due to the intensity of the conflict in those areas, and thanks to the due diligence and the investigative approach taken by the UN.

“When they are in control of the school they can [be assured] that it is free of weapons and no one with arms is allowed in the school,” Mr. Ging said.

Both militants and the Israeli Defense Forces had occupied those schools in the past, he added, “we deplore that but we cannot control” the schools when the UN is not physically present in the building.

On Tuesday, a compound housing the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) was hit five times over a period of one hour, according to UN sources.

A preliminary investigation shows that there were also two projectiles that hit the ground just outside the compound. One of which is believed to have hit Gaza's sole power plant. Pending a more formal investigation to ascertain the responsibilities for the shelling of its compound, UNSCO reminded the relevant parties to the conflict of their responsibility to protect UN operations.

The Special Coordinator, Robert Serry, “is deeply concerned about this incident and other violations of United Nations premises during the conflict and condemns the loss of civilian lives, including United Nations personnel.”

Of the quarter million people displaced in Gaza, an estimated 204,000 are in 82 schools serving as UNRWA shelters, according to OCHA, the equivalent of 10 per cent of Gaza's population.

“Our capacity is stretched to the limit,” said Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator."



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UPDATE: UN Sec Gen Ban Ki-moon urges halt to fighting, unfettered access to Malaysia Airlines crash site in Ukraine

United Nations News Centre - Ban urges halt to fighting, unfettered access to Malaysia Airlines crash site in Ukraine: "30 July 2014 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for an immediate halt to hostilities in eastern Ukraine so that international investigators can gain access to the site where a Malaysia Airlines passenger flight crashed earlier this month.

Both Mr. Ban and the United Nations Security Council have called for a full investigation into the crash of flight MH17, which went down in Donetsk Oblast on 17 July, resulting in the loss of 298 lives.

They have also urged armed groups to allow unfettered access to the crash site and ensure that its integrity is maintained.

A statement issued by his spokesperson today said that Mr. Ban is “deeply disturbed” to learn that forensic teams and international investigators in Donetsk continue to be impeded from accessing the site and carrying out their critical work due to heavy fighting in the area.

“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to immediately halt hostilities in the proximity of the crash site so as to allow the international teams unimpeded access to the site,” said the statement.

Mr. Ban recalled that there are victims’ remains yet to be found and that key pieces of evidence remain at the site.

“The families of the victims of this horrific tragedy deserve closure and the world demands answers – international teams must be allowed to conduct their work,” the statement added.

In the wake of the crash, the Council was told that while the UN had no independent verification of the circumstances regarding the incident, there was credible, numerous reports suggesting that a sophisticated surface-to-air missile was used.

The apparent deliberate downing of the flight over eastern Ukraine, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman told the 15-member body, highlighted the need for an urgent resumption of a ceasefire and a serious effort to end the ongoing crisis in that country."



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UPDATE: UN envoy welcomes criteria for invalidation, recount in Afghan audit process

United Nations News Centre - UN envoy welcomes criteria for invalidation, recount in Afghan audit process: "30 July 2014 – The top United Nations official in Afghanistan has welcomed the decision to adopt criteria for the invalidation and recount of ballots as part of the ongoing audit over the results of the presidential run-off poll.

“This decision will ensure that the audit process will lead to the invalidation of fraudulent ballots while all valid votes will be counted, thus honouring the courage and determination of the Afghans who voted in both rounds of the Presidential election,” said Ján Kubiš, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative, in a statement released today.

Having met with the Independent Election Commission (IEC) earlier in the day, Mr. Kubiš said the Commission’s decision to adopt the criteria means that the regulatory framework for the Presidential audit is now complete.

“It will help minimise the points of friction encountered in the audit so far. I encourage both campaigns to continue demonstrating the political will necessary to proceed expeditiously with the audit, without any interruption,” added Mr. Kubiš, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The IEC decision is based on a UN proposal founded upon international best practice. Under the technical agreement reached by the two Presidential candidates, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, on 12 July, the UN was asked to propose the manner for the international supervision of the audit, which it did after consultations with both Presidential campaigns.

Agreed on by both of the candidates, the plan involves a complete audit of the results of the run-off held on 14 June– roughly eight million ballots – to be held in Kabul with monitoring by national and international observers, as well as the formation of a government of national unity, among other points.

With the process resuming on Saturday following the Eid break, the Special Representative said he looked forward to the candidate teams continuing their participation and focusing on large-scale irregularities rather than contesting individual ballots."



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UPDATE: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hails Costa Rica as ‘model’ for development, peace

United Nations News Centre - On first official visit, Ban hails Costa Rica as ‘model’ for development, peace: "30 July 2014 – On his first official visit, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lauded Costa Rica as a “model country” in sustainable development and protecting human rights.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his address to Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Mr. Ban said that Costa Rica led by example on many international issues including environmental sustainability, and highlighted its clean air and preserved forests. The Central American nation is also a trail blazer in peace and security due to its disarmament policy, he said.

“You are one of the few countries which does not maintain an army. You are one of the few countries in the region where people can freely walk around without feeling any fear of danger or threats,” Mr. Ban added, emphasizing how essential political stability is for development.

“You have also shown strong leadership in meeting the Millennium Development Goals and you have shown your leadership in shaping the future development agenda, post-2015 development agenda for the sustainable future of our world -social, economic and environmental dimensions.”

He welcomed UN efforts on climate change led by a fellow Costa Rican citizen, Christiana Figueres, the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Costa Rica must send a strong and ambitious message during the climate change summit meeting on 23 September.

On other matters, Mr. Ban condemned the attack in Gaza on yet another UN school sheltering thousands of Palestinian families saying that “nothing is more shameful than attacking sleeping children.” At least 16 civilians were killed in that attack. The total human toll in Gaza now stands at almost 1,300 people, and almost 6,000 people have been wounded.

The precise location of this Jabalia Elementary Girls School had been communicated to the Israeli military authorities 17 times - as recently as last night, just a few hours before the attack. Israeli forces were aware of the coordinates and exact locations where these people are being sheltered, Ban said. The UN is currently hosting 140,000 displaced persons in its facilities.

Later in the day, at a joint press conference with Manuel Gonzalez Sanz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ban told reporters that he had also met with President Luis Guillermo Solís. The officials discussed security in Central America, the Millennium Development Goals, the post-2015 development agenda, climate change, and many other issues relating to disarmament and peace and security.
“We also discussed the plight of migrants, especially unaccompanied children. Beyond Costa Rica, tens of thousands of Central American children are vulnerable and suffering at the hands of traffickers, said the UN chief, adding: “On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, I repeat my call on countries of origin, transit and destination to urgently protect the lives and safety of migrant children.”

He went on to laud the Government’s recent efforts to end discrimination and welcomed steps taken to promote intercultural dialogue with indigenous peoples.

“I praise moves towards recognizing the equal rights of all people regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or other differences,” said the Secretary-General, adding that he was also pleased to learn that recently, President Solís raised the diversity flag for the first time in the Presidential House.

“I also encourage a stronger push to end violence against women – building on the impressive successes in ensuring their equal participation in decision-making.”

Mr. B also noted that he would meet with indigenous representatives today. “Their full participation in decision-making is essential. The United Nations is working closely with Costa Rica for greater progress,” he added."



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UPDATE: UN Security Council extends UN peacekeeping missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus and Darfur

United Nations News Centre - Security Council extends UN peacekeeping missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus and Darfur: "30 July 2013 – In three separate meetings this morning, the Security Council wrapped up its scheduled work for July with the unanimous extension of United Nations peacekeeping operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Darfur, – and a vote to continue the UN mission in Cyprus.

The Council unanimously decided to extend the mandate of the UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) until 30 June 2014 to continue work on its core priorities of protecting civilians, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, and security sector reform.

Members also agreed that the Mission should be reconfigured by 30 June 2014 to consist of 7,137 military personnel from the current limit of 10,400, as recommended in Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s latest report presented earlier this month by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous.

The Council noted a possible further reduction down to 5,437 military personnel by June 2015, depending on the security on the ground and the improved capacity of the Government to take over UNOCI’s security role.

The Council also decided that UNOCI should reconfigure its military presence to concentrate resources in high-risk areas to more effectively assist the Government in protecting civilians and stability the security situation in the country.

Turning to Cyprus, the Council extended until 31 January 2014 the mandate of the UN Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) by a vote of 13 to 0, with two members, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, abstaining.

One of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions, UNFICYP has been deployed on the island since 1964, when inter-communal fighting erupted between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

The Council today reiterated its call on the leadership of those two communities to accelerate the pace of talks aimed at reunifying the divided Mediterranean island nation.

Also today, the Security Council unanimously extended the mandate of the UN-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) for a further 13 months, until 31 August 2014.

Briefing the Council last week on security in Darfur, Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas said the situation remains “volatile” amid fighting between Sudanese Government forces and rebels, a recent spate of attacks against peacekeepers and an upsurge in inter-ethnic violence.

Since the beginning of this year, the renewed violence in Darfur has prompted more than 250,000 people to flee their villages and abandon their livelihoods, and the inter-tribal clashes have strained the ability of humanitarian organization to reach vulnerable families.

The clashes have also led to four attacks against UNAMID peacekeepers over the past four months. The most recent incident occurred on 13 July, when seven Tanzanian peacekeepers were killed and 17 other members of the Mission were injured in a roadside ambush.

In this context, the Council requested that Mr. Ban, in close consultation with the African Union, presents options and recommendations on improving UNAMID’s effectiveness to the Security Council by the end of next February."



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