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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Sept 21, 2015 International Day of Peace Celebration at Lyceum University Cavite, Philippines
Ambassador Zara Bayla Juan, Sailing for Peace #PeaceDay
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
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."
'via Blog this'
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."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
MH17 plane crash: Ukraine rebels give up 'black boxes'
BBC News - MH17 plane crash: Ukraine rebels give up 'black boxes': "Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have handed over two flight-data recorders from the downed MH17 plane to Malaysian experts.
The handover came hours after the UN Security Council voted unanimously to demand immediate international access to the crash site.
EU foreign ministers will consider more sanctions against Russia on Tuesday.
The Malaysian Airlines passenger jet crashed last Thursday, killing all 298 people on board."
'via Blog this'
The handover came hours after the UN Security Council voted unanimously to demand immediate international access to the crash site.
EU foreign ministers will consider more sanctions against Russia on Tuesday.
The Malaysian Airlines passenger jet crashed last Thursday, killing all 298 people on board."
'via Blog this'
UPDATE: Escalating violence in Gaza overshadows hope for peace negotiations | Fox News
Escalating violence in Gaza overshadows hope for peace negotiations | Fox News: "Israel's Ambassador to the U.N., Ron Prosnor, defended the Israeli military's actions, saying that Israel had been forced to defend itself against rocket attacks launched by the Islamic militant group Hamas and adding that Israel's military was exercising restraint.
Hamas and its allies fired multiple missiles across southern and central Israel, and heavy fighting in the north and east of Gaza persisted, Reuters reported Monday.
Despite the rising death toll, there was no sign of a decrease in the violence. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said Monday he is prepared to continue the offensive "as long as necessary" to halt rocket fire and other attacks from Gaza on Israelis.
Hamas says that before halting fire, it wants guarantees that Israel and Egypt will significantly ease a seven-year border blockade of Gaza.
"The resistance (Hamas) will not respond to any pressure," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a text message, in a reference to the renewed cease-fire efforts."
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Hamas and its allies fired multiple missiles across southern and central Israel, and heavy fighting in the north and east of Gaza persisted, Reuters reported Monday.
Despite the rising death toll, there was no sign of a decrease in the violence. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said Monday he is prepared to continue the offensive "as long as necessary" to halt rocket fire and other attacks from Gaza on Israelis.
Hamas says that before halting fire, it wants guarantees that Israel and Egypt will significantly ease a seven-year border blockade of Gaza.
"The resistance (Hamas) will not respond to any pressure," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a text message, in a reference to the renewed cease-fire efforts."
'via Blog this'
Saturday, July 12, 2014
UPDATE: SYRIA: UN agency urges Europe to shoulder more of refugee challenge
United Nations News Centre - Syria: UN agency urges Europe to shoulder more of refugee challenge: "11 July 2014 – With Syria heading into its fourth year of conflict, a United Nations agency today called on Europe to do more to help Syrian refugees, after a new report found that some nations in the region are turning back asylum seekers and ‘shouldering only a small part’ of the challenges.
“In fact, they are minuscule and represent only four per cent of Syrian refugees,” UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Melissa Fleming told journalists in Geneva in reference to the Syrian refugee figure in Europe.
Until now, just 123,600 Syrian refugees have sought asylum in Europe, according to a new report, Syrian Refugees in Europe: What Europe can do to Ensure Protection and Solidarity. This figure stands in sharp conflict to the nearly 3 million refugees who have sought safety in countries neighbouring Syria since the conflict began in March 2011.
“An increasing number of Syrians are now seeking safety in countries beyond the immediate region,” UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming told journalists in Geneva. “Many are embarking on long and dangerous journeys to reach safety and in some cases to reunite with family members already in Europe.”
In the European Union, Syrian asylum-seekers are mostly concentrated in Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, with Sweden and Germany receiving 56 per cent of the new Syrian asylum applications."
'via Blog this'
“In fact, they are minuscule and represent only four per cent of Syrian refugees,” UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson Melissa Fleming told journalists in Geneva in reference to the Syrian refugee figure in Europe.
Until now, just 123,600 Syrian refugees have sought asylum in Europe, according to a new report, Syrian Refugees in Europe: What Europe can do to Ensure Protection and Solidarity. This figure stands in sharp conflict to the nearly 3 million refugees who have sought safety in countries neighbouring Syria since the conflict began in March 2011.
“An increasing number of Syrians are now seeking safety in countries beyond the immediate region,” UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming told journalists in Geneva. “Many are embarking on long and dangerous journeys to reach safety and in some cases to reunite with family members already in Europe.”
In the European Union, Syrian asylum-seekers are mostly concentrated in Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, with Sweden and Germany receiving 56 per cent of the new Syrian asylum applications."
'via Blog this'
UPDATE: GAZA: UN Security Council calls for Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire, protection of civilians
United Nations News Centre - Security Council calls for Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire, protection of civilians: "12 July 2014 – Concerned about the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the United Nations Security Council on Saturday called for a ceasefire between the Israelis and Palestinians and for the protection of civilians.
In a statement read out to the press by Ambassador Eugene Richard Gasana of Rwanda, which holds the Council's rotating presidency for July, the 15-member body expressed serious concern regarding the crisis and the protection and welfare of civilians on both sides.
“The Security Council members called for de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, and reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire,” Mr. Gasana said, referring to the Egyptian-brokered agreement that ended eight days of violence in Gaza and Israel nearly two years ago.
“The Security Council members further called for respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, according to today's update from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which reported that communities in the enclave “continue to suffer as heavy airstrikes, death, injuries and damage to infrastructure continues to take its toll on everyday life.”
In today's statement, Council members expressed their support for the resumption of direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on the two-State solution."
'via Blog this'
In a statement read out to the press by Ambassador Eugene Richard Gasana of Rwanda, which holds the Council's rotating presidency for July, the 15-member body expressed serious concern regarding the crisis and the protection and welfare of civilians on both sides.
“The Security Council members called for de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, and reinstitution of the November 2012 ceasefire,” Mr. Gasana said, referring to the Egyptian-brokered agreement that ended eight days of violence in Gaza and Israel nearly two years ago.
“The Security Council members further called for respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians.”
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, according to today's update from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which reported that communities in the enclave “continue to suffer as heavy airstrikes, death, injuries and damage to infrastructure continues to take its toll on everyday life.”
In today's statement, Council members expressed their support for the resumption of direct negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on the two-State solution."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Join! PEACE VIGIL 2014 UN International Day of Peace, Wellness for Peace...
Let's Celebrate World Peace Day on Sept 21, 2014
Join! PEACE VIGIL 2014
We Educate Wellness for Peace Education to Everyone
We Innovate Business and Ecology for Climate Change Adaptation
We Initiate 12noon Prayers for Peace where ever you are
Be the Peace Leader in Your Venue
Book your Schedule on September 21, 2014:
Free Symposium on Wellness, Climate Change & Peace
Free Wellness for Peace Workshops
Free Public Forum on Climate Change and Peace Building
Please call:
Wellness Pilipinas! +639295197788
wellnesspilipinas@yahoo.com.ph
Sailing for Peace Worldwide +639276767738
ambassadorzara@gmail.com
Thank you!
Peace & Love!
God bless you!
Ambassador Zara Jane Juan
Websites:
Personality Development for Peace Leadership:
innovativemindandbody.blogspot.com
UN World Peace Updates
peaceadvocates.blogspot.com
Wellness Pilipinas News & Updates
wellnesspilipinas.blogspot.com
Interfaith Interracial Intercultural Prayers for Peace
sailingforpeaceworldwidepeacevigil.blogspot.com
Wellness for Peace: Climate Change
zarajanejuan.blogspot.com
Peace Vigil:
facebook.com/ambassadorzara
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