UN headlines: Feb 27-March 2, 2017

2 March 2017

‘Communicating SDGs’ key to achieving global development targets – senior UN official

Hunger persists in chronic conflict zones despite strong global harvests – UN

UN-backed narcotics control body calls for more policies to address drug dependence among women

Iraq: Civilian casualty figure for February tops 1,000 – UN reports

Financial speculation led to unsustainable global housing crisis, UN expert says

UN envoy condemns firing of rocket from Gaza towards Israel

Perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Kabul must be brought to justice, stresses UN Security Council

---

1 March 2017

Humanitarian actors need safe, unhindered access to help Yemen avert famine – UN aid chief

UN Mission in Colombia starts verification as FARC-EP begins turning in weapons

Mental anguish ‘adds weight’ to argument for ending capital punishment – UN rights chief

Innovation imperative to make Global Goals a reality – UN official, on day one of ideas fest

Drug-resistant tuberculosis continues to be serious health threat says UN health agency

War crimes committed by all parties in battle for Aleppo – UN-mandated inquiry on Syria

DR Congo security forces committed rights violations against protestors in December 2016 – UN probe

'Make some noise' for safe, supportive HIV/AIDS care, says UN on Zero Discrimination Day

---

28 February 2017

UN rights office disappointed with Thai Government’s refusal to criminalize enforced disappearance

Sustainable Development Goals critical for better future for all – deputy UN chief Amina Mohammed

Russia, China block Security Council action on use of chemical weapons in Syria

People fleeing war more likely to find shelter in poorer countries, says UN refugee agency

With virtual and augmented reality, UN ‘ideas forum’ to explore collaboration on Global Goals

UN migration agency reports surge in displacement from Mosul as fighting intensifies

Migrating children and women, suffer ‘sexual violence, exploitation, abuse and detention’ – UN agency

Yemen: UN verifies nearly 1,500 boys recruited for use in armed conflict

South Sudan: UN official calls for unfettered relief access to avert further catastrophe

---

27 February 2017

In Yemen, UN aid chief rallies support for relief efforts to prevent famine

Germany: UN rights panel highlights racial profiling against people of African descent

Drought threatens 1.5 million Somalis; UN health agency scales up response

Refugees and migrants taking 'enormous risks' to reach Europe – UN agency

UN health agency lists antibiotic-resistant bacteria which pose human threat

Kosovo: Talks between Belgrade and Pristina 'essential' to peace, UN envoy tells Security Council

Families report skyrocketing food prices, dire conditions in western Mosul – UN agency

In Geneva, UN urges upholding human rights amid rising populism and extremism

UN rights expert calls on Myanmar authorities to protect Rohingya population

Source:

United Nations News Centre - Latest headlines at a glance: "2 March 2017
‘Communicating SDGs’ key to achieving global development targets – senior UN official

Hunger persists in chronic conflict zones despite strong global harvests – UN

UN-backed narcotics control body calls for more policies to address drug dependence among women

Iraq: Civilian casualty figure for February tops 1,000 – UN reports

Financial speculation led to unsustainable global housing crisis, UN expert says

UN envoy condemns firing of rocket from Gaza towards Israel

Perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Kabul must be brought to justice, stresses UN Security Council

1 March 2017
Humanitarian actors need safe, unhindered access to help Yemen avert famine – UN aid chief

UN Mission in Colombia starts verification as FARC-EP begins turning in weapons

Mental anguish ‘adds weight’ to argument for ending capital punishment – UN rights chief

Innovation imperative to make Global Goals a reality – UN official, on day one of ideas fest

Drug-resistant tuberculosis continues to be serious health threat says UN health agency

War crimes committed by all parties in battle for Aleppo – UN-mandated inquiry on Syria

DR Congo security forces committed rights violations against protestors in December 2016 – UN probe

'Make some noise' for safe, supportive HIV/AIDS care, says UN on Zero Discrimination Day

28 February 2017
UN rights office disappointed with Thai Government’s refusal to criminalize enforced disappearance

Sustainable Development Goals critical for better future for all – deputy UN chief Amina Mohammed

Russia, China block Security Council action on use of chemical weapons in Syria

People fleeing war more likely to find shelter in poorer countries, says UN refugee agency

With virtual and augmented reality, UN ‘ideas forum’ to explore collaboration on Global Goals

UN migration agency reports surge in displacement from Mosul as fighting intensifies

Migrating children and women, suffer ‘sexual violence, exploitation, abuse and detention’ – UN agency

Yemen: UN verifies nearly 1,500 boys recruited for use in armed conflict

South Sudan: UN official calls for unfettered relief access to avert further catastrophe

27 February 2017
In Yemen, UN aid chief rallies support for relief efforts to prevent famine

Germany: UN rights panel highlights racial profiling against people of African descent

Drought threatens 1.5 million Somalis; UN health agency scales up response

Refugees and migrants taking 'enormous risks' to reach Europe – UN agency

UN health agency lists antibiotic-resistant bacteria which pose human threat

Kosovo: Talks between Belgrade and Pristina 'essential' to peace, UN envoy tells Security Council

Families report skyrocketing food prices, dire conditions in western Mosul – UN agency

In Geneva, UN urges upholding human rights amid rising populism and extremism

UN rights expert calls on Myanmar authorities to protect Rohingya population"



'via Blog this'

UN headlines: January 22-25, 2017 (click source to read full article)

25 February 2017

Western Sahara: UN chief urges Morocco and Polisario Front to de-escalate tensions in buffer strip

UN Security Council calls for immediate investigation into recent violence in DR Congo's Kasai region

---

24 February 2017

UNESCO meeting lays groundwork for reviving, protecting Iraq’s cultural heritage

Secretary-General asks Member States to express intention on financing UN plan to tackle cholera in Haiti

UN envoy and Church leaders in DR Congo condemn attacks against Catholic facilities

Donors pledge $670 million at UN-backed conference to support aid operations in Lake Chad region

UN reports more than 300 migrant deaths on Mediterranean crossing in first two months of 2017

At global UN consultation, health leaders underline need for action on migrant health

UN rights experts urge action to curb 'invisible threat' of toxic air

---

23 February 2017

Perpetrators of recent terrorist attack in Iraq must be held accountable – UN Security Council

Next gen, 'lightning' fast global communication network on track for 2020 entry – UN agency

Central African Republic: Senior UN relief official urges access to civilians in north-eastern provinces

UN chief urges Syrians at Geneva negotiations to seek political solution; Envoy to meet parties on workplan

Millions in Lake Chad suffering ‘at no fault of their own’ need world’s support, urges UN aid chief

UN health agency reports depression now ‘leading cause of disability worldwide’

‘Turn the tide on plastic’ urges UN, as microplastics in the seas now outnumber stars in our galaxy

Security Council extends mandate of UN Guinea-Bissau peacebuilding office through 2018

Yemen's health system another victim of the conflict – UN health agency

---

22 February 2017

Syria negotiations may not yield breakthrough, but momentum needs to be maintained – UN envoy

Central African Republic: Four UN peacekeepers wounded in ambush by armed group

OSCE seeks to defuse conflicts, combat radicalization and build trust, UN Security Council told

Tackling hunger crises in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen requires $4.4 billion – UN

Haiti: New grant to help UNICEF strengthen efforts to tackle cholera

Business-as-usual not an option with future global food security in jeopardy, cautions UN agency

Humanitarian agencies seek $1 billion to provide life-saving aid to millions in northeast Nigeria – UN

Source: United Nations News Centre - Latest headlines at a glance: "25 February 2017
Western Sahara: UN chief urges Morocco and Polisario Front to de-escalate tensions in buffer strip

UN Security Council calls for immediate investigation into recent violence in DR Congo's Kasai region

24 February 2017
UNESCO meeting lays groundwork for reviving, protecting Iraq’s cultural heritage

Secretary-General asks Member States to express intention on financing UN plan to tackle cholera in Haiti

UN envoy and Church leaders in DR Congo condemn attacks against Catholic facilities

Donors pledge $670 million at UN-backed conference to support aid operations in Lake Chad region

UN reports more than 300 migrant deaths on Mediterranean crossing in first two months of 2017

At global UN consultation, health leaders underline need for action on migrant health

UN rights experts urge action to curb 'invisible threat' of toxic air

23 February 2017
Perpetrators of recent terrorist attack in Iraq must be held accountable – UN Security Council

Next gen, 'lightning' fast global communication network on track for 2020 entry – UN agency

Central African Republic: Senior UN relief official urges access to civilians in north-eastern provinces

UN chief urges Syrians at Geneva negotiations to seek political solution; Envoy to meet parties on workplan

Millions in Lake Chad suffering ‘at no fault of their own’ need world’s support, urges UN aid chief

UN health agency reports depression now ‘leading cause of disability worldwide’

‘Turn the tide on plastic’ urges UN, as microplastics in the seas now outnumber stars in our galaxy

Security Council extends mandate of UN Guinea-Bissau peacebuilding office through 2018

Yemen's health system another victim of the conflict – UN health agency

22 February 2017
Syria negotiations may not yield breakthrough, but momentum needs to be maintained – UN envoy

Central African Republic: Four UN peacekeepers wounded in ambush by armed group

OSCE seeks to defuse conflicts, combat radicalization and build trust, UN Security Council told

Tackling hunger crises in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen requires $4.4 billion – UN

Haiti: New grant to help UNICEF strengthen efforts to tackle cholera

Business-as-usual not an option with future global food security in jeopardy, cautions UN agency

Humanitarian agencies seek $1 billion to provide life-saving aid to millions in northeast Nigeria – UN

"



'via Blog this'

UN chief Guterres highlights need for 'a surge in diplomacy for peace'

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a boost in preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts, as well as for a strategy to address root causes of such conflicts in the world.

“There are things that are obvious: the alignment of the sustainable and inclusive development with the sustaining peace agenda,” said Mr. Guterres in his remarks to the Munich Security Conference, noting also their importance in preventing conflicts.

He also drew attention to the need to address the fragility of states and to support states, institutions and civil societies to become stronger and more resilient to diminish the tendency for states to be involved in conflict situations.

Noting the centrality of climate change and strain on resources in increasing the probability of conflicts and dramatic humanitarian crises, Secretary-General Guterres called on the international community to rally behind the Paris Agreement on climate change as well as to focus attention on population growth, especially in Africa.

“And for me, a key condition to address it is the combination of education and the empowerment of women and girls,” he said, noting: “This is probably the best way to be able to address the problems of excessive population growth that is impacting dramatically in some parts of the world.”

Further in his remarks, the UN chief noted the need for strengthened global multilateralism and the need for responsive reform to enhance confidence and capacity of multilateral institutions to better respond to global challenges and to meet the expectations of the world's peoples.

In the case of the UN, the Secretary-General noted that the organization has been engaged in reforms to its peace and security strategy, operational setup and architecture; its development system; and its management.

RELATED: UN chief Guterres announces steps towards reforming Organization's peace and security architecture

Also in his address, Mr. Guterres said that while the world prepares for responding to the crises it faces today, it is equally important that it is prepared to deal with new dimensions and problems of peace and security it could face in the future.

Noting the already existing challenges related to cyberspace and lack of mechanisms to address those, the UN chief highlighted that development of a analytical capacity and governance models for new areas of scientific and technological development, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering will be crucial in the days to come.

“I believe that when people will meet herein 10 or 20 years' time in Munich, we will probably be discussing other things in relation to the priorities of today, but I hope we don't get to those discussions too late and [having done] too little,” he said.

Source: United Nations News Centre - At Munich Security Conference, UN chief Guterres highlights need for 'a surge in diplomacy for peace': "United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a boost in preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts, as well as for a strategy to address root causes of such conflicts in the world.

“There are things that are obvious: the alignment of the sustainable and inclusive development with the sustaining peace agenda,” said Mr. Guterres in his remarks to the Munich Security Conference, noting also their importance in preventing conflicts.

He also drew attention to the need to address the fragility of states and to support states, institutions and civil societies to become stronger and more resilient to diminish the tendency for states to be involved in conflict situations.

Noting the centrality of climate change and strain on resources in increasing the probability of conflicts and dramatic humanitarian crises, Secretary-General Guterres called on the international community to rally behind the Paris Agreement on climate change as well as to focus attention on population growth, especially in Africa.

“And for me, a key condition to address it is the combination of education and the empowerment of women and girls,” he said, noting: “This is probably the best way to be able to address the problems of excessive population growth that is impacting dramatically in some parts of the world.”

Further in his remarks, the UN chief noted the need for strengthened global multilateralism and the need for responsive reform to enhance confidence and capacity of multilateral institutions to better respond to global challenges and to meet the expectations of the world's peoples.

In the case of the UN, the Secretary-General noted that the organization has been engaged in reforms to its peace and security strategy, operational setup and architecture; its development system; and its management.

RELATED: UN chief Guterres announces steps towards reforming Organization's peace and security architecture

Also in his address, Mr. Guterres said that while the world prepares for responding to the crises it faces today, it is equally important that it is prepared to deal with new dimensions and problems of peace and security it could face in the future.

Noting the already existing challenges related to cyberspace and lack of mechanisms to address those, the UN chief highlighted that development of a analytical capacity and governance models for new areas of scientific and technological development, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering will be crucial in the days to come.

“I believe that when people will meet herein 10 or 20 years' time in Munich, we will probably be discussing other things in relation to the priorities of today, but I hope we don't get to those discussions too late and [having done] too little,” he said.

"



'via Blog this'

Amid global paradox, solutions that unify economic and social progress needed – UN labour chief

Highlighting that many around the world are left out from being able to benefit from global prosperity dividends and that even flourishing societies are seeing inequalities widen, the head of the United Nations labour agency today called for solutions that can bring economic growth combined with social progress.

In his message on World Day of Social Justice, UN International Labour Organization chief Guy Ryder also underlined that the feeling of absence of social justice: children without secure futures, parents without decent jobs and a general feeling of abandonment, have grave consequences not only for communities and societies, but for economies as well.

“We need solutions that lead away from conflict and towards recovery, to economic growth with social progress, solutions that build institutions girded by labour standards that guarantee rights at work,” said Mr. Ryder.

“In an interconnected world this is a global agenda and a global responsibility,” he added.

Marked this year with the theme 'Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work' the Day calls upon the international community work towards eradicating poverty, promoting full employment and decent work, gender equity, and access to social well-being and justice for all.

Mr. Ryder also stressed that lack of decent jobs and the fear that aspirations for a better life will remain unfulfilled multiplies people's worries, leaving young people without a “stake in society.”

Urging for the formulation of policies that can deliver the decent work opportunities given their importance for the stability and success of societies, he added: “[The words] Si vis pacem, cole justatium: 'If you seek peace, cultivate justice' […] are as compelling today as they were when written nearly one hundred years ago when the world was emerging from the ravages of war.”

RELATED: Responses to global ills must integrate peace and sustainable development, UN Member States told

In 2007, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice, inviting Member States to promote national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly.

Also today, UN independent human rights experts underlined everyone's right to a standard of living that ensures adequate health and well-being for themselves and their families, including access to food, clothing, housing, health care and social services.

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which sets out these rights, also makes clear that all people are entitled to a social and international order in which their rights and freedoms can be fully realized,” said Alfred de Zayas, UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; and Idriss Jazairy, UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.

They also underlined that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include commitments to eradicate poverty, provide clean, affordable energy, promote peaceful and inclusive societies, and implement nationally appropriate social protection systems for all, including social protection floors.

Source: United Nations News Centre - Amid global paradox, solutions that unify economic and social progress needed – UN labour chief: "Highlighting that many around the world are left out from being able to benefit from global prosperity dividends and that even flourishing societies are seeing inequalities widen, the head of the United Nations labour agency today called for solutions that can bring economic growth combined with social progress.

In his message on World Day of Social Justice, UN International Labour Organization chief Guy Ryder also underlined that the feeling of absence of social justice: children without secure futures, parents without decent jobs and a general feeling of abandonment, have grave consequences not only for communities and societies, but for economies as well.

“We need solutions that lead away from conflict and towards recovery, to economic growth with social progress, solutions that build institutions girded by labour standards that guarantee rights at work,” said Mr. Ryder.

“In an interconnected world this is a global agenda and a global responsibility,” he added.

Marked this year with the theme 'Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work' the Day calls upon the international community work towards eradicating poverty, promoting full employment and decent work, gender equity, and access to social well-being and justice for all.

Mr. Ryder also stressed that lack of decent jobs and the fear that aspirations for a better life will remain unfulfilled multiplies people's worries, leaving young people without a “stake in society.”

Urging for the formulation of policies that can deliver the decent work opportunities given their importance for the stability and success of societies, he added: “[The words] Si vis pacem, cole justatium: 'If you seek peace, cultivate justice' […] are as compelling today as they were when written nearly one hundred years ago when the world was emerging from the ravages of war.”

RELATED: Responses to global ills must integrate peace and sustainable development, UN Member States told

In 2007, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice, inviting Member States to promote national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly.

Also today, UN independent human rights experts underlined everyone's right to a standard of living that ensures adequate health and well-being for themselves and their families, including access to food, clothing, housing, health care and social services.

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which sets out these rights, also makes clear that all people are entitled to a social and international order in which their rights and freedoms can be fully realized,” said Alfred de Zayas, UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; and Idriss Jazairy, UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.

They also underlined that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include commitments to eradicate poverty, provide clean, affordable energy, promote peaceful and inclusive societies, and implement nationally appropriate social protection systems for all, including social protection floors."



'via Blog this'

Feb 15-17, 2017 Headlines at a glance- UN News Centre

click link to read full article

17 February 2017

Germany is symbol of tolerance and hospitality for those in need of protection – UN chief Guterres

Iraq: UN condemns car bomb attack in Baghdad

A decade on, UN urges all Governments to endorse convention on enforced disappearance

Atrocities will end in South Sudan only when perpetrators 'face consequences' – UN rights official

Central African Republic: UN mission reinforces presence in restive Bambari

One million Ukrainian children now need aid as number doubles over past year – UNICEF

INTERVIEW: Governments should think twice before putting children in detention – UN expert Manfred Nowak

'No time to lose' as humanitarian catastrophe looms in Somalia – UN agencies

Global heat melts Arctic and Antarctic sea ice to record lows – UN agency

---

16 February 2017

UN chief Guterres welcomes the Gambia’s rescission of its withdrawal from International Criminal Court

Pakistan: UN condemns deadly terrorist attack on Sufi shrine in Sindh province

Yemen: Senior UN aid official ‘appalled’ by airstrikes that kill women and children

Aid obstacles are ‘matter of life and death’ for besieged Syrians, says senior UN adviser

UN and regional partners urge DR Congo parties to resume political talks

Path to Middle East peace ‘riddled with hazards,’ UN envoy tells Security Council

South Sudan: UN deplores lack of information on 20,000 people displaced in Upper Nile

Iraq: UN health agency delivers medical aid to newly retaken areas of Mosul

New UN report reveals obstacles to combat impunity for conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine

---

15 February 2017

PODCAST: The power of bearing witness – how rape became an ‘act of genocide’

Situation in Central African Republic warrants continued international attention, UN Security Council told

UN kicks off preparations for upcoming summit on oceans, launches voluntary commitment website

In Cairo, UN chief Guterres underscores political solutions to ease tensions in regional hotspots

Innovative, coordinated response helps end yellow fever outbreak in Angola, DR Congo – UN agency

Teleworking may seem easier, but it could disrupt your work-life balance – UN reports

In a period of 'profound uncertainty,' stand up for human rights, urges UN rights chief in global appeal

UN emergency food agency to feed some 220,000 people in conflict-affected Ukraine

Source: United Nations News Centre - Latest headlines at a glance: "17 February 2017
Germany is symbol of tolerance and hospitality for those in need of protection – UN chief Guterres

Iraq: UN condemns car bomb attack in Baghdad

A decade on, UN urges all Governments to endorse convention on enforced disappearance

Atrocities will end in South Sudan only when perpetrators 'face consequences' – UN rights official

Central African Republic: UN mission reinforces presence in restive Bambari

One million Ukrainian children now need aid as number doubles over past year – UNICEF

INTERVIEW: Governments should think twice before putting children in detention – UN expert Manfred Nowak

'No time to lose' as humanitarian catastrophe looms in Somalia – UN agencies

Global heat melts Arctic and Antarctic sea ice to record lows – UN agency

16 February 2017
UN chief Guterres welcomes the Gambia’s rescission of its withdrawal from International Criminal Court

Pakistan: UN condemns deadly terrorist attack on Sufi shrine in Sindh province

Yemen: Senior UN aid official ‘appalled’ by airstrikes that kill women and children

Aid obstacles are ‘matter of life and death’ for besieged Syrians, says senior UN adviser

UN and regional partners urge DR Congo parties to resume political talks

Path to Middle East peace ‘riddled with hazards,’ UN envoy tells Security Council

South Sudan: UN deplores lack of information on 20,000 people displaced in Upper Nile

Iraq: UN health agency delivers medical aid to newly retaken areas of Mosul

New UN report reveals obstacles to combat impunity for conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine

15 February 2017
PODCAST: The power of bearing witness – how rape became an ‘act of genocide’

Situation in Central African Republic warrants continued international attention, UN Security Council told

UN kicks off preparations for upcoming summit on oceans, launches voluntary commitment website

In Cairo, UN chief Guterres underscores political solutions to ease tensions in regional hotspots

Innovative, coordinated response helps end yellow fever outbreak in Angola, DR Congo – UN agency

Teleworking may seem easier, but it could disrupt your work-life balance – UN reports

In a period of 'profound uncertainty,' stand up for human rights, urges UN rights chief in global appeal

UN emergency food agency to feed some 220,000 people in conflict-affected Ukraine"



'via Blog this'

'Time running out' for 1.4 million children in 'man-made' crises in Africa, Yemen – UNICEF

Almost 1.4 million children are at imminent risk of death due to severe acute malnutrition this year, as famine threatens in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, warned the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), urging prompt action to save them.

“We can still save many lives. The severe malnutrition and looming famine are largely man-made,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake in a news release issued by the UN agency today.

“Our common humanity demands faster action,” he underscored.

According to UNICEF, as many as 462,000 children in Yemen – where a conflict has been raging for the past two years – are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This figure has risen nearly 200 per cent since 2014.

Similarly, in conflict affected parts of northeast Nigeria, including Adamawa, Borno and Yobi, the number of children with severe acute malnutrition is expected to reach 450,000. According to a famine early warning system, the famine likely occurred in some previously inaccessible areas of Borno, and it is likely ongoing, and will continue, in other areas which remain beyond humanitarian reach.

Furthermore, in Somalia, droughts threaten an already fragile population battered by decades of conflict: almost half the population (6.2 million people) faces acute food insecurity and is in need of urgent relief, 185,000 among them children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. There are fears that the number could rise to 270,000 in the next few months.

In South Sudan, a famine was recently declared in parts of the country, adding to a humanitarian situation already complicated due to poverty and insecurity. Over 270,000 children are severely malnourished in the country and the total number of food insecure people across the country is expected to rise once the lean season sets in.

RELATED: Famine declared in region of South Sudan – UN

In its response, UNICEF, working with partners, has been providing therapeutic treatment to 220,000 severely malnourished children in Nigeria, over 200,000 in both South Sudan and Somalia, and 320,000 children in Yemen.

However, more action is urgently needed.

“Time is running out,” said Mr. Lake. “We must not repeat the tragedy of the 2011 famine in the Horn of Africa.”

---

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

Critical food aid shortages hit Africa's refugees hard, UN warns

Source: United Nations News Centre - 'Time running out' for 1.4 million children in 'man-made' crises in Africa, Yemen – UNICEF: "Almost 1.4 million children are at imminent risk of death due to severe acute malnutrition this year, as famine threatens in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, warned the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), urging prompt action to save them.

“We can still save many lives. The severe malnutrition and looming famine are largely man-made,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake in a news release issued by the UN agency today.

“Our common humanity demands faster action,” he underscored.

According to UNICEF, as many as 462,000 children in Yemen – where a conflict has been raging for the past two years – are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This figure has risen nearly 200 per cent since 2014.

Similarly, in conflict affected parts of northeast Nigeria, including Adamawa, Borno and Yobi, the number of children with severe acute malnutrition is expected to reach 450,000. According to a famine early warning system, the famine likely occurred in some previously inaccessible areas of Borno, and it is likely ongoing, and will continue, in other areas which remain beyond humanitarian reach.

Furthermore, in Somalia, droughts threaten an already fragile population battered by decades of conflict: almost half the population (6.2 million people) faces acute food insecurity and is in need of urgent relief, 185,000 among them children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. There are fears that the number could rise to 270,000 in the next few months.

In South Sudan, a famine was recently declared in parts of the country, adding to a humanitarian situation already complicated due to poverty and insecurity. Over 270,000 children are severely malnourished in the country and the total number of food insecure people across the country is expected to rise once the lean season sets in.

RELATED: Famine declared in region of South Sudan – UN

In its response, UNICEF, working with partners, has been providing therapeutic treatment to 220,000 severely malnourished children in Nigeria, over 200,000 in both South Sudan and Somalia, and 320,000 children in Yemen.

However, more action is urgently needed.

“Time is running out,” said Mr. Lake. “We must not repeat the tragedy of the 2011 famine in the Horn of Africa.”

News Tracker: past stories on this issue
Critical food aid shortages hit Africa's refugees hard, UN warns"



'via Blog this'

UN honours 'outstanding diplomat,' Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who passed away at 64

Just back from an official visit to Germany, the Secretary-General said that he had learned with shock and sadness of the news of Ambassador Churkin's sudden passing.

Mr. Churkin spent more than 40 years at the Russian Diplomatic Service, headed the Russian Mission to the UN for more than a decade and would have turned 65 tomorrow, 21 February.

Describing the late official as “an outstanding diplomat” the Secretary-General said Ambassador Churkin was a forceful presence on the Security Council “a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests.”

“Although we served together for a short time, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and will deeply miss his insights, skills and friendship,” continued Mr. Guterres, paying tribute to Mr. Churkin's contributions to the UN and offering deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and to the Government and people of the Russian Federation.

In a separate press statement, members of the Security Council said that they were “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr. Churkin's death and also expressed their deep condolences to his family, the Government and the Russian people.

Also today, the General Assembly held a moment of silence honouring the Ambassador's memory.

During a meeting of the Assembly on the reform of the world body, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative, Petr Iliichev, informed those present about Mr. Churkin's sudden passing.

Source: United Nations News Centre - UN honours 'outstanding diplomat,' Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who passed away at 64:



'via Blog this'