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Issue DH/6743 Wednesday, 24 September 2014

In the headlines:

• In UN Assembly address, British Prime Minister

outlines plan to defeat extremist ideology

• Addressing UN Assembly, Ukrainian leader vows

country will remain united

• Turkmenistan leader says UN must lead in

preserving stability, strengthening faith in

institutions

• Spotlighting regional issues, UN reform, Latin

American leaders address General Assembly

• Sri Lanka’s President tells UN Assembly post-2015

agenda must address structural obstacles to

development

• Rwandan President calls on public, private sector to

work together on climate change

• South Africa’s President pledges to support Ebola-affected nations, conflict-ridden countries

• ‘We will triumph over terrorism,’ Nigerian President

tells UN Assembly

• At UN Assembly, Mongolian leader underscores

needs of landlocked developing countries

• Ebola crisis highlights need for strong resourceful states, Kenyan leader tells UN assembly

• Indonesian President urges UN Assembly to ‘push

frontiers of nationalism into new globalism’

• In address to UN Assembly, Turkish President

urges support for victims of terrorism

More stories inside

In UN Assembly address, British Prime Minister outlines plan to defeat extremist ideology

24 September - The world must come together to form a comprehensive plan to defeat the ideology of extremism that is the root cause of terrorism in order to win the battle of ideas and not just the battle of military might, said British Prime Minister David Cameron as he took to the General Assembly podium tonight.

“Of course it is absolutely right that we should learn the lessons of the past, especially of what happened in Iraq a decade ago,” he said. “But we have to learn the right lessons. Yes to careful preparation; no to rushing to join a conflict without a clear plan.”

Yet, Mr. Cameron continued, “We must not allow past mistakes to become an excuse for indifference or inaction,” he said, adding that the right lesson is that “we should act – but act different.”

The poisonous ideology spewed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has nothing to do with Islam, which is peaceful religion that inspired countless acts of generosity every day. To defeat ideology of extremism, world leaders must deal with all forms of extremism, not just violent extremism, he said.

“For Governments, there are some obvious ways we can do this. We must ban preachers of hate from coming to our countries. We must proscribe organisations that incite terrorism against people at home and abroad. And we must work together to take down illegal online material like the recent videos of ISIL murdering hostages,” said Mr. Cameron.

British Prime Minister David Cameron addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Hubi Hoffmann

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UN Daily News 24 September 2014

He acknowledged that some will argue this is not compatible with free speech but people should ask themselves: “Would we sit back and allow right-wing extremists, Nazis or Klu Klux Klansmen to recruit on our university campuses?” Muslims around the world must reclaim their religion from “these sick terrorists.”

Governments are responsible with showing young people the path to a better, more open and democratic future. The failure to meet people’s aspirations can create a breeding ground where extremist and even terrorist insurgency can take root.

In Iraq, this means supporting the creative of a new and genuinely inclusive Government capable of uniting all Iraqis – Sunni and Shia, Kurds, Christians and others. In Syria, it must mean a political transition and an end to Assad’s brutality through a democratic government that looks after the interests of all its people.

Recalling his meeting earlier today with Iranian President Rouhani, Mr. Cameron said that while there are some “severe disagreements,” Iran’s leaders could help in defeating the threat of ISIL. For its part, the United Kingdom is strengthening its ability to seize passports and strip British identity from dual nationals and enabling security services to apply strong constraints on those who pose a risk. Addressing UN Assembly, Ukrainian leader vows country will remain united

24 September - Telling the United Nations General Assembly that his country knows what terrorism is; “not merely in words but in practice,” Arseniy Yatsenuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine, reiterated his Government’s commitment to restore law and order and urged Russia to adhere to its international obligations and seek a diplomatic path out of the current crisis.

The conflict in Ukraine was not domestic; its origin had been an “invasion” by the Russian Federation. “A P-5 member violated the United Nations Charter,” he said, underscoring that such actions are “absolutely and entirely unacceptable.” Twenty years ago Ukraine abandoned its nuclear arsenal, the third largest in the world at the time.

In return, it had been guaranteed territorial integrity and sovereignty. Russia signed the memorandum to that effect, yet it had since broken that promise. “We are committed to our nuclear non-proliferation programme but we need guarantees of territorial integrity, security and independence,” Mr. Yatsenuk said.

A few months ago, Russia had “annexed” Crimea, he said, commending those Member States that supported the General Assembly resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemning Russia’s actions. Yet today, Russian troops were deployed in eastern Ukraine. In addition, Russia violated several multilateral and bilateral agreements. He urged Russia to pull out its forces and to start real talks. “We are the country that needs peace. It’s difficult to hammer out any kind of peace deal at the barrel of a gun made in Russia,” he said.

Mourning the victims of the Malaysian Airliner he said had been downed a few months ago by Russia, Mr. Yatsenuk urged everyone to help Ukraine bring to justice those responsible for “this despicable crime against humanity”. Every day, despite the ceasefire, Ukraine was losing soldiers and civilians. Ukraine needs peace. The military option is not the best option, he said, calling for a comprehensive diplomatic and political solution.

“Sanctions are the way to start real talks and hammer out a peace deal,” he said, urging those States that had imposed such measures not to lift them until Russia fully withdrew from eastern Ukraine, including Crimea. “Mr. Putin, you can win the fight against the troops. But you will never win the fight against the nation, the united Ukrainian nation.”

Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenuk of Ukraine addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Hubi Hoffmann

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Turkmenistan leader says UN must lead in preserving stability, strengthening faith in institutions

24 September - There is no military solution to international and internal conflicts in today’s world, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, told the General Assembly today, urging the United Nations to take the lead role in resolving contradictions, preserving stability, and strengthening faith in institutions.

On a regional level, Turkmenistan supports Central Asian partnerships that strengthen conditions for maintaining lasting peace and stability and successfully reacting to terrorist threats, extremism, organized crime and drug trafficking. As a neutral country and Afghanistan’s immediate neighbour, Turkmenistan has offered to organize an inter-Afghan national dialogue under the auspices of the UN, he said.

On the energy and transport front, Mr. Meredov highlighted the plan to construct the Turkmenistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline and a railway project that would run through Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. While these projects are instrumental in the transition to peace, the most important prerequisite for peace is disarmament, said Mr. Meredov.

“We stand for consistent strengthening of international and regional cooperation in reducing the arsenals of weapons of mass destruction and effective implementation of the non-proliferation regime,” said Mr. Meredov.

He called on the UN to get involved in the systematic and strategic planning in the transport sphere. The Ashgabat Declaration adopted at the end of a transport conference in Turkmenistan’s capital earlier this month reflects the need for cooperation to develop transportation infrastructure and to take into consideration the needs of developing countries, including landlocked States.

Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov of Turkmenistan addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Yubi Hoffmann

Spotlighting regional issues, UN reform, Latin American leaders address General Assembly

24 September - Nicolas Maduro Moros, President of Venezuela called for an in deep transformation of the United Nations by revamping leadership of the Security Council and strengthening the clout of the Secretary-General.

“Debates taking place within these halls must be able to successfully tackle the major issues facing the world,” he told the delegations gathered for the General Assembly's annual high-level debate.

Closer to home, he said Latin America is taking its place and coming to the fore, through key partnerships like the Bolivarian Alliance and Petrocaribe, which is now starting to form ties with the rest of the world. Venezuela had the largest oil reserves in the hemisphere and

for the first time in 90 years had fully recovered its own oil resources for the basis of its own development. Imperialist powers could not succeed with Hugo Chavez, and they would not succeed with him either, the President pledged.

Mr. Maduro Moros urged United States President Barack Obama to end the embargo in Cuba and called on the General Assembly to draft a document that would defend poor countries against “vulture funds” that sought to plunder economies and impose detrimental finance systems. He expressed solidarity with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and Argentina in particular. A decolonization plan for Puerto Rico was critical so that the island could join its neighbours in CELAC.

He also demanded the release of Oscar Lopez, who had been imprisoned for almost 35 years in a United States prison, saying that this man's only offense was to defend the sister country of Puerto Rico.

President Nicolás Maduro Moros of Venezuela addresses General Assembly. UN Photo/Hubi Hoffmann

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Addressing the Assembly earlier in the day, President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez Alvarado, expressed concern that a growing number of unaccompanied children had migrated to the US this year, because of violence, drug trafficking and a lack of opportunities. Honduras was merely a transit territory for a war created by drug-consuming countries in the north and drug-producing countries in the south.

“We must create a multinational force capable of successfully confronting this transnational phenomenon,” urged the President. “These children deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They are innocent victims,” he said, adding that yesterday he handed the Secretary-General the “Alliance for Prosperity” plan, a blueprint to support Central Americans.

Generating work opportunities for the parents of child migrants is vital. On a national level, his country's “Everyone for a Better Life” programme was designed to bring potable water, basic sanitation, housing and children's school fees and healthcare to 835,000 Honduran households in need. Since taking office eight months ago, he focused on creating just conditions for Honduras but investments were needed to create better-paying jobs.

He said Honduras had reformed its Constitution to economic development zones known as Zede with special legal, economic administrative and political jurisdictions. The zones offer a non-political structure for companies guaranteeing transparency and political stability for investors.

On the climate change front, he said that energy efficient stoves had replaced thousands of wood-burning stoves- the cause of 37,000 deaths in the country annually. Each energy efficient stove saved 15 mid-sized trees annually, said President Hernandez Alvarado. Sri Lanka’s President tells UN Assembly post-2015 agenda must address structural obstacles to development

24 September - The President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa in his address to world leaders at the United Nations this evening, said that the post-2015 agenda must focus on strengthening partnerships between developing and developed countries, which are essential for countries in the South to access financial resources and technology.

“It is vital that we also address structural obstacles and political barriers that prevented the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals, such as unfair trade and investment rules,” he said.

Consistency of standards is required across the board without any perception of selectivity or discrimination. Human rights must be recognised by all as a moral and ethical concept rather than as a political tool which is sure to have destabilising effects.

“Post-conflict Sri Lanka has also become an unfortunate victim of ill-conceived agenda of some in the Human Rights Council, who pay scant regard to the substantial progress achieved by [the country’s] reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation within a short span of five years,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.

He added that for multilateralism to remain relevant, the UN must be de-politicized and stop being held hostage to different forms of funding. Mr. Rajapaksa also expressed support for an independent State of Palestine, an end to the financial embargo against Cuba and welcomed partnerships between Asia and Africa.

As a country that has suffered at the hands of terrorism, Sri Lanka looked forward to the early adoption of a UN comprehensive convention on international terrorism to help counter terrorist financing, piracy, and all forms of international organised crime. Mr. Rajapaksa also highlighted his country’s achievement of most MDGs with the adoption of a national strategy “Vision for the Future” in areas of agriculture and literacy.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Hubi Hoffmann

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Rwandan President calls on public, private sector to work together on climate change

24 September - Addressing the General Assembly today at its annual general debate, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said the success of the Millennium Development Goals framework illustrated the ongoing strength of international cooperation and called on the public and private sectors to follow a similar method to worked together on climate change. The world must look forward to a future where countries do not have to choose between clean energy and economic growth, he said.

On other pressing matters, he said World leaders must do more to address crises in Africa and the Middle East, adding that physical security and national identity were vital to sustainable nation-building and international peace and security.

Without them, gains in good governance would continue to suffer and erode, Mr. Kagame said. Change takes time; there are no short-cuts. Governments must include people in political processes. Good governance cannot flourish without the voices and concerns of people reflecting realities.

Managing diversity in societies and politics requires international commitment, he said, while noting negative experiences of nationalism are creating doubt about patriotism and national identity. Today, more than ever before, national identities are weak. In actuality, regionalism and religions have become the dominant force, tearing nations apart.

Mr. Kagame said his country is focused on building Government institutions that were held to account and on renewing national dignity. Rwandans are optimistic people who have faith in their Government and institutions, he added.

This year’s theme for the annual debate is “Delivering on and implementing a transformative post-2015 development agenda.” Made up of all the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the General Assembly provides a forum for multilateral discussion of international issues covered by the UN Charter.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

South Africa’s President pledges to support Ebola-affected nations, conflict-ridden countries

24 September - The recent outbreak of Ebola in West African has exposed the lack of infrastructure and limited resources in Africa, said South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma today as he pledged to continue, in every possible way, to assist the people and Governments of hardest-hit Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

“We believe that Ebola would have been contained within a few days had it been an outbreak in the developed World,” said President Zuma as he addressed global leaders at the United Nations.

President Zuma welcomed that the United Nations under the leadership of the Secretary General is deploying a Mission to coordinate efforts to combat the virus.

Given its history, South Africa is in a unique place to support struggles for freedom, including the struggles of the people of Palestine and Western Sahara who continue to live under occupation. President Zuma said the Israeli-Palestine question will be resolved when both sides commit to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. He also pledged to support the people of Cuba in their struggle for economic liberation.

On making the UN more effective, President Zuma said “some contentious aspects of the Organization such as the veto powers and the exclusion of regions such as Africa in the Security Council are some of the critical matters that cannot be

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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ignored in the quest for transformation.”

He lauded the partnership between the African Union (AU) and the UN, particularly with the formation of the AU Peace and Security architecture, which is responsible for progress in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN must make sure that South Sudan does not regress. As it stands now, the young nation is in a dire humanitarian situation.

Lastly, he paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela, recalling how last December the world “descended on South Africa to pay respects to our beloved Madiba.” The South African President welcomed the decision by the General Assembly to establish the UN Nelson Mandela Prize which will be awarded to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to the principles of the UN.

“The Prize is a great testament to the outstanding individual that Madiba was and will always be,” said President Zuma. ‘We will triumph over terrorism,’ Nigerian President tells UN Assembly

24 September - Even though the United Nations Charter underlines the imperative to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”, Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria told the General Assembly today that the world continued to witness the ravages of war and human suffering, at times manifested as a “vicious and aimless” insurgency with “agonizing consequences.”

Mr. Jonathan, addressing the Assembly’s annual general debate, said the involvement of foreign fighters has remained a common feature of terrorist groups, whether Al Qaida in the Maghreb, Al Shabaab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria, or the newly emerging Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“The new dimension introduced by (ISIL) to conquer territory and establish its destructive ideology, is a major challenge that must be collectively halted before it becomes the norm,” he declared, adding that such actions also refocus attention on the need to review present tools for UN peacekeeping operations.

As for Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan said the violent and criminal activities of Boko Haram have continued to pose a potent challenge to his Government and people. “Through a wave of terror, assassinations, bombings, and now abductions and kidnappings predominantly in the northeast of the country, Boko Haram is attempting to truncate development, by murder and mayhem,” he said, lamenting that in April, “our innocent daughters” were abducted from a Secondary School in Chibok.

Thanking all the countries and organizations that expressed solidarity with Nigeria, and which had continued to support its determined efforts to free the girls, he said that although it has been over three months since they were abducted, “we have never relented in our efforts to set them safely free. Together with our partners, we are working assiduously to free our daughters and reunite them with their families.”

“We shall not waiver until we end this mindless war on the innocent, and bring all the perpetrators to justice. We will triumph over terrorism.”

Mr. Jonathan went on to say that while Africa, and in particular, West Africa, battles conflicts and terrorism, with progressive results, the region is now being devastated by the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. “While Nigeria was able to respond effectively to control the spread of the disease, the situation in Liberia and Sierra Leone requires sustainable, collective global action to contain,” he said, underscoring that the indulging in “isolationist and discriminatory tendencies will only worsen an already critical situation.”

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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At UN Assembly, Mongolian leader underscores needs of landlocked developing countries

24 September - Spotlighting the concerns of least-developed land-locked countries, the President of Mongolia today told the United Nations General Assembly that the newly created sustainable development agenda do not adequately address his country’s special needs.

President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj told the 69th high-level debate in New York that his country looks forward to working with partners to revise the new set of anti-poverty targets which will guide international development starting in January of 2016.

Speaking to representatives of 193 Member States, Mr. Elbegdorj also called on the international community to work through the Organization to tackle some of the key security and development issues facing the world.

“At this time of turmoil we, as a family of nations, must rally around the World Organization, as a centre of multilateralism, upholding its Charter and universal principles of international law,” he said.

He noted the importance of collective action to stop the atrocities being committed by the terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), resolve through political dialogue the situation in Ukraine, and ensure an effective response to Ebola, among other themes.

The President also highlighted the importance of strengthening peace and stability in North-East Asia as one of Mongolia’s national security priorities, including stabilizing the Korean Peninsula through an early resumption of Six-Party Talks.

“As a country with a declared nuclear-weapon-free status, Mongolia firmly believes that the Korean Peninsula must be nuclear-weapons-free,” he underscored.

President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

Ebola crisis highlights need for strong resourceful states, Kenyan leader tells UN assembly

24 September - The Ebola epidemic now sweeping several West African countries underlines the imperative to build strong States that can withstand crises and respond to emergencies,” Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta told the United Nations General Assembly today on the opening day of its annual high-level segment.

“State weakness in many African countries comes from a history of development paradigms and practices that weakened the state,” he declared. “We must commit to build strong, resilient and accountable states that can effectively respond to shocks, adversities and emergencies in the future.”

He stressed the importance of this year’s session as it will oversee the development and adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda which is to set the path of global sustainable development for decades to come. “The new world development agenda must address itself to the entire cross-section of social, economic and environmental challenges that face the world in the 21st century,” he said.

“Issues of sustained economic development, equality between nations, climate change, industrialization, biodiversity loss and environmental protection, must now go hand in glove with the traditional challenges of poverty, disease, hunger and

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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inequality within nations,” he added.

“We cannot speak of development or of transformation when millions of the world's people are mired in and are broken by unrelenting poverty, disease and hunger.”

Mr. Kenyatta stressed that terrorism and violent extremism stand in the way of achieving the new agenda. With strife-torn Somalia on Kenya’s northern border, “we stand at a critical moment,” he said. “As we deepen our democracy, we find our nation thrust into the frontline of a regional and global war against terror.”

Turning to Kenya’s own development, he cited “foundational changes” over the past four years, including universal immunization coverage, promotion of breast-feeding for the first six months of a child's life; provision of fortified foods and insecticide-treated mosquito nets; and free maternal and childcare in government hospital. Indonesian President urges UN Assembly to ‘push frontiers of nationalism into new globalism’

24 September - With strong commitment and political will, the impossible could become possible, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia, said today, telling political leaders gathered for the United Nations General Assembly that it is to stop playing the game of "us" against "them”, and begin the hard d work be about of creating a new, equitable world order.

“Now is the time for all of us to get into the serious business of building a new world of peace, prosperity and justice. The business of making everybody a winner.” He told the Assembly’s annual general debate, adding: “By creating and nurturing the ‘New WE’…that leaves no one behind.”

He said the quest for Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) over last 15 years has revealed the necessity of good governance and also reinforced the need for a more robust global partnership. And while there had been plenty of actions taken in that regard, “somehow our work in the World Trade Organization, in the post-Kyoto climate talks, in reforming the global financial architecture, in reforming the United Nations, and many others have proved to be painstakingly slow.”

As Member States set forth a new global agenda for development, he urged drawing on years of trial and error to become more acutely aware of the promise and pitfalls of development – “of what we want and what we do not want. We do not want development that measures progress in terms of material provisions alone, and end up dehumanizing and marginalizing our citizens. What we want is sustainable development with equity.”

And yet, the President continued, the concerns of the day must stretch beyond development to include challenges such as ending the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza and the rest of the occupied territory; resolving the conflict in Ukraine “that is now shaking relations between Russia and the West”; and finding an effective and durable solution to the on-going conflicts in Syria and lraq.

“To do all this, there must be mutual accommodation. There must be a forward looking attitude that embraces a win-win predisposition over zero-sum attitude. Diplomacy must take precedence. Trust deficit must be turned into strategic opportunities and confidence building,” Mr. Bambang Yudhoyono declared, urging delegations to “push the frontiers of nationalism into a new globalism where we can devise solutions to national, regional and global issues all at the same time.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia addresses the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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In address to UN Assembly, Turkish President urges support for victims of terrorism

24 September - With more than 1.5 million refugees seeking refuge in Turkey, President Tayyip Erdogan today called for international support to aid victims of terrorism, while also making a case for reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Addressing the 69th high-level debate of the General Assembly for the first time as the Turkish President, Mr. Erdogan lashed out at the inability to the Security Council to stop the violence in Syria.

“The world is more than five,” he said in reference to the five permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States.

This situation is “unacceptable,” Mr. Erdogan said, given that the veto power of one country could impact the decision of the entire UN body.

Those who stood by and remained unresponsive to the killing of children and women were openly participating in those crimes against humanity, he continued.

He went on to say that unfortunately, areas around Syria and Iraq had become a “free region” for terrorist organizations, which had a direct effect on countries in the region, particularly on Turkey. Hopefully a new Government in Iraq would mean a fresh start, and Turkey would stand by it for stability and peace. The Syrian crisis was now spilling over the borders of Iraq as well.

Turkey is hosting some 1.5 million Syrian refugees who have crossed the border to escape the conflict which is now in its fourth year.

“So far, Turkey has spent more than $4.5 billion,” Mr. Erdogan said, in sharp contrast to European countries who were hosting 130,000 refugees.

The President rejected terrorist acts supposedly carried out in the name of religion and “strongly condemned” coupling terrorism with Islam, which means peace.

“Those labeling their inhumane actions as ‘Islamic’, disrespected Islam, as well as all humanity,” said Mr. Erdogan.

He underscored Turkey’s objectivity in issues related to terrorism and sectarian conflict, as well as racism, and the country’s resolve to fight for “democracy and prosperity with heart and soul.”

Mr. Erdogan is one of 196 speakers at this year’s annual debate which is organized around the theme of a “transformative post-2015 development agenda.”

His speech comes ahead of next month’s elections in the General Assembly for five non-permanent members of the Security Council for the 2015-2016 term.

President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic today renewed his country’s pledge to be a responsible partner to the United Nations by working with regional and bilateral partners for peace and stability in South-East Europe.

Mr. Vujanovic said Montenegro contributes to strengthening the UN system and enabling respect for human rights, promotion of democracy and the rule of law, while devising and implementing a global response to key challenges.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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He noted that Montenegro became the 44th country to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), is a member of the Human Rights Council, and hosts the eco-friendly UN Eco building.

Turning to the sustainable development agenda which is the theme of this year’s debate, Mr. Vujanovic underscored that it must be centred in human rights with the overarching objectives of poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Also addressing the General Assembly today, President of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, highlighted Switzerland’s two main priorities at the United Nations – strengthening international security and reforming the Organization.

Noting the threat of the terrorism group ISIL, he underscored the importance of finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria, calling on parties to return to the negotiating table.

In his speech, Mr. Burkhalter also urged the UN Security Council to refer the situation of Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) where those who committed injustices can be held to account.

Turning to the crisis in Ukraine, he noted that isolating Russia “will not solve any problems, but will only create more, in Europe and beyond.”

In reference to development, Mr. Burkhlater announced that Switzerland will augment its contribution to international development and humanitarian cooperation by allocating funds to the equivalent of 0.5 per cent of our gross national income.

Among other issues, the President noted that Swiss-based research centres are working to arrange clinical tests of an Ebola vaccine, which the UN World Health Organization (WHO) would like to have sped up.

In order to meet all these challenges, he stressed that the UN needs to function in an “effective, transparent and democratic fashion.” His recommendations include strengthening the UN’s political missions, reforming planning and budgeting processes, and restraining the use of the Security Council veto in cases involving mass atrocities.

Also addressing the Assembly, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia, said that there are unprecedented threats to peace and security in Post-World War Two Europe and the world, while terrorism, climate change, human rights violations and the spread of the Ebola virus continue to be global challenges.

“We need a concerted effort to achieve peace and stability in Europe and the Middle East, and to restore the credibility of international law,” he said. stressing that no circumstances can ever justify terrorism in any form. By signing UN antiterrorism conventions, States have promised to prevent and investigate terrorist crimes and also to refrain from supporting or tacitly tolerating those crimes, he said.

As for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), like other speakers today, Mr. Ilves said the group poses a serious threat to the people of Iraq and Syria as well as the broader Middle East. “This terrorist organization executes prisoners, kills civilians and commits genocidal acts against religious and national minorities…it challenges the universal human values enshrined in United Nations' documents. We must stop the terrorists.”

Turning to the crisis in Ukraine, he said that situation is “not solely a conflict between two countries. It is not even solely a European issue. If instead of agreements and laws, raw force will apply in international relations; if changing State borders by force will become an accepted norm, then the stability of the whole world will be threatened.”

Such developments must be firmly condemned, President Ilves continued, underscoring that the international community cannot leave Crimea as it is now. “We cannot accept frozen conflicts created for geopolitical ends. Referenda that are in agreement with international law cannot be arranged in two weeks, in the presence of foreign armed forces…independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the fundamental rights of states and nations.

In her speech, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt said Member States should work together to fight

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against climate change and promoting sustainable development to ensure the sustainability of the planet. TO that end, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation for an ambitious agreement on climate change in Paris in 2015 and an agreement on the development program for post-2015.

"A legally binding agreement to reduce CO2 emissions must be concluded next year in Paris," she said, adding that her country had allocated $300 million to tackle climate change.

ON other issued before the Assembly, Ms. Thorning-Schmidt said that women's rights, including the right to reproductive health, should be included in the post-2015 UU development agenda. Education, especially for the most disadvantaged, should also be a priority, she added. At UN Assembly, France’s President confirms militants’ beheading of French hostage

24 September - Speaking from the podium of the General Assembly on a day when the fight against Islamist terrorism took centre stage at the United Nations, French President François Hollande today vowed that France would never give in to terrorist following the beheading of a French national in Algeria.

France will strive without respite to destroy the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), with which the Algerian group that murdered d’Hervé Gourdel has affiliated itself, Mr. Hollande told the leaders of 193 nations on the first day of the Assembly’s 69th annual General Debate.

According to published reports, Mr. Gourdel, a mountain guide, was seized in the Tizi Ouzou region, about 70 miles east of Algiers, while he was hiking, and his kidnappers gave France a 24 hour ultimatum to halt its air strikes against ISIL in Iraq. His beheading was posted on video sites today.

“Operations are under way,” Mr. Hollande said, referring to his order earlier this month to launch air strikes against ISIL in Iraq, taking the podium as the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding that all States make it a serious criminal offense for their citizens to travel abroad to fight with militant groups, recruit or fund others to do so.

He blamed the Syrian regime for creating the conditions for terrorism to flourish and pledged continued total French support for the democratic Syrian opposition.

“We must take steps to fight against terrorist networks, to protect our youth from indoctrination, prevent their recruitment and dry up their funding,” he said.

Mr. Hollande also called for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing that Gaza cannot remain an arms depot for Hamas and an open air prison for its inhabitants.

The UN must take steps to help Libya rebuild a State, disarm militias and oust terrorists there, he added, pledging French support to efforts to eliminate the Boko Haram Islamist extremist group in Nigeria, calling it the African equivalent of ISIL.

François Hollande, President of France, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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Mid-east, Gulf leaders strive for international response to terrorism in Syria

24 September - Taking the podium today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from the Gulf and Middle East regions called for a collective strategy to contain and address extremists in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the world, while also calling for international efforts to reconstruct Gaza.

“It is imperative for the international community to work hard to put an end to the bloodshed and the systematic destruction of Syria by a regime that has put its people between a rock and a hard place to choose between accepting its presence at the helm or burning down their country,” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, told the 69th annual high-level meeting.

The Qatari leader reiterated his call on the Security Council to “shoulder its legal and humanitarian responsibility and support the Syrian people” against terrorism and genocide.

Turning to the wider issue of terrorism in the region, the Emir underscored the importance of addressing the underlying roots of violence in a social environment.

“If societies are to stand with us in the fight against terrorism, we need to be fair with them and not push them to choose between terrorism and tyranny, or between terrorism and sectarian discrimination,” he quipped.

In his address, King Abdullah II of Jordan stressed that a political solution must be found to the conflict in Syria which has spurred 1.4 million people to cross into Jordan’s borders, making his country the third largest host of refugees.

“The response has not kept pace with the real needs,” the King said, urging a concerted effort to get aid flowing into Syria and neighbouring host communities.

Both leaders also highlighted the plight of their Palestinian neighbours, advocating for the implementation of a two-state solution agreed to by the international community, and mobilization of funds to rebuild Gaza.

“We cannot address the future of my region,” King Abdullah II said, “without addressing its central conflict: the denial of Palestinian rights and statehood.”

Among other topics, he also spoke about the need to oppose threats to Jerusalem’s Arab Muslim and Christian identity stressing that “Arab Christians are an integral part of my region’s past, present, and future.”

This year’s theme for the annual debate is “Delivering on and implementing a transformative post-2015 development agenda.” Made up of all the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the General Assembly provides a forum for multilateral discussion of international issues covered by the UN Charter.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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Egypt’s President urges world leaders at UN to confront extremism, end support for terrorism ‘plague’

24 September - World leaders must intensity efforts to stop support for the terrorist organizations committing crimes in the Middle East and North Africa under the guise of religion, urged Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi as he addressed the General Assembly today.

“Terrorism is a plague that does not differentiate in its spread between developing and developed societies,” Mr. Al Sisi said, pointing out that the region’s security issues could be resolved by promoting rule of law, directly confronting forces of extremism, and ensuring equality among people.

Egyptians have “made history twice” in recent years by revolting against corruption, claiming their right to social justice and refusing to succumb to a tyranny that put narrow interests before the interests of the people, he said.

Mr. Alsisi laid out plans for a “New Egypt,” a State that will “not be held back by terrorism that thinks it can conquer and repress our nation.” This new Egypt respects the rule of law, guarantees freedom of opinion for all and is determined to achieve prosperity for all people.

To attain that, his Government is implementing a programme that spurs development until 2030, with the aim of laying the foundations of a free market economy capable of attracting investments. But the upsurge in extremism and violence perpetrated is causing pressing regional challenges that must be addressed through political solutions, he said.

On Libya, a political solution must strengthen elected institutions, ensure an end to the bloodshed and that the territorial integrity of Libya is preserved. Ending the smuggling of arms is imperative, said the Egyptian President. A framework for Syria must put an end to the killing of innocent civilians and ensure that the aspirations of Syrian people are met, without compromising with terrorism.

It is important to restore stability and government order to the areas that fell under the control of the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The Palestinian issue remains a top priority for Egypt, Mr. Al Sisi said, reiterating the need to establish an independent state and adding that “these principles are not up for negotiation, other the basis of a comprehensive peace in the region would erode.”

Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

Leaders from Latin America, Caribbean region urge action to erase inequality, spur development

24 September - Inequality is one of the greatest threats to development and international security because it fosters poverty, exclusion and breeds social unrest, resentment and violence, said Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the first among several leaders from the Latin America and the Caribbean region to address the General Assembly today.

“I come from Latin America, a region of middle-income countries that have their own dreams, challenges and tasks,” said Ms. Bachelet. “For us, sustainable development, security, quality of governance and above all, inequality and social cohesion are the most pressing challenges.”

These challenges must occupy a central place among the post-2015 development goals, the Chilean President urged. While Chile has made great progress, public opinion and political evolution points out the need to take “meaningful” steps toward fairer development.

“Chile will not achieve development while dragging the burden of inequality,” said Ms. Bachelet, stressing the need for tax

President Michelle Bachelet of Chile addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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reforms that ensure fiscal sustainability, political reforms that guarantee “every vote will count” and a system that provides free quality education for all.

But global challenges are growing, she noted. Climate change continues to aggravate inequalities because it affects above all the most vulnerable. That is why world leaders have a “collective duty to act.” To show its unwavering solidarity, Chile, with its fraction of 0.25 per cent of carbon emissions, has pledged to reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

The international community is faced with a growing number of humanitarian crises that erupted this year including in Syria, Gaza and Ukraine, said Ms. Bachelet, reiterating the need for all to respect the integrity of state borders and the rights of minorities.

Women must be front and centre of a new development and peace plan and empowered in all facets of society, said Ms. Bachelet, who was the founding Executive Director of UN Women.

On UN matters, she expressed support for reform of the Security Council to limit the right of veto in the case of crimes involving the responsibility to protect and the aspiration of Germany, Brazil, Japan, and India to become permanent members.

Echoing that sentiment, Mexico's President Enrique Peña Nieto today said the Council must evolve to represent today's world by creating long-term seats with the possibility of immediate re-election based on a more equitable geographic representation.

“To face the challenges of the 21st century, we need a new institutional design for the United nations, with a renewed commitment towards peace and security, and foremost with a Development Agenda that is comprehensive and inclusive,” said Mr. Nieto.

Mexico's hosting next year of the First Conference of State Parties of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is an opportunity to work together to avoid arms from hurting children and the vulnerable. Mr. Nieto called on the UN to recommit to the rights of girls, boys and teenagers by launching a “global action to address psychological and physical bullying while strengthening basic values.”

On a national level, the “Pact for Mexico”- an agreement between political parties- , has spurred action to renew political and electoral institutions, as well as judiciary and accountability systems.

“Building on this ground-breaking political agreement Mexicans dared to improve the quality of education, to make the job market more flexible, and to combat those who monopolize and engage in anti-competitive practices,” said Nieto.

The President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández, said her country had experienced a massive economic and financial crisis when it was forced to default on its sovereign debt in 2001. Contributing to that collapse were the terms that had been forced upon Argentina by its creditors. But there was some good news to report, said the Argentine President.

Argentina now has the best growth in Latin America because $193 billion dollars in debt had been restructured, enabling the country to repay most of its creditors, including its full debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Today, Argentina carried one of the lowest debt loads in the world. However, Ms. Fernández said there were still “vulture funds” destabilizing the region, amounting to economic terrorism by creating poverty and hunger through the sin of speculation.

Argentina had also experience political terrorism when the Israeli Embassy was attacked in Buenos Aires in 1992, said Ms. Fernández. Argentina had investigated and sought to bring the perpetrators to justice, including through a memorandum negotiated with Iran, enabling the accused Iranian citizens to make statements in Argentina's courts.

President Fernández said dialogue was essential. In that context, she recognized the need for a two-State solution in the Middle East and called on the Assembly to recognize Palestine as a State, a full Member of the Assembly, noting that Israel must also be secure within its borders.

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On Security Council reform, she said that as long as the votes of the five Permanent Members counted more than those of other countries, nothing will be resolved. The General Assembly, where each Member had one vote, should be the sovereign body of the Organization. As a non-permanent Member of the Council, President Fernández, said she had questions to ask: Who was arming the “bad guys?” and where did ISIS come from?

Also speaking today, Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, said economic growth does not in and of itself lead to social well-being. A global development agenda must be holistic and people-centric. This includes recovering control of natural resources in order to garner greater benefits for all people.

By 2050, four billion people will suffer from water scarcity, said Mr. Morales, reiterating the need to strike a balance between development and people. For its part, Bolivia through a national program called “My Water”, reached the Millennium Development Goal for water. In order to resolve major social inequalities, basic services such as water, electricity, telecommunications, sanitation and basic health must declared human rights.

The Bolivian President said that eradicating poverty and hunger required the international community to fight the inhumane forces of the market and change exclusionary structures of international financial institutions. The world financial architecture needs to be reformed, to eradicate financial colonialism.

Humanity can overcome many of its problems, such as Ebola and HIV, if funds are diverted away from war, Mr. Morales urged. He called Israel's actions against Palestine unaccepted and reiterated the need to recognize Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.

Syrians, Mr. Morales said, are the only ones that can determine their destiny. On Iraq, he said the United States invasion of 2003 is responsible for triggering the current conflict and destabilizing the entire region. President Morales also called for the end to the blockade against Cuba and for international law to resolve Bolivia's sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean.

Addressing the Assembly this afternoon, President of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina Sánchez, said his country is striving to make education a top priority with programmes put in place to ensure that all girls and boys can go to school. The Dominican Republic expected to be free of illiteracy in the near future.

Moreover, Mr. Medina Sánchez outlined how his country was making improvements in health and in supporting small agricultural producers who experienced a “countryside renaissance”. Overall poverty had been reduced by 6 per cent and in rural areas by 9 per cent.

Turning to peace and security, President Medina Sánchez said that many of the world's conflicts are the result of people holding on to past grievances. In fact, a historic agreement had been made between his country and its neighbour, Haiti. While the two nations had a history of disagreement, they were now working together to find ways to improve the lives of their people.

He urged the global community to support this new era between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, by helping people receive proper documentation to establish their country of origin, which was fundamental to providing them with social services.

“Please help Haiti document its people both in its own territory and in the Dominican Republic,” said President Medina Sánchez. “Let us not allow a few technical deficiencies to be an obstacle.”

Costa Rica's President, Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, said the world was witness to an upsurge in the “whirlwinds of oppression and violence” from Gaza to Iraq, from Ukraine to the Central African Republic.

“The cries can also be heard in Central America where thousands of children and young people cross borders alone heading toward the United States, from violence and lack of opportunities in search of dreams that can turn into nightmares,” said President Solís Rivera.

Maintaining international peace and security begins with a culture of peace, he noted. As an unarmed democracy, his

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country knows that prevention begins at the State level, with the strengthening of institutions. “Peace cannot take root where there is impunity,” he said, highlighting the role of the International Criminal Court to bring perpetrators of crimes to justice.

“The Security Council must progress from a mentality of reaction to one of action and reaffirm its moral, humanitarian and political commitment to all of humanity,” said President Rivera. The veto cannot be used to obstruct measures that seek to avoid and resolve conflicts.

President Solís Rivera also condemned the indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas and also Israel's use of disproportionate force in Gaza. Emphasizing the need to uphold the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), he deplored the transfer of weapons into existing conflict zones. Costa Rica also condemned the use of cluster munitions in Syria, South Sudan and Ukraine and reiterated its rejection of nuclear weapons.

There could be no peace without sustainable development therefore the new Sustainable Development Agenda must be focused on action, with precise objects and clear targets and indicators to monitor its success. President Rivera also underscored the role of the Community of Latin-American and Caribbean States (CELAC) for its commitment to preventive diplomacy.

Some 196 speakers are expected at this year's annual debate. Meeting on the theme of “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda,” the speakers include representatives from the 193 UN Member States, as well as the Observer State of the Holy See, the Observer State of Palestine and the delegation of the European Union. At UN Assembly, Ugandan President among African leaders highlighting continent’s unified vision

24 September - Calling for economic and security partnerships, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the first of several African leaders today addressing the high-level opening of the 96th United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the growing potential of investment and partnerships with countries on the continent.

Mr. Museveni said that Africa is regenerating and “emerging from the long night of decline” and its countries are becoming “more credible partners with any serious actors beyond our shores.”

The Ugandan leader noted that the continent is emerging from centuries of colonialism with a purchasing power of $2.5 billion that is growing at an annual rate of 3.2 per cent.

He said Uganda needs and would welcome “investments, trade access, tourists” and security partnerships approved by the African Union from partners, many of whom are UN Member States.

While at the podium, Mr. Museveni also lashed out at “pseudo and bankrupt” sectarian ideology of religion, tribalism and chauvinism that has fuelled most of African conflicts and is now causing havoc in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Only parasites revel is such schemes,” Mr. Museveni said. “This pseudo-ideology should be banished and treated with the contempt it deserves.”

In his address on behalf of Mauritania, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz also highlighted the many dangers resulting from “the multiplication of hotbeds of tension, terrorism, organized crime and trafficking of drugs, arms and people.”

Despite the establishment of mechanisms by the regional peace and security system, the fight against terrorism remains an international responsibility which calls for a close collaboration.

The sudden outbreak of Ebola constitutes another major challenge which needs collective, international action, he noted.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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“The international community is invited to join Africans in their hopes and legitimate aspirations for peace, security and sustainable development,” the President said, also making a case for reform of the UN Security Council to include permanent representation of the continent.

He noted that unlike in 2000, when the Millennium Development Goals were adopted, Africa now “speaks with one voice, seeks to create development to become a healthy area free of scourges, wars and conflicts, and where justice, good governance and respect for human rights prevail.”

Some 196 speakers are expected at this year’s annual debate. Meeting on the theme of “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda,” the speakers include representatives from the 193 UN Member States, as well as the Observer State of the Holy See, the Observer State of Palestine and the delegation of the European Union.

In his speech to the Assembly, the President of Chad, Idriss Déby, said his country continued to contribute to peace and reconciliation in Africa, especially in Darfur, Sudan in Mali and the Central African Republic. "This commitment is evidenced by the organization on its territory, of the Amdjaress, Forum for peace and reconciliation between “warring brothers” in Darfur.

"Chad welcomes the organization of the Forum of Brazzaville on reconciliation and inclusive dialogue between the Central African brothers which he took an active part in the search for solutions to the crisis," he added, also welcoming the inter-Malian dialogue and noting with satisfaction the ongoing reconciliation process in South Sudan to bring the South Sudanese "to smoke the peace pipe."

Mr. Déby said the decision to create such mechanisms as the "African Capacity for immediate crisis response," or "Regional Force on the African Sahel-Saharan and Central Africa" comes from the desire to block the road to terrorism on the continent. He also urged countries of the Commission of the Lake Chad Basin to take the necessary steps to operationalize the Joint Multinational Force to fight against the terrorist activities of Boko Haram.

In his address, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Equatorial Guinea highlighted to the heavy responsibility that the General Assembly bares in finding solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger, violence, piracy and terrorist activity.

To combat these issues, the General Assembly must be revised so that its role is “strengthened and revitalized,” he said, noting that the role of the UN body has recently become routine.

Turning to the Security Council, Mr. Mbasogo warned that the 15-member body would not be able to find lasting salutation if it is not governed by rules that respect international justice and interferes in the internal affairs of States. “These interventions interrupt the genuine democratic process of the affected countries,” the President said, adding that these interruptions further fuel divisions and socio-political instability.

We have to clearly differentiate between what supports the democratic process and that which interferes through pressure, leading to intolerance, exclusions and hatred, he added.

To combat the Ebola virus, which is now also before the General Assembly, Mr. Mbasogo said that his Government had donated $2 million to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) to fight the disease. The announcement was made at the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in Life Sciences, which was held for the first time in the capital city of Malabo on September 15.

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Republic of Korea President calls on UN to spearhead way towards reunification

24 September - Citing the fall of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago, President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea (ROK), used her address to the annual high-level meeting of the General Assembly today to call on the United Nations to spearhead efforts to tear down the world’s last remaining “wall of division” and reunite the Korean peninsula.

“A unified Korea will be the starting point for a world without nuclear weapons, offer a fundamental solution to the North Korean human rights issue, and help unlock a stable and cooperative Northeast Asia,” she told leaders from 193 countries on the first day of the 69th annual General Debate.

“Just as the unification of Germany laid the grounds for a new Europe by integrating Europe, a unified Korea will set in motion a new Northeast Asia.”

She proposed creating a wild-life eco-park within the four-kilometre-wide 250-kilometre-long Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two countries as a first step in the process of allowing people on both sides to live in natural harmony.

“I call on the international community to stand with us in tearing down the world's last remaining wall of division,” she said.

Turning to her northern neighbour’s nuclear programme, Ms. Park noted that the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the only country to conduct a nuclear test in this century, calling its activities “the single-greatest threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.”

“The DPRK must make the decision to give up its nuclear weapons,” she said. “Should it choose to do so, the Republic of Korea, together with the international community, will provide our strong support for developing the DPRK economy.”

On global issues, Ms. Park stressed her country’s readiness to play a bridging role between developed and developing countries in post-2015 development, support international efforts to combat climate change, and continue to participate in UN peacekeeping missions.

She deplored conflicts raging in Syria, Libya and South Sudan, warning that the “activities of foreign terrorist fighters are posing new threats to peace internationally, not to mention in the Middle East.”

President of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-hye, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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Addressing UN Assembly, US President urges cooperation to combat extremism, renew multilateral system

24 September - With the world at a crossroads “between war and peace, disorder and integration”, United States President Barack Obama today urged cooperation at the United Nations to tackle “two defining questions at the root of many of our challenges”: rebuilding the fractured multilateral system on which the UN is based and “rejecting the cancer of violent extremism” spread by groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“There is a pervasive unease in our world – a sense that the very forces that have brought us together have created new dangers, and made it difficult for any single nation to insulate itself from global forces,” Mr. Obama said, noting that right now, “an outbreak of Ebola overwhelms public health systems in West Africa; Russian aggression in Europe recalls the days when large nations trampled small ones in pursuit of territorial ambition; and the brutality of terrorists in Syria and Iraq forces us to look into the heart of darkness.”

“We come together with a choice to make – we can renew the international system that has brought so much progress or allow ourselves to be pulled back by more and more outbreaks of instability. For America, the choice is clear. We choose hope over fear,” said Mr. Obama, urging a world shaped through collective effort, rejecting fatalism or cynicism.

With “much to be done to meet the text of this moment” he said, firstly, all nations must observe and enforce international norms. In that regard, he flagged Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a challenge to post-war order. “Against the will of the Government in Kiev, Crimea was annexed. Russia poured arms into Eastern Ukraine, fuelling violent separatists and a conflict that has killed thousands…this is a vision of the world in which might makes right.”

Rejecting that vision, he said the US would “reinforce our NATO allies, and uphold our commitment to collective defence. We will impose a cost on Russia for aggression, and counter falsehoods with the truth. We call upon others to join us on the right side of history.” He also suggested the path of diplomacy and peace and the ideals the UN is designed to uphold.

Turning to today’s other main challenge, Mr. Obama said: "As we look to the future, one issue risks a cycle of conflict that could derail such progress…and that is the cancer of violent extremism that has ravaged so many parts of the Muslim world." Collectively, the world must take concrete steps to address the danger posed by “religiously motivated fanatics, and the trends that fuel their recruitment.”

“The terrorist group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) must be degraded, and ultimately destroyed,” he said, emphasizing that the group has terrorized all who they come across in Iraq and Syria ¬– women and girls had been subjected to rape as a weapon of war; children had been gunned down; religious minorities had been starved to death; and innocent human beings had been beheaded on video.

“No God condones this terror. No grievance justifies these actions. There can be no reasoning – no negotiation – with this brand of evil. The only language understood by killers like this is the language of force. So the United States of America will work with a broad coalition to dismantle this network of death,” the President declared.

Emphasizing that the United States would not act alone in that effort or send troops to occupy foreign, he said that instead, his Government would support Iraqis and Syrians fighting to reclaim their communities. “We will use our military might in a campaign of air strikes to roll back ISIL,” he declared, noting that already, over 40 nations have offered to join his country’s coalition against the extremist group.

“Today, I ask the world to join in this effort. Those who have joined ISIL should leave the battlefield while they can. Those who continue to fight for a hateful cause will find they are increasingly alone. For we will not succumb to threats; and we will demonstrate that the future belongs to those who build – not those who destroy. “

Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Mark Garten

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At General Assembly, European leaders pledge support for UN efforts to resolve crises

24 September - European leaders took the podium today on the first day of this year’s annual high-level meeting of the General Assembly to pledge their commitment to United Nations efforts to achieve peace and development across a whole range of issues while highlighting their own specific concerns.

Speaking first, King Felipe VI of Spain pledged his continent’s generous contributions to other regions of the world and his own country’s unconditional support for UN values.

“I can assure you that the international community, represented today in this General Assembly, can continue to count on Spain's support and its active participation in the unwavering protection of the values and interests of a humanity in peace, evermore

prosperous and just,” he told the leaders of 193 nations on the opening day of the 69th General Debate.

“Spain upholds a United Nations that is not only stronger but above all, more united: more united against fanaticism, intolerance and barbarism. More united in fighting against poverty, hunger and marginalization.

More united so that education and health reach all. More united, Mr. President, in firmly defending the dignity of all human beings.”

Noting Spain’s transformation over nearly 40 years from dictatorship to a democracy based on the rule of law, protecting all citizens in its political, geographic, cultural and linguistic diversity, the king said the world can always count on his country’s firm commitment to promoting and defending democratic values.

Turning to the Middle East where some societies “suffer the scourge of an intolerable barbarism, a criminal and atrocious violence that threatens all societies and our human civilization,” he stressed that the world can count on Spain to confront, all together and respecting international law, those who aim to destroy with intolerance, violence or sectarianism the values and principles that underlie our United Nations.”

“I strongly believe that through the new ‘Post-2015’ development agenda we will continue our efforts seeking solutions and responding to challenges of global nature stemming from the Millennium Development Goals,” he said referring to the new roadmap that is to fill out and replace the eight MDGs set for the first 15 years of the new millennium.

Mr. Sargsyan devoted most of his speech to issues of specific Armenian concern, including a pressing call to Turkey to “demonstrate the courage and face its own history by recognizing the Armenian Genocide, thus relieving the next generations of this heavy burden of the past.

“Alas instead, we continue to hear ambiguous and ulterior messages, in which the victim and the slaughterer are equalized, and the history is falsified,” he said referring to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Armenian nearly 100 years ago at the time of the First World War and noting the threats now facing tens of thousands of Armenians at the hands of Islamist extremists in Syria.

He also blamed the “bellicose declarations and various threats” by neighbouring Azerbaijan for a failure to reach a settlement in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, saying it had flouted UN Security Council resolutions by continuing military hostilities.

Citing the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria and Iraq which violated core UN rules and values, President Sauli Niinisto of Finland said the grim state of international relations should be seen as “a call to redouble our diplomatic efforts.”

“We must act with determination and we must act now,” he declared. “Unfortunately, the UN Security Council has not been able to uphold its responsibilities neither in Ukraine nor in Syria. We need to reform the Security Council. Finland supports

King Felipe VI of Spain, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak

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the efforts to restrict the use of veto.”

Threats or actual vetoes, the sole prerogative of the five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States – have blocked Council action on both issues.

He noted that the General Assembly, whose resolution lack the legally binding force of the Council’s adopted a resolution on Ukraine, but said it should have been “even stronger, condemning Russia's actions” and charting a way towards restoring peace.

“De-escalation in Ukraine cannot happen without Russia's active steps,” he warned. “Russia should control its border and prevent the flow of arms and fighters, and thereby contribute to stabilization of the situation in Eastern Ukraine. There can be only a political solution to the crisis.”

Likewise the Syrian crisis can only be solved by political means and he pledged Finland’s continuing support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to resolve the issue. At UN Assembly, Brazilian President calls for global economic rebound

24 September - Highlighting her own country’s success in slashing extreme poverty, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff today used her role as first national leader to address the annual General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly to stress the urgent need to revive the global economy.

“It is vital and urgent to restore the dynamism of the global economy, which should work towards fostering investment, international trade and the reduction of inequalities among countries,” she told the leaders of 193 nations gathered here on the first day of the Debate, where Brazil has traditionally been called as the first national speaker.

“Regarding international trade, there must be a unanimous commitment to a work program that leads to the conclusion of the Doha Round (of international talks on eliminating tariffs and other barriers to global trade),” she said.

She called for an end to the insufficient representation and participation of developing countries in decision-making at international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, as well as on the 15-member UN Security Council, a decades-old demand by Brazil and many other regional power-houses.

On the Israeli-Palestinian crisis Ms. Rousseff deplored the recent “tragic events” in Gaza and the disproportionate use of force that affected civilians, especially women and children, and reiterated her country’s support for a two-State solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in security and within internationally recognized borders.

She also condemned “the systematic massacre of the Syrian people; the tragic national destruction of Iraq; the serious insecurity in Libya; the conflicts in the Sahel; and the clashes in Ukraine.”

Ms. Rousseff is among the many leaders who will address the general debate of 69th General Assembly, which is meeting through 1 October on the theme, “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.” Made up of all the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the Assembly provides a forum for multilateral discussion of international issues covered by the UN Charter.

Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil, addresses the general debate of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Mark Garten

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General Assembly President opens annual debate urging leaders to ‘stand united’

24 September - As he opened the annual United Nations forum for world leaders today, the President of the General Assembly appealed to them to seize this "unprecedented historic opportunity" to improve the livelihoods of all people and set them on a path to achieving sustainable development.

"The international community must stand united," Sam Kutesa urged heads of State and Government and other high representatives gathered for the 69th Session of the UN general Assembly in New York.

"The world today is vastly different from what it was in 1945, but one thing remains constant the need to work together to harness opportunities for prosperity and to find solutions to the global challenges confronting humanity."

His speech comes with less than 470 days left to achieve the eight anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's). Since 2000, the world reached targets on reducing poverty, increasing access to improved drinking water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary school.

Yet the sanitation target lags behind, maternal health is still low, and inequalities within and among countries remain high, and employment levels particularly among youth remain high, Mr. Kutesa said.

The international community is also formulating a post-2015 development agenda which should be "ambitious, transformative and produce tangible benefits and improved livelihoods."

"The new agenda should promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, safeguard the future of our planet, and lead to the achievement of sustainable development," articulated Mr. Kutesa, who will lead the effort to finalize the new agenda in September of next year.

The theme of this year's General Assembly is "Delivering on and implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda."

Mr. Kutesa also noted the importance of recognizing climate change as a dangerous reality that must be urgently addressed. World leaders, as well as representatives of business and civil society, yesterday took part in Secretary-'eneral Ban Ki-moons Climate Summit which drew attention to progress towards a universal and meaningful climate agreement in 2015.

He will convene a high-level event on combatting climate change in June.

The 'eneral Assembly will also have a high-level thematic debate on strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organizations.

Among other topics in his speech, Mr. Kutesa called for revitalisation of the 'eneral Assembly and reform of the Security Council to more effectively reflect the current membership of the UN bodies.

Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly, addresses the general debate of the session. UN Photo/Mark Garten

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Security Council high-level summit tackles growing threat of foreign terrorist fighters

24 September - Responding to an unprecedented flow of foreign terrorist fighters and the growth of facilitation networks fuelling conflicts around the world, the United Nations Security Council today adopted a resolution to resolutely address this growing threat to international peace and security.

During a high-level summit chaired by Barack Obama, President of the United States, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency this month, the 15-member body voted unanimously to adopt the text, which calls on Member States to cooperate in efforts to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters.

The resolution decided that Member States shall “prevent and suppress the recruiting, organizing, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to a State other than their

State of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the providing or receiving of terrorist training, and the financing of their travel and of their activities…”

It underscored “the particular and urgent need to implement this resolution with respect to those foreign terrorist fighters who are associated with ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant], ANF [Al-Nusrah Front] and other cells, affiliates, splinter groups or derivatives of Al-Qaida…”

Among its other provisions, the text urged Member States to intensify and accelerate the exchange of operational information regarding actions or movements of terrorists or terrorist networks, including foreign terrorist fighters.

Opening the meeting, which was scheduled to hear from around 50 speakers, many of them represented at the level of head of State or government, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called those who carry out terrorist attacks “enemies of the faith.”

“As Muslim leaders around the world have said, groups like ISIL – or Da’ish – have nothing to do with Islam, and they certainly do not represent a state,” he stated. “They should more fittingly be called the ‘Un-Islamic Non-State.’”

He added that the growing phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters is a consequence – not a cause – of the conflict in Syria.

“A long period of upheaval and, until recently, unresponsive leadership in Iraq – coupled with outrageous human rights abuses in Syria – have created a hothouse of horrors,” he said, as he highlighted the need for a “creative and comprehensive” political strategy in Syria and beyond to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters.

“Terrorists must be defeated, but we must do so in a way that avoids the deliberate acts of provocation that they set for us – victimization, further radicalization and more civilian deaths.”

While immediate security issues must be addressed, said the Secretary-General, the biggest threat to terrorists over the longer term is not the power of missiles, but the politics of inclusion.

“It’s peaceful societies and respect for human rights. It’s education, jobs and real opportunity. It’s leaders who listen to their people and uphold the rule of law. Missiles may kill terrorists. But good governance kills terrorism. Free and independent societies – free from suffering, oppression and occupation – this is what will kill terrorism.”

Speaking in his national capacity, Mr. Obama said that the tactic of terrorism is not new. “So many nations represented here today, including my own, have seen our citizens killed by terrorists who target innocents,” he said, while also noting the murder today of French citizen Hervé Gourdel by terrorists in Algeria.

Wide view of the Security Council at its summit held at the level of Heads of Government to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters. UN Photo/Mark Garten

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“Resolutions alone will not be enough,” he added. “Promises on paper cannot keep us safe. Lofty rhetoric and good intentions will not stop a single terrorist attack.

“The words spoken here today must be matched and translated into action, into deeds – concrete action, within nations and between them, not just in the days ahead, but for years to come. For if there was ever a challenge in our interconnected world that cannot be met by any one nation alone, it is this: terrorists crossing borders and threatening to unleash unspeakable violence.

“These terrorists believe our countries will be unable to stop them. The safety of our citizens demands that we do.”

In a statement issued to the press, the Council strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly murder” Mr. Gourdel, saying the killing once again demonstrates the barbaric brutality of those who declare themselves affiliated to ISIL.

Council members stressed that those responsible for the killing must be held accountable, and demanded the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those who are kept hostage by ISIL, Al-Nusrah Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida. Opening General Assembly debate, Ban urges leadership to move from ‘turbulence’ to peace

24 September - Warning that the world’s “fasten seat belt” light is illuminated, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today opened the 69th annual debate of the United Nations General Assembly with a call for decisive leadership at a time when the ghosts of the Cold War have returned and much of the Arab Spring has gone violently wrong.

“This year, the horizon of hope is darkened. Our hearts are made heavy by unspeakable acts and the deaths of innocents,” he told the assembled leaders from 193 nations. “Not since the end of the Second World War have there been so many refugees, displaced people and asylum seekers. Never before has the United Nations been asked to reach so many people with emergency food assistance and other life-saving supplies,” he said.

“It may seem as if the world is falling apart, as crises pile up and disease spreads. But leadership is precisely about finding the seeds of hope and nurturing them into something bigger. That is our duty. That is my call to you today.”

Mr. Ban’s annual opening message, which draws from his yearly report on the work of the Organization, was not entirely bleak. “Hope may be hard to discern, but it is there,” he said. “In clinics, classrooms and other places far from the spotlight, the development agenda is making remarkable progress.

"Global poverty, child mortality and maternal deaths have been cut in half. More remains to be done, but these and other gains show the power of the Millennium Development Goals and what we can do when we work together. Today an inspiring global conversation is taking place on an agenda for the next 15 years.”

But there was no mistaking the grim thrust of his “State of the World” address. “It has been a terrible year for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” he declared. “From barrel bombs to beheadings, from the deliberate starvation of civilians to the assault on hospitals, UN shelters and aid convoys, human rights and the rule of law are under attack.”

He recited a litany of global crises: the “latest tragedy” in Gaza with Palestinians and Israelis seemingly more polarized than ever; the volatile situation in and around Ukraine; South Sudan where the struggle for political power has killed thousands and exposed millions to the threat of famine; the fractured and traumatized Central African Republic; insurgency, terrorism, the illicit drug trade and organized crime in Mali and the Sahel.

The list went on: Somalia where a coalition of African States confronts the terrorist group Al-Shabab; Nigeria where Boko Haram’s “murderous onslaught gains strength, with shocking impacts on women and girls;” Iraq and Syria where “we see

As the General Assembly began the general debate of its sixty-ninth session, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented to the Assembly his annual report on the work of the Organization. UN Photo/Mark Garten

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new depths of barbarity with each passing day, and devastating spill-over effects” across the region.

“We need decisive action to stop atrocity crimes and frank discussion on what created the threat in the first place,” Mr. Ban said. “The people of the region have been forced to walk on the broken shards of bad governance and bad decisions that failed to respect international law and basic human rights.”

Declaring that far more must be done to anticipate problems and reach early political consensus, he appealed for crucial unity in the 15-member Security Council, the spearhead for UN action, stressing that when the body acts as one results follow, as with the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme.

Broaching several other issues, Mr. Ban stressed the need for transformation in achieving development goals. “I can think of no better place to start than with opening doors and shattering ceilings for women and girls,” he said. “Look at any crisis – from poverty to disaster to disease to illiteracy ¬– and you will see women and girls suffering the most. We cannot fulfil 100 per cent of the world’s potential by excluding 50 per cent of the world’s people.”

He highlighted the crucial importance for funding in dealing with climate change, the post 2015- development efforts, and the “unprecedented crisis” of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa where a twenty-fold surge in care, tracking, transport and equipment is needed.

In conclusion, Mr. Ban again stressed humankind’s role in creating many of the crises the world now faces and its responsibility to eliminate them. “Today we face far more man-made crises than natural calamities,” he declared. “We may not control Mother Nature, but who else but us is responsible for securing peace and justice in our world today?

“War. Poverty. Ignorance. Crises caused by people can be stopped by people. I do not think we can yet feel comfortable about the world our generation is leaving to our children. Still, I have hope. I draw it from our Charter, our enduring guide in times of dramatic challenge and change.” At UN event, officials call for ensuring ‘fundamental human right’ to quality education

24 September - Despite global gains in the number of children enrolled in school, many of the world’s students fail to leave their educational experiences with the skills necessary for them to succeed in life and help their nations develop, United Nations officials said today.

“Something very important is at stake – the future,” Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson declared in his opening remarks at the Global Education First Initiative (GEFI) high-level event held on the margins of the General Assembly in New York.

“Many countries have made major strides,” Mr. Eliasson continued. “We must not let them down.”

He pointed out, however, that with 58 million children still out of school worldwide and 250 million primary school-aged children in the world still unable to read, delegates were faced with some “uncomfortable facts.”

“The world is now experiencing a global learning crisis,” the Deputy Secretary-General stated, adding that there were “308 million reasons” to focus on improving access to quality education which is “a fundamental human right.”

“Quality education is more than an entry point into the job market. It is the foundation for personal fulfilment, for gender equality, for social cohesion, for sustainable development, for economic growth, and for responsible global citizenship.”

Launched in September 2012 by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Initiative seeks to put every child in school, improve the quality of learning, and foster global citizenship.

Children at a public school in Bamako, Mali. UN Photo/Marco Dormino

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In delivering the keynote address to the event, the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, echoed Mr. Eliasson, declaring that the international community had made “tremendous progress” on the issue of global education. She warned, however, that the world “should not be satisfied” with its successes and added that much remained to be achieved in terms of gender equality in education.

“When it comes to educating adolescent girls,” said Ms. Obama, “the real challenge isn’t about resources; it’s about attitudes and beliefs.”

Ms. Obama cited her own experiences, as a daughter and a mother, to illustrate the important role men can play in promoting the education of women. But, she added, encouraging gender quality was also key and she emphasized that “addressing gender-based violence must also be on the agenda.”

The Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and co-organizer of the Initiative, Irina Bokova, similarly affirmed that the need for quality education was an “imperative,” especially for girls and women.

Ms. Bokova noted that among the 58 million children out of school worldwide, girls and young women were still “hit hardest” and warned that the lack of education not only “threatens stability” but also “condemns entire generations to despair.”

This message was echoed by the UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, who underscored the link between female education and the schoolgirls of Chibok, Nigeria, kidnapped by Boko Haram militants last April. The Nigerian schoolgirls, Mr. Brown said, were kidnapped for the sole reason that they sought an education and he urged the international community to resurrect its global efforts in supporting those girls still held in captivity.

In addition, Mr. Brown emphasized the importance of schooling in unlocking the future potential of children and noted the obstacles that still lay in the way of universal education for many children around the world.

“We cannot deliver universal education unless we end child marriage. We cannot deliver universal education unless we end child labour,” Mr. Brown said.

“Education first is not a slogan, but a priority,” he concluded. “Education first, education foremost, education forever.” Amid signs of progress in Somalia, UN chief urges continuing support for peace process

24 September - Somalia’s peace process is “gathering momentum” amid political progress and improving security, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, while also warning that there was “much work still ahead” for the Horn of Africa country.

Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Somalia, held on the margins of the General Assembly debate in New York, the Secretary-General voiced optimism that the country was on track to achieving political and national stability through the Somali Federal Government’s “Vision 2016” plan for a political transformation.

“There is no time to lose if elections are to take place in 2016,” Mr. Ban declared. “I urge all Somalia’s political institutions to keep this process on track.”

In addition to facilitating Somalia’s political transition, Mr. Ban also underscored the need for national reconciliation, stating that it remained “crucial” in the country’s ongoing recovery from conflict.

“I welcome the efforts of the emerging interim regional administrations, together with the Federal Government, to convene inclusive reconciliation conferences,” he stated, adding that “the participation of women at all levels in these processes and in Somalia’s institutions is an imperative.”

Carrying whatever possessions they can, women arrive at a camp for Internally Displaced People (IDPs) established next to a base of the African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM) near Jowhar. UN Photo/Tobin Jones

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Mr. Ban acknowledged, however, that political progress would depend on “security, rule of law, and the respect of fundamental rights,” especially as operations against Al-Shabaab to recover territories seized by the militant group continue.

Moreover, the Secretary-General voiced concern about the precarious humanitarian situation in the country, stating that without more aid, much of the progress achieved so far risked being reversed.

“I remain extremely worried about the humanitarian situation. Malnutrition rates are again on the rise. If we do not increase humanitarian support, all other gains could be jeopardized,” he said.

In order to prevent a slip in Somalia’s progress, the Secretary-General unveiled a UN partnership with the World Bank on an initiative “to promote resilience and economic development in the Horn of Africa.”

“There is much work still ahead,” Mr. Ban concluded. “I appeal to the international community to continue its support to Somalia so that its people can reap the dividends of peace.” Despite ongoing crisis, UN hails ‘significant progress’ in helping Syria’s children

24 September - Efforts to reach and assist Syrian children affected by that country’s nearly four-year-long conflict are making headway, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) declared today, adding that much work remained to be done as an entire generation of Syrian youth continues to be at risk.

The announcement came as the UNICEF-backed “No Lost Generation” initiative released its new report at a key meeting on the margins of the UN General Assembly, confirming that educational assistance had already reached some 770,000 Syrian children affected by the violence while another 660,000 children had received psychological support.

Speaking at the report’s presentation, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake underscored the importance of assisting the war children, adding that Syria’s youths were the pillars of the country’s future.

“Helping the children of Syria is investing in the future of Syria, as today’s children are tomorrow’s doctors, teachers, lawyers and leaders,” Mr. Lake declared.

A UNICEF report released in March 2014 highlighted the vulnerability of this generation of Syrian children, noting that up to a million youth remained trapped in under-siege and hard-to-reach areas where they lived in rubble and struggled to find food, medical care or psychological support. It also noted that 1.2 million children lived abroad in host countries, populating crowded refugee camps and beleaguered host communities with scarce resources.

The “No Lost Generation” initiative’s new findings noted, however, that host communities and other partners have managed to make “significant progress” in reaching those displaced children with assistance.

According to the report, enrolment in formal and non-formal education registered a 188.5 per cent increase since 2013 while 128,000 pupils were helped to attend school clubs in volatile cross-line areas. In addition, 72,000 children inside Syria and 587,000 refugee children living in host countries were provided with psycho-social support.

Despite the gains, the report also found that adolescents were particularly vulnerable and underserved, leaving them exposed to the lure of armed groups. The creation of opportunities to prevent them from succumbing to Syria’s deepening violence remained a “critical” necessity amid the overall effort to save the country’s children, the report warned.

“Investing in this generation is helping them acquire the skills and knowledge they will need to rebuild their communities when peace returns,” continued Mr. Lake.

A boy drinks the remaining water in his jerrycan while waiting with other children in a queue for safe water in the town of Douma in the East Ghouta area of Rural Damascus, Syria. Photo: UNICEF/Bassam Khabieh

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“We need to heal their hearts and minds. And there is much more to be done.” South Sudan: civilians fleeing violence nears 2 million with no likelihood of return soon

24 September - The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights said today that gross violations committed by all parties to the conflict in South Sudan have declined but the number of civilians forced to flee the violence now nears 2 million “with no likelihood that people will return to their homes soon.”

Referring to the damaging impact of the conflict on human rights across the country, including gross violations committed by all parties to the conflict, such as extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, rape, other forms of sexual violence, and attacks on hospitals and UN facilities, Flavia Pansieri noted that the scale and severity of reported violations had declined compared to the first months of the conflict.

“However, civilians have continued to bear the brunt of the ongoing armed conflict and of their leaders’ failure to stop the fighting,” she said in her remarks to a panel discussion on South Sudan held by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Both the South Sudan Government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition have continued to mobilize forces and amass weapons in an effort to consolidate their respective power bases, she said.

“The numbers of civilians displaced across and from South Sudan has continued to rise, with no likelihood that people will return to their homes soon,” she said. “Since the conflict began in December 2013, some 1.5 million people have been internally displaced inside the country and a reported 400,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and the Sudan.”

Ms. Pansieri also reported the country is experiencing extreme food insecurity and facing a possible famine.

Yesterday, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said the combined efforts of the agency, the World Food Programme (WFP) and Mercy Corps have helped to pull 2 million people back from the brink of famine and severe food insecurity in South Sudan.

“This progress, however, is fragile, partial, temporary and expensive. Despite current short-term improvements, 1.5 million people are projected to remain severely food insecure until the end of 2014, which is a 50 per cent increase from December 2013,” FAO said in a news release.

Last month, the UN declared that the South Sudan aid operation is the biggest of any single country, “but that it still falls far short in the face of overwhelming needs,” Ms. Pansieri said.

And the reports of killings and wounding of civilians by all parties to the armed conflict and other armed groups have continued unabated, she said.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has opened its gates to civilians who fled the violence. Around 100,000 internally displaced persons are now seeking shelter in Protection of Civilians sites within UNMISS compounds – an entirely unprecedented influx in the history of the UN, which presents the Mission with unique challenges.

The Deputy High Commissioner recommended that more needs to be done to protect civilians and to ensure accountability for crimes and human rights violations.

“Up to now, neither the Government nor the [opposition] SPLM/A-IO has demonstrated any real interest in ensuring accountability for widespread violations and abuses committed in the course of the conflict,” she said.

Food distribution at refugee site in Upper Nile State, South Sudan. Photo: WFP/Ahnna Gudmunds

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She urged the international community to put pressure on the country’s leaders to prevent further violations by forces under their command and to make it clear that anyone committing crimes and human rights violations will be arrested and prosecuted. Commending Yemenis on peace pact, Ban urges partners to step up support

24 September - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the Yemeni parties for reaching a peace pact, and called on the country’s partners to scale up support to ensure a successful democratic transition.

“If we continue to stand united and step up our support, I am confident that Yemen’s transition towards a more stable, democratic and prosperous future can succeed,” Mr. Ban said in a message to the Friends of Yemen Ministerial Meeting held at UN Headquarters on the margins of the General Assembly’s high-level debate.

In the message, delivered by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernández-Taranco, Mr. Ban said that the Peace and National Partnership Agreement – brokered by UN Special Adviser Jamal Benomar and signed by all the key parties in Yemen – is a step in the right direction.

“All sides now bear a solemn responsibility to implement this agreement in full and without delay, exercising maximum restraint, ceasing all violent acts, and enabling the legitimate authorities to fully exercise their national duties,” he stated.

The Secretary-General also raised concerns about the millions of people who continue to rely on life-saving assistance.

“I urge Member States to increase their support for life-saving and stabilization efforts that will make a tangible investment in the future of the Yemeni people,” he said, adding: “I count on the members of the Security Council, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Friends of Yemen to sharpen their focus on helping Yemen.”

The Friends comprise nearly 40 organizations and countries that meet regularly to discuss the political, economic, security and humanitarian sectors in Yemen, which has been undergoing a democratic transition since early 2012.

Yesterday, the UN Security Council welcomed the recent peace pact and called for its full and immediate implementation, an immediate end to all attacks and threats, and the rapid formation of a new government.

Children in Al-Mazrak IDP camp in Haradh, northern Yemen. Photo: OCHA

International Criminal Court opens second probe into Central African Republic violence

24 September - The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that she is opening a second investigation into the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) with respect to crimes allegedly committed since 2012.

Fatou Bensouda recalled in a statement issued to the press that in February of this year, following an escalation of violence in CAR, she opened a new preliminary examination to assess whether or not to proceed with an investigation into what was a “dire” situation in the country.

Thousands of people are estimated to have been killed in CAR in a conflict which erupted when mainly Muslim Séléka rebels launched attacks in December 2012 and then took on increasingly sectarian overtones as mainly Christian militias known as anti-Balaka (anti-machete) took up arms.

“My Office has gathered and scrupulously analysed relevant information from multiple reliable sources. Based on this independent and comprehensive analysis, I have concluded that an investigation is warranted,” said Ms. Bensouda.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. Photo: ICC-CPI

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“The information available provides a reasonable basis to believe that both the Séléka and the anti-Balaka groups have committed crimes against humanity and war crimes including murder, rape, forced displacement, persecution, pillaging, attacks against humanitarian missions and the use of children under 15 in combat.

“The list of atrocities is endless. I cannot ignore these alleged crimes.”

CAR – specifically the events relating to the events of 2002-2003 – was already one of eight situations already under investigation by the Court, along with the Darfur region of Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Libya, Mali and northern Uganda.

The transitional government of CAR decided to refer the situation to the Prosecutor’s Office on 30 May 2014, requesting the investigation into alleged crimes falling within the ICC’s jurisdiction committed in the country since 1 August 2012.

“The 30 May 2014 referral by the CAR authorities demonstrates a commitment to fight impunity for mass crimes and to bring justice to the victims. We look forward to their full cooperation as we conduct our investigation into these crimes,” said Ms. Bensouda.

“As the investigation moves forward, we will continue to record any new crime against civilians that might be committed in CAR,” she added.

“Mass crimes shock the conscience of humanity and tear at the social fabric of society. Let this be a message to would-be perpetrators in CAR and beyond: such crimes will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.” Cambodia: amid human rights progress, UN expert calls for more reform

24 September - Cambodia may be on the verge of a new era in human rights protection, an independent United Nations human rights expert declared today, adding that while the political momentum in the country was headed in a “positive direction,” a strong human rights infrastructure was still needed in order to establish “far-reaching and meaningful reform.”

In his address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Surya P. Subedi noted that the situation in the country was “very different” from the one that existed when he first assumed his post as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia five years ago. He warned, however, that the lack of independent monitoring institutions risked stunting the country’s progress on human rights issues.

“The political environment may have changed in Cambodia, but the fundamentals of governance and human rights protection have not,” stated Mr. Subedi, who urged the Government to “reconsider its opposition to independent institutions.”

“Only when such independence is guaranteed, of the judiciary, the National Election Committee, and Parliament itself, Cambodia will be on the path towards real reform.”

Over the course of his mandate, Mr. Subedi has advocated for judicial reform, among other things, and he lamented the progress in bringing to justice those responsible for a spate of incidents involving excessive force against protesters.

As recently as July 2014, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported that peaceful protests led by members of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) quickly escalated into violent clashes, leaving up to 40 people injured. Five CNRP Members of Parliament-elect and one CNRP activist were subsequently arrested.

“What Cambodia needs now is to adopt a strong human rights infrastructure that can support far-reaching and meaningful reform,” Mr. Subedi continued.

UN expert on human rights in Cambodia Surya Subedi (right) on a visit to the country in May 2012. Photo: OHCHR Cambodia

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“It is the implementation of meaningful reform that will demonstrate the tangible progress to the people of Cambodia, as well as the international community, necessary to show that Cambodia no longer needs this mandate.”

In addition, he called for the Government to revisit issues of land rights policy development, noting that many people on the margins of society continued to suffer from human rights violations.

Nevertheless, Mr. Subedi praised the Cambodian Government and its people for the progress made so far, declaring that the Cambodian people had “found their voice” and suggesting that the country itself was on “the cusp of historical changes that could usher in a new era for human rights protection.”

Independent experts or special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back, in an unpaid capacity, on specific human rights themes. FEATURE: UN Security bolsters freedom for diplomacy in New York, around the world

24 September - There is more to UN Security than the dashing blue uniforms seen patrolling the gates of the diplomatic centre of the world: UN Headquarters in New York.

In the early years, the UN flag symbolized neutrality – protecting its staff and heralding the Organization as a benevolent actor in world events. Decades later, the landscape began to change. As UN personnel in the field were increasingly targeted by malicious attacks and the security environment became more threatening, the security system that had been in place since the Organization’s inception needed a facelift.

To meet the challenges, a new UN Security Coordinator became the sovereign of all-things security – from policy and procedures to a coherent UN response to emergency situations.

At the heart of this realm was the security and safety of some 100,000 UN staff worldwide.

Long-time UN Operations Inspector Matthew Sullivan of the Department of Safety and Security shared his first-hand experience on the perils of field work. He sets the time frame as the war in the former Yugoslavia – on a plane full of high-level UN officials flying in to negotiate a peace agreement.

Mr. Sullivan recalls, “It was during a terrible time of the war. The Sarajevo airport was closed but allowed one UN flight in that day. We were about to land and there was an explosion. They shot a hole in the back of the plane. They kept firing at us. We had a good team and reacted well. We got the plane on the ground and finally into the safe area of the airport where the military was located. We all survived and the plane survived, so it was quite an experience.”

Notwithstanding the dangers, after 30 years in UN blue, and with a treasure trove of thrilling stories, the Inspector remains devoted to his work. “I love the job, it’s very rewarding,” Mr. Sullivan said. “I believe in what the UN does and even after all these years, it’s still an honour to work here.”

Sergeant Derek Levy also cherishes his nearly three decades at the UN, particularly the traveling that he has done. “It has exposed me to nations and environments that I normally would not have visited, such as Cambodia, Bosnia and Croatia.”

It’s a working dog’s world

But back at HQ, you may come across a select group of Labradors and their Security Officer handlers. They are the K-9 Unit – checking vehicles, meeting rooms, packages and pretty much anything that springs up. In a year, the K-9 Unit handles some 30,000 searches.

Throughout the upheaval of the massive, years-long renovation of the UN’s iconic but shop-worn headquarters complex, the dogs have been kept on their toes, checking commercial vehicles entering the grounds. As the UN hosts the General Assembly, with tens of thousands of people pouring into the complex annually in September, the K-9 Unit is a key part of

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon salutes UN Security Officers en route to his meeting. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

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The UN Daily News is prepared at UN Headquarters in New York by the News Services Section

of the News and Media Division, Department of Public Information (DPI)

the security process. They must carry out their important duties without hindering the work of the Security Officers, which is why mild mannered Labradors were selected as the dog of choice.

Handler Sargent Wilson Barry explains, “When the Labs are out in public they look friendly and approachable. They encourage the staff and the public to come and talk to us.”

Officer Ivette Garcia proudly calls her black Labrador Shane a partner. “I first began working with Shane in June 2006, when I was selected as the first female Security Officer to attend specialized training at the New York State Police Academy. Shane and I graduated together in July and I had the honour of being the first female canine handler in the history of the United Nations. Today, Shane and I are inseparable.”

“Whenever the Organization has a major event such as the General Assembly, Shane and I are hard at work facilitating safe movement of staff members,” Officer Garcia elaborates. “We also work in conjunction with the New York Police Department to maximize security.” Ban saddened at passing of former UN official Margaret Vogt

24 September - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has learned with “profound sadness” of the passing today of Margaret Vogt, who served as his Special Representative in the Central African Republic (CAR) from 2011 to 2013.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to Ms. Vogt’s long and rich career in the United Nations, the African Union and academia,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“He recalls that Ms. Vogt was known for her tireless work, unmatched kindness and the incredible courage she displayed in the many dangerous duty stations where she served.”

The Secretary-General saluted Ms. Vogt’s leadership, including during very turbulent times in Somalia and the CAR, saying she “saved lives, inspired others and brought joy to those she met.”

“Her many friends, colleagues and admirers, in the United Nations and elsewhere, will always remember her profound decency and humanity,” the statement added.

Special Representative Margaret Vogt. UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

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