NewzIntel.com

Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN relocates non-critical staff from North Kivu, DR Congo

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday without interrupting its operations in the country at a time heightened security concerns.

    The UN mission in DR Congo, MONUSCO, is relocating administrative staff and others in North Kivu that can continue performing their duties from elsewhere in response to the deteriorating security situation and intensifying hostilities involving the non-State armed group M23, a Rwandan-backed movement fighting against the Congolese Government.

    “This precautionary measure safeguards staff safety while ensuring the UN’s vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted,” MONUSCO said in a statement.

    “This transfer does not affect the UN’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu.”

    Situation worsening

    The area has seen a repeated resurgence of non-State armed groups in the past. Clashes between the M23 and Congolese Government troops intensified earlier this month.

    According to news agencies, combatants from M23 killed the military governor of North Kivu on Thursday as the general was inspecting the border.

    Some 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu since the beginning of this year alone, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

    On Friday, the UN agency’s chief of office in Goma, Abdoulaye Barry, told UN News in an exclusive interview that the situation is becoming increasingly unsafe for both civilians and aid teams.

    Listen to our full interview here.

    © UNHCR/Joel. Z. Smith

    A camp for displaced people in North Kivu in DR Congo.

    Essential staff remain on the ground

    Essential UN personnel are remaining on the ground, sustaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter and protection for vulnerable communities.

    At the same time, the UN is working closely with humanitarian partners and national authorities to ensure lifesaving assistance reaches those most in need and prevent any threat against civilians.

    The temporary relocation of staff will be reassessed based on the evolution of the security situation, with the aim of fully restoring the presence as soon as conditions allow.

    “The United Nations reaffirms its deep commitment to the people of North Kivu,” the UN mission said.

    UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the fighting, noting that the conflict has taken a devastating toll on the Congolese and the entire region.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message to the International Holocaust Remembrance Service

    Source: United Nations

    Dear Rabbi Schneier, Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    It is an honour to send you a message today.

    At this sombre occasion, I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

    Dear Friends,

    This year marks eighty years since the end of the Holocaust.

    The history of the Holocaust is one of total moral collapse, dehumanisation, complicity, and unimaginable atrocities. But amidst all the horror, there are also stories of humanity, and of courage.

    I think of those victims who resisted Nazi brutality and supported one another with kindness and solidarity. I think of those survivors who have told their stories to the world, including Rabbi Schneier and others present today.  We owe you — and the children of survivors who made sure those stories lived on – a profound debt of gratitude.  And I think of those noble people of conscience who may not have been targeted by the Nazis but were so horrified by what they saw that they felt compelled to act. 

    That includes a number of diplomats who used their power to save lives.  They were from a variety of countries, including many represented here today.  

    One important example from my own country, Portugal, is Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Stationed in Bordeaux, as the Nazis approached in 1940, Sr. Sousa Mendes faced crowds desperate for visas out of France.

    The orders of the Portuguese Government were clear. The infamous “Circular 14” had been issued, denying visas for refugees’ safe passage to Portugal – with Jews named specifically. Sr. Sousa Mendes decided to disobey, and worked quite literally day and night to issue thousands of visas, saving countless lives.

    The government punished Sr. Sousa Mendes for his defiance. He died in poverty, after being expelled from the diplomatic corps without pension. But his extraordinary efforts have not been forgotten. In 1966, he was recognised as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, and, last year, I was pleased to support the opening of a museum in his honour in Portugal.

    In these days of global turmoil, rising antisemitism, and growing hate towards many communities, it is vital that we remember the stories of people like Sr. Sousa Mendes, who used their power for good in the worst of times. They remind us that it is our duty – individually and collectively – to stand with humanity and against bigotry and discrimination.

    In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the United Nations has launched an Action Plan to Enhance Monitoring and Response to Antisemitism. We have long worked to combat this evil, through a wide range of activities, including our Holocaust Outreach program. This new Plan builds on that work, and the insights of people like Rabbi Schneier, to recommend ways the United Nations system will further enhance efforts to combat antisemitism.

    This goes to the heart of the mission of the United Nations, which was established in the aftermath of the Holocaust.  We will never waiver in the fight for a world that promotes and protects the human rights of all.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General strongly condemns the launch today of a long-range ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

    The DPRK’s continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology are clear violations of relevant Security Council resolutions.

    The Secretary-General remains concerned about the situation on the Korean Peninsula. He has consistently called for de-escalation, the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, an environment that is conducive to dialogue, and the resumption of talks. 

    Diplomatic engagement remains the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee against Torture Welcome Namibia’s Commitment to the Mandela and Bangkok Rules, Ask about Harmful Traditional Practices and Lengthy Pretrial Detention Periods

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Namibia, with Committee Experts welcoming the State’s commitment to the Nelson Mandela and Bangkok Rules, international norms on the treatment of prisoners, and raising questions about harmful traditional practices and lengthy pretrial detention periods.

    Erdogan Iscan, Country Rapporteur and Committee Expert, welcomed the commitment of the State party to complying with the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules.

    Mr. Iscan raised the issue of traditional practices that were harmful to women and girls, including the ritual of Olufuko, which involved child marriage and sexual initiation rites.  Had the State party made progress in terms of awareness-raising as well as eliminating such practices?  What further steps had been taken to prevent and criminalise the practice of forced sterilisation?

    Jorge Contesse, Country Rapporteur and Committee Expert, said pretrial detention seemed to routinely exceed legal limits, with above 50 per cent of the prison population awaiting trial.  The low usage of alternatives to detention and an unaffordable bail system seemed to be contributing to the large backlog of cases of pretrial detainees.  What measures had been adopted to address these challenges?

    Introducing the report, Yvonne Dausab, Minister of Justice of Namibia and head of the delegation, said the Namibian correctional service included human rights instruments, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, in the curriculum at its Training College.  The service had undertaken measures to renovate all the country’s correctional facilities with the aim of improving the living conditions of offenders.

    Ms. Dausab said the Government continued to conduct awareness campaigns targeting traditional and religious leaders on positive gender roles and the elimination of harmful cultural practices.  The Childcare and Protection Act 2015 had measures to protect children from harmful cultural and religious practices, strictly prohibiting child marriage in all setups.

    The delegation said Olufuko had taken on a more cultural image and profile, as opposed to a platform for sexual initiation and child marriage.  That may have been the case in the past, but this had changed over the past 10 to 15 years.  Namibia had taken steps to ensure that acts of enforced sterilisation of individuals were not carried out.

    Pretrial detention could run for any time between six to 12 months, the delegation said, and courts could decide to withdraw charges before the six-month period based on available evidence.  The State party was working to strengthen community courts and establish small claims courts to address overcrowding in prisons and holding cells. Since the report was sent, there had also been parole releases and the President had pardoned some persons.

    In closing remarks, Claude Heller, Committee Chair, said that the Committee understood that the political context in Namibia was difficult.  The Committee would make efforts to provide the State party with relevant and achievable recommendations within its concluding observations.  The Committee was interested in maintaining an open dialogue with the State party through its follow-up mechanism.

    In her concluding remarks, Ms. Dausab said Namibia was committed to addressing all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.  More needed to be done to prevent torture, including the enactment of specific legislation criminalising it.  The Committee’s recommendations would help to enhance mechanisms to prevent torture.

    The delegation of Namibia consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security; Namibia Correctional Service; and the Permanent Mission of Namibia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of Namibia at the end of its eighty-first session on 22 November.  Those, and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the session’s webpage.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Tuesday, 5 November at 10 a.m. to begin its examination of the second periodic report of Thailand (CAT/C/THA/2).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the third periodic report of Namibia (CAT/C/NAM/3).

    Presentation of Report

    YVONNE DAUSAB, Minister of Justice of Namibia and head of the delegation, said

    Namibia had suffered a great loss at the beginning of the year when the third President, Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, a strong champion of human rights, passed away on 4 February 2024.  He was greatly missed.  Additionally, Namibia was currently going through a devastating drought which had impacted food security and economic development; the Government was navigating this climate-related crisis with the assistance of developmental partners. Namibia offered a sincere apology for the non-submission of the written responses to the list of issues.

    The torture bill remained under consideration following deliberations in the National Assembly.  The Convention was directly applicable and enforceable in Namibia without the ‘domestic’ legislation.  Article 144 had been used by Namibian courts which had cited United Nations Conventions in their judgments, making their provisions applicable directly in Namibia. The Namibian Constitution prohibited torture as well cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 criminalised murder as well as assault, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. 

    Members of the police force, correctional service and defence force accused of using excessive force were investigated under internal complaints units and those found to have acted outside the scope of what was reasonable in the circumstances were subjected to prosecution.  The Government had also been ordered to pay damages to complainants and their families in civil matters brought due to allegations of assault or use of excessive force by law enforcement officers. 

    The Namibian Constitution prohibited arbitrary arrest or detention and required that an arrested person be brought before a court within 48 hours after the arrest.  All police officials were trained and required to inform an accused person upon arrest of their rights, reasons for their arrest, and charges against them.  The Directorate of Legal Aid within the Ministry of Justice had appointed 69 in-house lawyers across the country to represent members of society who could not afford legal representation. 

    The Government had enhanced the independence of the Ombudsman by reforming the current Ombudsman Act 1990 to make provision for the Ombudsman’s Office to be established as a separate agency in the public service, with its own budget and accounting officer.  The Office of the Ombudsman had launched a training manual against torture for law enforcement agencies, and visited and inspected places of detention, police holding cells, and correctional facilities to monitor human rights compliance.

    Namibia continued to be marred by incidents of gender-based and sexual violence, including online child sexual exploitation.  The Government had developed a national plan of action on gender-based violence 2019-2023 to address the root causes and provide a well-coordinated approach to the prevention, response, monitoring and evaluation of gender-based violence initiatives.  Additionally, Namibia had established special courts for gender-based violence offences country-wide to provide a victim-friendly environment. 

    The Government continued to conduct awareness campaigns targeting traditional and religious leaders on positive gender roles and the elimination of harmful cultural practices.  Namibia had developed and implemented a national plan of action to address violence against children.  The Childcare and Protection Act 2015 had measures to protect children from harmful cultural and religious practices, strictly prohibiting child marriage in all setups. 

    The Ombudsman had been instrumental in ensuring that the Namibian police force was adequately trained on the ‘prevention of torture training manual for police officers.’ The Namibian police force also conducted ongoing workshops to train police officers on human rights.  The Namibian correctional service included human rights instruments in its curriculum, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, at the Namibian Correctional Service Training College.  The service had undertaken measures to renovate all of the country’s correctional facilities with the aim of improving the living conditions of offenders.  The implementation of the Namibian correctional service’s health policy had brought about significant changes in managing communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis, as well as mental health support. 

    All asylum seekers went through a refugee status determination process and those who met the criteria were granted refugee status.  If an application for refugee status was unsuccessful, the applicant was advised they could appeal the decision to the Namibian Refugee Appeal Board. Namibia was implementing the national action plan on statelessness, and a national committee had been established. The review of the legislative framework, which was a key milestone, had begun. 

    The Police Act allowed police officials to be investigated for misconduct and human right violations, inclusive of torture.  Officials found guilty of acting outside the scope of their duties were subject to laid down procedures, including arraignment before a competent court. In Namibia, the State was represented by the Prosecutor General in criminal cases; therefore, the prosecution of all allegations of torture lay with the State.  Ms. Dausab concluded by stating that the Namibian Government remained committed to protecting and promoting human rights in the country. 

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    ERDOGAN ISCAN, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, said the Committee expressed its condolences for the death of Namibia’s third President earlier this year.  The State party did not reply to the list of issues adopted by the Committee and chose to submit a report in May 2021 under the traditional reporting procedure.

    The dialogue with the State party would be conducted against this background.

    Mr. Iscan called on Namibia to continue to support the treaty body system. 

    Had measures been taken to improve prison conditions in conformity with the Nelson Mandela Rules? Research indicated that the total prison population was close to 9,000 inmates, of which 54 per cent were pretrial detainees in police custody.  Occupancy level in the prison system was 75 per cent.  Could the Committee be updated on the current situation?  Could details be provided about the health policy and practice developed by the Namibian correctional service? 

    How many individuals were currently in pretrial detention?  What was the average length of pretrial detention and steps taken to reduce its use?  Could statistical data be provided on deaths in custody; investigations carried out into these deaths; and the number of police or prison staff who had been subjected to criminal or disciplinary punishment in cases involving death in custody? Had there been cases of inter-prisoner violence, and what had been measures implemented in such incidents?

    The Committee noted that corporal punishment was prohibited in schools by the Basic Education Act of 2020, but it still lacked an explicit prohibition in the home. What was the current status of the Correctional Service Act 2012 with respect to explicitly prohibiting corporal punishment following the Supreme Court’s judgment of 5 April 1991?  What steps were being taken to totally prohibit corporal punishment in all settings and develop campaigns for awareness raising?

    Could data on all complaints received by the Ombudsman and the number of complaints received by the Internal Investigation Directorate be provided?  How many of these complaints were investigated and how many resulted in disciplinary sanctions?  Had the perpetrators been punished with appropriate penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime?  How many complaints had been received concerning sexual abuse and the exploitation of refugees by public officials or non-governmental workers at the Osire refugee camp?  Had these complaints been investigated and prosecuted and had victims obtained redress? 

    The Caprivi high treason trial ended in September 2015 and the Committee noted that about 30 persons were found guilty and sentenced to various imprisonment terms; 79 persons were found not guilty and released from custody.  Could

    information on investigations into or prosecutions of members of the Namibian police force regarding alleged acts of torture of suspected participants in the secession attempt in the Caprivi region in 1999 be provided?  What steps had been taken by the authorities to investigate reports of enforced disappearances in the context of the liberation struggle, including the disappearance of former members of the Southwest Africa People’s Organization?  Had alleged victims and their families obtained redress?

    Was the legislation on excessive use of force compatible with the Convention, as well as the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials?  Were the reports of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers investigated promptly, effectively and impartially?  Were the perpetrators prosecuted and, if convicted, punished with commensurate penalties?  Were victims of violations remedied adequately?  The Committee had received allegations that members of the police force detained and sexually abused sex workers.  What was the State party’s response to these reports? 

    The Committee took note of the Joint Communication by a group of Special Procedure mandate holders, who examined the document which evaluated the “Joint Declaration by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Namibia: United in remembrance of our colonial past, united in our will to reconcile, united in our vision of the future”, dated June 2021, and developed observations in connection with international human rights law.  It was understood that follow-up negotiations were ongoing between Namibia and Germany.

    With respect to traditional practices that were harmful to women and girls, including the ritual of Olufuko, which involved child marriage and sexual initiation rites, had the State party made progress in terms of awareness-raising as well as eliminating such practices?  What further steps had been taken to prevent and criminalise the practice of forced sterilisation?  What measures were in place to ensure that all acts of violence that targeted persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity were properly and promptly investigated and prosecuted? 

    It was reported that the Supreme Court issued a ruling last year recognising the right of spouses of Namibian citizens to regularise their immigration status based on same-sex marriages.  Later, parliament passed legislation banning same-sex marriages.  If enacted, it could nullify the Supreme Court ruling.  What was the current status of this legislation? The Committee had received information that the High Court issued a decision on 21 June 2024, which declared the common law offences of sodomy and unnatural sexual offences unconstitutional. It seemed that the State party continued to criminalise same-sex relationships and the Government had lodged an appeal against this decision which was currently pending before the Supreme Court.  What was the current situation? 

    Could the State party clarify its policy, legislation and practice with respect to prisons, hospitals, schools and institutions that engaged in the care of children, older persons or persons with disabilities?  What was the legal permissibility and use of the measures such as seclusion, physical and chemical restraints, and other restrictive practices? Were net beds and cage beds used in psychiatric and social welfare institutions?  Did the Office of the Ombudsman have unrestricted access to monitor these institutions?  Had any progress been achieved in regard to protecting the human rights of older persons?

    The Committee noted the commitment of the State party to complying with the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules.  Could the State party clarify its policy, legislation and practice with respect to solitary confinement?  What was the incommunicado detention regime in Namibia?  If the State party maintained this practice, under what circumstances was incommunicado detention authorised and what was the competent organ to authorise incommunicado detention?  Would the State party consider abolishing incommunicado detention? 

    Could Namibia comment on the status of the recommendation to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention, and other international instruments to which it was not a party?  Was there any update in this regard? 

    JORGE CONTESSE, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, said torture was currently not a specific criminal offence in Namibia and Namibian law did not expressly criminalise any other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  Could information be received on the status of the draft prevention of torture bill?  What amendments to the bill sought to bring it further into line with the State party’s obligations under the Convention, as previously recommended by the Committee, including provisions that criminalised the acquiescence and complicity of State officials, or officials acting in an official capacity, to acts of torture?  Were acts amounting to torture subject to a statute of limitations?  Were there any cases where Namibia had invoked the Convention directly before domestic courts? 

    What initiatives had been taken by the State party to enshrine in its legislation fundamental legal safeguards, in particular the right to have access to a lawyer, including the right to access free and effective legal aid; the right to receive a medical examination by an independent physician; the right for individuals, at the time of arrest, to be informed of their rights; the right to be brought promptly before a judge; the right to notify a person of one’s choice of one’s deprivation of liberty; and the obligation of the authorities to maintain detention registers at places of detention?  Were there any cases in which the authorities had failed to comply with these safeguards?  How many such complaints had been registered and what was their outcomes? 

    Were there any cases in which disciplinary measures were taken against officials found responsible for violations?  What complaints mechanisms were available to report violations, and how did they function in practice?  Could the State party specify the circumstances in which a right to counsel could be waived?

    The 2022 annual report of the Ombudsman described visitation and inspection of places of detention in Namibia, noting that some of the most appalling facilities had been closed.  When this happened, where were the detainees who had been held there sent?  What was the timetable for the cleaning and renovation of these facilities?  Pretrial detention seemed to routinely exceed legal limits, with above 50 per cent of the prison population awaiting trial.  In addition, the reported shortcomings in the criminal justice system, such as the significant delays between arrest and trial, the low usage of alternatives to detention, and an inaccessible and unaffordable bail system, seemed to be the contributing factors to the large backlog of cases of pretrial detainees.  What measures had been adopted to address these shortcomings and challenges?

    It was understood that the child justice bill, which had not yet been adopted, endorsed 14 years of age to be considered criminally responsible and abolished the common law presumption.  What was the status and content of the bill?  What measures were adopted to ensure that children were not detained in detention centres for adults?  The Committee understood that no legal provision authorised the Ombudsman to make unannounced visits to places of detention; would the new legislation provide the Ombudsman with such power? 

    Violence against women, including rape, domestic violence, sexual exploitation and abuse of children, and violence against women from indigenous communities, continued to be extremely high, and the root causes of such violence had not been adequately addressed.  According to the national gender-based violence baseline study, “most drivers of gender-based violence were relationship factors that were deeply entrenched within socio–cultural norms and escalated to societal level factors.” What concrete measures had the State party adopted to address these issues, including policies and plans to address ongoing challenges; the number of complaints of gender-based, domestic, or sexual violence received by the authorities; the number of investigations and prosecutions undertaken regarding gender-based, domestic or sexual violence; and the protection and support services available to victims?

    The recommendation to remove the crime of sodomy as a ground for entry refusal into Namibia remained unaddressed.  What measures would the State party adopt to address this and other pending concerns? Could data be provided on the number of asylum applications received during the period under review, the number of successful applications, and the number of asylum seekers whose applications were accepted because they had been tortured or might be tortured if returned to their country of origin? 

    What were the existing appeals mechanisms and other mechanisms in place to identify individuals in need of international protection?  What was the procedure followed when a person invoked this right? Were individuals facing expulsion informed of their right to seek asylum and appeal a deportation decision?  How many stateless persons were living in the country?  What measures were being taken by the State party to mitigate the risk of torture or ill treatment faced by stateless persons. 

    How many law enforcement officials, prison staff, military officers, investigators, judicial personnel and border guards had attended educational programmes which included instruction on the provisions of the Convention against Torture?  How were officers were trained on investigating and handling forms of prohibited ill treatment, like cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment?  To what extent was the Ombudsman responsible for training other law enforcement agencies on investigating torture claims?  What specific initiatives were in place to train officials to prevent the traumatisation of victims of torture or ill treatment.  What steps had been taken to improve methods of investigation, including training programmes on non-coercive interrogation techniques?  Had any training programmes been developed for judges, prosecutors, forensic doctors and medical personnel dealing with detained persons on detecting and documenting the physical and psychological signs of torture?

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said any international instrument that Namibia ratified became part of their system. Namibia took the work of the treaty bodies very seriously.  Namibia’s prison capacity across the country was around 5,400.  The bed capacity was around 4,700.  Since the report was sent, there had been parole releases, persons had completed their sentences, and the President had pardoned some persons. Pretrial detention could run for any time between six to 12 months.  There was no deliberate attempt on the part of the State to keep people in pretrial detention; the authorities were trying to clear them as quickly as possible to decongest prison facilities. 

    Namibia did not have inter-prison violence in the form that was premeditated, organised, or gang related.  There were isolated incidents of inter-prison fights which were dealt with quickly.  In the rare instances when these incidents occurred, the prisoners would be separated from each other.  Namibia had made a proposal to improve community service orders. 

    It was agreed that the Ombudsman needed to be extricated from the Ministry of Justice. However, there was no evidence that there had been any interference in the work of the Ombudsman.  The Ombudsman bill was ready to go before the National Assembly for Legislative Consultation, which would help with establishing the Office of the Ombudsman.  Currently in Namibia, the Ombudsman was at the level of a judge.  Whether there should be a fixed-term or the security of tenure of the Ombudsman was currently under debate.  Since his appointment, the Ombudsman had been quite vocal about his findings and his displeasure at the conditions of prisons.  The Ombudsman had unfettered access to those facilities; however, unannounced visits could be impractical.  Namibia was doing enough to ensure those institutions which had the mandate to investigate violations of human rights were able to be supported in their work. 

    There had been no prosecutions for prostitution or sex work in Namibia.  There was some fairly outdated legislation, but these laws had not been activated because the State did not feel they were consistent with the spirit of the Namibian Constitution.  Namibia was constantly working on reforming legislation which offended the values of the Constitution.

    The Joint Declaration was the result of an open and frank conversation in Namibia’s National Assembly, reflecting the gravity of the first genocide which took place in Namibia during the twentieth century. 

    Olufuko had taken on a more cultural image and profile, as opposed to a platform for sexual initiation and child marriage.  That may have been the case in the past, but this had changed over the past 10 to 15 years.  Namibia had taken steps to ensure that acts of enforced sterilisation of individuals were not carried out.  The discussion around the reform of abortion and sterilisation was ongoing.  Namibia was concerned about the number of cases of persons who identified as persons of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, who had lost their lives.  However, the State could not say that these crimes happened specifically due to their sexual orientation.  All of those incidents of people who had been killed over the past few months were being investigated and prosecutions would take place. 

    Homosexuality in Namibia was not a crime. 

    Namibia had an excellent proposal for child justice.  The State had engaged in extensive consultation with and received feedback from the United Nations Children’s Fund.  Early next year, the child justice bill would be considered in the Assembly.  Children were kept in facilities separate from adults, and were provided with significant social support.  Gender-based violence was a concern for Namibia.  Every year, the State commemorated the 16 days of violence against women.  There was increasing collaboration between the State and civil society organizations to increase visibility.  The text and the language of legislation combatting rape had been strengthened in 2022, as had the domestic violence legislation. 

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    ERDOGAN ISCAN, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, said the Committee appreciated the fact that they had a high-level delegation here, headed by the Minister in the lead-up to the country’s elections, and wished Namibia all the best in their democratic elections.  The Committee needed information on the reflection of policy and legislation in practice, which was why statistical information was important. 

    Could the State party inform the Committee on the policies, legislation and practices on counter-terrorism measures?  It was a fundamental obligation of States to fight terrorism, while still respecting human rights and the rule of law. 

    Could information be provided on the legislative and executive measures under the state of emergency?  Did they comply with the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture? 

    JORGE CONTESSE, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, said it was necessary to have a specific crime which defined the contours of torture.  What were the requirements that members of parliament had, which resulted in seven years of there being no torture bill?  It seemed that the child justice bill moved down the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years; how was this consistent with human rights law? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Namibia’s President could declare a state of emergency in situations where there were natural disasters or threats to the State.  At no time had the declaration of a state of emergency suspended the prohibition of torture or the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

    Persons who engaged in terrorist activities against Namibia inside or outside of the State could face life imprisonment.  Law enforcement agencies recently attended training on counterterrorism, which reinforced the obligation to protect human rights and the rule of law.

    The anti-torture bill included definitions of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment that were in line with the Convention.  The bill included punishments of imprisonment of varying lengths for acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

    The child justice bill had been developed after broad consultation with international partners. It set the age of criminal responsibility at 12 years, considering the domestic context.

    International human rights instruments ratified by the State were applicable directly before the courts, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights had been applied in one case.

    The Refugee Recognition and Control Act called for compliance with due process regarding detention and expulsions of asylum seekers.  Asylum seekers could be represented by legal practitioners in appeals to detention and expulsion procedures.  Namibia respected the principle of non-refoulement.

    The Government was working to regularise the status of stateless persons.  Under the birth outreach programme, teams had been deployed to rural areas to facilitate birth registration.  Bills promoting civil registration, regularisation and statelessness determination were being considered in Parliament.  Namibia was exerting efforts to eradicate statelessness.

    The Namibian police had conducted investigations into alleged cases of enforced disappearance conducted by two individuals with Angolan citizenship.  These cases had been finalised.  A bill had been developed on the training of police and military officers.  Training was aligned with the Istanbul Protocol and developed skills in investigating allegations of torture and helping victims to access redress. Police officers could not question suspects before informing them of their rights.

    The Constitution prohibited corporal punishment and State legislation prohibited such punishment in school settings.  Schools were mandated to create mechanisms that allowed learners to report incidents of corporal punishment.  In August 2024, a teacher was relieved of his duties following reports of him engaging in corporal punishment of learners.  Parents and guardians needed to respect children’s right to dignity.

    The State party had established an appeal committee and set up regulations to prevent the abuse of legal aid resources.  There had been an increase in applications for legal aid this year, with the number of applications for legal aid having increased to more than 10,000.  Measures were in place to respond to this increase in applications.

    The Mental Health Act of 1973 was outdated and used language that was not consistent with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  A new bill dealing with mental health had been proposed, which set regulations regarding the limited use of seclusion, coercive methods, and restraint of persons with disabilities, and promoted de-escalation techniques.  The bill called for coercive methods to be removed within two hours at most.  There was a clear prohibition of forced sterilisation of women with mental disabilities in the bill.  It was expected to be finalised next year.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    ERDOGAN ISCAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said that the State’s Constitution and legislation determined that statements made as a result of torture were inadmissible in a court of law.  Were there examples of court cases in which courts had found that evidence was inadmissible because it was obtained through torture?  Had there been investigations into allegations that evidence used in the Caprivi trials was obtained through torture?

    The Committee welcomed that the State party had accepted the simplified reporting procedure, which provided for improved cooperation between the State party and the Committee.  However, the State party had submitted its last report under the traditional procedure. Mr. Iscan called on the State party to submit its next report under the simplified procedure.

    The State party had failed to respond to the Committee’s previous concluding observations and the report on follow-up to concluding observations.  The Committee hoped that the State party would respond to the next concluding observations within the given timeframe.

    JORGE CONTESSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said that the torture bill had been pending for a number of years.  The definition of torture within the proposed legislation was very good; it was identical to that of the Convention.  Were there any persons who had been specifically convicted of the crime of torture using the Convention?  It was critical that the anti-torture bill addressed the issues of the statute of limitations and universal jurisdiction.  Article eight of the bill addressed extraterritorial jurisdiction, not universal jurisdiction.

    There was a discrepancy between international human rights law and the child justice bill. What was the domestic context that prevented Namibia from setting the age of criminal responsibility at 14? 

    There was another discrepancy between Namibia’s law on refugee control and international human rights law, which defined the prohibition of non-refoulement as absolute. Why was refoulement allowed in certain circumstances?

    There was a lack of information provided by the State party on allegations of sexual assault by police officers against asylum seekers.  Asylum seekers reportedly lived in settlements with poor conditions. Could the delegation comment on these issues?

    Trafficking in persons reportedly remained prevalent in Namibia.  The rate of reported cases seemed very low, and there was limited progress in investigations and convictions for these cases, with only two convictions between 2014 and 2019.  What progress had been made in tackling trafficking in persons?

    How would the State party address challenges that prevented the Ombudsperson from making unannounced visits to places of detention?

    Another Committee Expert said unannounced inspections of places of detention were an international standard.  The State party needed to reconsider its position on this issue.  Were there time limits for pretrial detention?  It was very impressive that it had been deemed unconstitutional to implement solitary confinement.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party noted the Committee’s comments regarding the simplified reporting procedure.  There were court cases in which evidence obtained through torture was deemed inadmissible.  In such cases, additional investigations were undertaken into the identified acts of torture.

    The State party also noted the Committee’s concerns and suggestions regarding the anti-torture bill.  Namibia wished to comply with international best practices regarding non-refoulement. Legislation on deportations intended to protect Namibia from external threats while respecting the principle of non-refoulement.

    All allegations of trafficking in persons were taken very seriously.  The judicial system was independent and competent, but had limited resources, which was influencing the rate at which trafficking cases were processed. The State party was exerting efforts to prevent trafficking in persons.

    Any allegations of sexual assault and crimes against the refugee community were investigated. The State party was not aware of allegations of poor conditions in asylum shelters; it would investigate any such allegations if it received them.

    Pretrial detention could be implemented for six to 12 months, and courts could decide to withdraw charges before the six-month period based on available evidence.  The State party was working to strengthen community courts and establish small claims courts to address overcrowding in prisons and holding cells.

    The delegation had taken note of the Committee’s comments regarding unannounced visits to places of detention.  There were no cases in which attempted unannounced visits had been blocked.  The State party would continue conversations on the age of criminal responsibility.

    The Constitutional Court had decided that the implementation of solitary confinement at one prison had been unconstitutional, however, the judgement had not made the implementation of solitary confinement unconstitutional in all contexts.  The imposition of solitary confinement needed to respect legal safeguards and the fundamental freedoms of those subjected to it.

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    JORGE CONTESSE, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked if there were examples in which refugees or asylum seekers had threatened national sovereignty. What was the Refugee Control Act trying to address in this regard?  What were the reasons behind setting the age of criminal responsibility at 12?  The possibility of unannounced visits was an effective way to prevent torture and ill treatment in places of detention. Mr. Contesse called for such visits to be conducted.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Namibia’s law on refugee control anticipated potential crimes committed by refugees and asylum seekers.  There had been no incidents thus far in which a refugee had threatened national security, but there needed to be a law in place to address such an act.  The domestic court system was sufficiently able to analyse the constitutionality of the Refugee Control Act.

    Concerns had been raised that increasing the age of criminal responsibility would make young children more likely to engage in criminal acts.  The State party noted the Committee’s discomfort regarding this legislation.

    The Ombudsperson was independent and had the opportunity to propose unannounced visits to places of detention.  It and all State actors, as well as civil society, had access to prisons in Namibia. Representatives of the African Union had written extensive reports on prison conditions, which helped the State party to improve these conditions.  Civilians had also taken the State to court concerning prison conditions.

    There were no examples of court cases in which findings of torture had been made, but there were cases in which crimes against humanity had been recognised.  The State party took on board the Committee’s concerns regarding the torture bill.

    Concluding Remarks 

    CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chair, said that the Committee understood that the political context in Namibia was difficult.  It would make efforts to provide the State party with relevant and achievable recommendations within its concluding observations.  The Committee was interested in maintaining an open dialogue with the State party through its follow-up mechanism.  The dialogue had been rich and was conducted in a constructive spirit.

    YVONNE DAUSAB, Minister of Justice of Namibia and head of the delegation, said the State party had provided information on the efforts it had made to implement the Convention.  The Committee’s recommendations would help to enhance mechanisms to prevent torture. Namibia was committed to addressing all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. More needed to be done to prevent torture, including the enactment of specific legislation criminalising it. The State party was committed to protecting the rights of its people, in consideration of the domestic context. Ms. Dausab closed by thanking the Committee and all who had contributed to the dialogue.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CAT24.020E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on World Cities Day: “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability” [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    On this World Cities Day, we recognize the role of young people in driving climate action and shaping urban futures.

    With more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis. And they need the energy and vision of youth leading the charge for change.

    From grassroots movements to innovation labs, young people are pushing for ambitious climate action.  They are championing renewable energy integration, green jobs, clean public transportation, and climate adaptation measures – contributing to shape sustainable cities where everyone can thrive.

    We must amplify their voices, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making. By empowering young people, we can accelerate climate action and drive global progress for the Sustainable Development Goals.

    As we mark World Cities Day, let us celebrate the power of youth to build green, resilient and inclusive cities that meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.

    ***
    À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale des villes, nous saluons le rôle des jeunes dans l’action climatique et la construction de l’avenir des villes.

    Abritant plus de la moitié de la population mondiale, les villes produisent 70 % des émissions mondiales de gaz à effet de serre : elles sont donc en première ligne de la crise climatique. Elles ont besoin des idées et du dynamisme des jeunes, qui mènent la charge du changement.

    Des mouvements locaux aux laboratoires d’innovation, les jeunes réclament une action climatique ambitieuse. Ils militent pour une intégration des énergies renouvelables, des emplois verts, des transports publics propres et des mesures d’adaptation aux changements climatiques – autant de contributions à la construction de villes durables où chaque personne peut s’épanouir.

    Nous devons relayer le message des jeunes, investir dans leurs idées et promouvoir leur participation véritable à la prise de décisions en matière d’urbanisme. En leur donnant les moyens d’agir, nous pouvons accélérer l’action climatique et faire avancer la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable au niveau mondial.

    À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale des villes, célébrons le pouvoir des jeunes de construire des villes vertes, résilientes et inclusives, qui répondent aux besoins et aux aspirations des générations futures.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s press encounter at the end of his visit in Colombia [bilingual, scroll down for Q+A]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.

    I thank President Petro for hosting the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Cali. 

    I congratulate Colombia on the excellent organization of this COP.

    I also thank the people of Colombia for their warm welcome, we all felt very much at home.

    The world has come to Cali to make peace with nature. 

    Let me be clear: we are facing an existential crisis.

    Temperatures are climbing higher and higher. 

    We are losing more and more species – forever. 

    We are poisoning our waters. 

    And treating nature as a disposable asset.

    Human activities have already altered three-quarters of Earth’s land surface and two-thirds of its waters.

    And no country, rich or poor, is immune to this devastation. 

    To survive, humanity must make peace with nature. 

    We must transform our economic models – shifting our production and consumption to nature-positive practices. 

    Renewable energy, sustainable supply chains and zero-waste policies are not optional. 

    They must become the default option for both governments and businesses.

    Dear friends,

    The good news is that we have a plan: 
    The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted two years ago.

    But nature cannot wait for its implementation any longer. 

    This is what this COP is about:

    Turning promises into action. 

    We have seen good progress, and I want to thank everyone for their efforts. 

    But with less than two days of negotiations left to go, we need to accelerate. 

    I want to highlight three priorities.

    First – Cali must spark a new era for ambitious national biodiversity plans.

    As of today, a majority of countries have national targets that align with the Global Biodiversity Framework.

    I urge every Member State to follow suit and align these national plans with their adaptation plans and updated climate Nationally Determined Contributions – due early next year.

    We must also reach an agreement on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework to ensure accountability and move forward together.

    Second – we must leave Cali with concrete plans to unlock new funding and share the benefits from the use of genetic resources.

    This means capitalizing the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.

    I thank the countries and regions that pledged an additional 163 million US dollars this week.

    But if we are to deliver the Global Biodiversity Framework in full, we need much more. 

    We must make sure we are able to mobilize 200 billion dollars annually by 2030 from all sources – domestic, international, public and private.

    Developed countries must lead the way and provide at least 20 billion dollars per year – by next year – to support developing countries, in particular the Least Developed Countries and Small Island States, in their conservation and restoration efforts.

    Businesses profiting from nature must also contribute to its protection and restoration.
    This includes operationalizing a mechanism for sharing the benefits from the use of the Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources – in a clear, fair and efficient way.

    Third – we must recognize, involve, and protect those who guard our natural heritage. 

    Indigenous Peoples and local communities possess vital knowledge of biodiversity conservation. 

    And in this region, People of African descent are key custodians of natural resources. 

    They must all be at the center of our decisions, not on the sidelines.

    In Cali, we must agree on the proposal to establish a new permanent body for Indigenous peoples and local communities within the Convention on Biological Diversity – ensuring their voices are heard at every step across the work of the Convention.

    The clock is ticking.

    The survival of our planet’s biodiversity – and our own survival – are on the line.

    We don’t have a moment to lose.  

    Señoras y señores de la prensa, 

    Mientras el mundo se reúne en este hermoso país para comprometerse a hacer la paz con la naturaleza, aprovecho la oportunidad para reafirmar nuestro compromiso con la paz en Colombia.  

    Me complace estar de nuevo en Colombia en este momento propicio para cerrar los dolorosos capítulos de guerra y consolidar este ejemplo de paz ante el país y el mundo.

    Saludo los esfuerzos renovados del Presidente Petro y su gobierno para acelerar la implementación del Acuerdo Final de Paz – incluso mediante el Plan de Choque que se enfoca en aspectos concretos para mejorar la calidad de vida en los territorios priorizados.

    Asimismo, reconozco el compromiso firme de la otra parte firmante – los que fueron combatientes de las FARC-EP.  

    Estos antiguos adversarios trabajan hoy como socios en la construcción de la paz.   

    Llegando con avances y desafíos a su octavo aniversario, este histórico Acuerdo debe de mantenerse en el centro de los esfuerzos de consolidación de la paz.   

    El Acuerdo sigue siendo la hoja de ruta principal para romper con los ciclos de violencia en Colombia. 

    Y también para enfrentar las causas estructurales de esta violencia mediante el compromiso de llevar la presencia integral del Estado a las regiones históricamente olvidadas. 

    Una presencia que conlleva seguridad, oportunidades de desarrollo y gobernanza inclusiva.  

    No debe haber más demora para que los dividendos de paz lleguen a todos los territorios. A todos aquellos pueblos que todavía esperan que se concrete la promesa de paz. 

    Asegurar la justicia para las víctimas también es impostergable. 

    Reconozco la noble y valiente labor del sistema pionero de justicia transicional creado por el Acuerdo. Y animo a que avance.  

    La Paz Total impulsada por el gobierno nacional es un objetivo loable. 

    Las iniciativas de diálogo, a pesar de los desafíos, buscan ampliar la paz en el país de manera complementaria al Acuerdo de Paz. 

    Aconsejo no dejarse desviar del camino del diálogo.

    Estos diálogos son oportunidades para acabar con la violencia que sigue azotando a las poblaciones de regiones que también son claves para la implementación del Acuerdo de Paz. 

    Especialmente a las comunidades Indígenas y Afrocolombianas, a los desplazados y confinados por los grupos armados, a las mujeres víctimas de la violencia sexual y a los niños y niñas reclutados en la guerra.

    Hoy, mi llamado al pueblo colombiano es de perseverar. 

    Que trabajen juntos para que sea un esfuerzo nacional, compartido.  

    Les quiero recordar que Colombia nunca estará sola en sus esfuerzos por la paz. 

    Será un honor seguir acompañando a Colombia en su camino hacia la paz, a través de la Misión de Verificación de la ONU y las agencias y programas del equipo de país.

    Cuenten siempre con mi apoyo y mi solidaridad con Colombia, así como con mi profunda gratitud por la confianza que han otorgado a las Naciones Unidas. 

    Estaremos siempre al lado de Colombia. 
     
    Question: Muchas gracias Secretario. Quiero trasladarle una pregunta de muchas delegaciones acá y es ¿Cómo vio usted la presencia en la COP16 del Canciller venezolano Yván Gil, lo cuestionan muchas delegaciones -más de la mitad- incluso usted, que le ha exigido que publique las actas de las elecciones y esto no cayó nada bien aquí su presencia. Lo vimos incluso a usted distante del Canciller Gil. Si bien la diversidad y la protección de la naturaleza debe abarcar la mayor cantidad de actores posibles, ¿Cómo vio usted la presencia de Venezuela aquí en la COP16?
     
    Answer: Hay dos aspectos distintos. En primer lugar, la opinión que formamos sobre la forma como se transcurrieron las elecciones, la ausencia de una transparencia adecuada y el hecho que hay muchos gobiernos que aún no han reconocido el gobierno de Venezuela. La otra parte es el mecanismo del funcionamiento de las organizaciones multilaterales y en particular de las COPs. Y en las COPs hay una acreditación en que los que están, participan desde que la misión del país los acredite. Esta es una práctica que no podemos cambiar porque es la práctica establecida estatutariamente, pero eso no invalida la opinión que podemos tener sobre lo que pasó en Venezuela.

    Question: [Inaudible] – AFP. There are five years left to achieve the coming Montreal Objective Framework – to have them reversed by biodiversity laws by 2030.  Here the focus is mainly on resource mobilization. Is that the correct approach? Is it really the fight over finance that will determine the success of the [Global Biodiversity Framework Fund] GBF.  Is it the fight over finance that is key to determine the success of GBF? Or is it something else? 

    Answer: I think the most important thing in it – and that is the reason my presence in this COP – is to change what has been the permanent neglect of biodiversity, namely when compared with our efforts in relations to climate change. 

    We need, first of all, to accept the concept that we are facing three existential crises: climate change, biodiversity and pollution, namely plastics. 

    But they are all interlinked and indivisible.  So, the central question is to make sure that we are able to put biodiversity as the center of our concerns in all aspects of policy and strategy and financing as we are putting climate change.

    Obviously, finance is essential, but finance is not enough. What we need is a political priority at government levels. Political priorities at multilateral institution levels, and the clear commitment of the Private Sector to be involved in order to make sure that we understand that without defeating the biodiversity crisis, we will not defeat the climate crisis, we will not defeat the pollution crisis, and we will condemn our world to a situation of extreme poverty in the natural environments and this is totally unacceptable. 

    So, we must bring the attention of the people of the government, the institutions, and the Private Sector to the centrality of biodiversity in the context of our environmental processes.

    Question: Sir, this is Stella Paul from IPS news (Inter Press Service News).  Our overarching theme here is making peace with nature, but at the time, when we are seeing increasing impact of war and conflict on biodiversity across the world, starting from Ukraine to all the way to Palestine and we are not seeing enough discussion of that in a formal way, even at the COP, how do you think that we can make peace with nature? Thank you. 

    Answer: Well, we need peace with nature, and we need peace among ourselves. That is the reason I’ve been asking for in line with the Charter, in line with international law, and in line with the General Assembly resolutions. That is why we have been asking for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, releasing all hostages and massive humanitarian aid to Gaza. That is why we have been asking for peace in Lebanon and peace that respects Lebanese sovereignty and Lebanese territorial integrity and paves the way for a political solution. That is why we have been asking for peace in Sudan, where an enormous tragedy exists. And, obviously, we need to make peace in nature, but we need to make peace among ourselves because wars have one of the most devastating impacts – wars have some of the most devastating impacts on biodiversity on climate and on pollution. 

    Thank you so much. At the back there, Le Monde.  Thank you.

    Question: Hi [inaudible] for Le Monde. Many issues of the negotiations are still unresolved, and many Ministers are leaving tonight. Are you worried this COP could fail or at least not be as successful as is should?

    Secretary-General: I have to say that I met with the five groups. And I heard a large number of ministers talk. And I felt that there was a huge will to find a successful result and a huge will to compromise on the pending issues. So, I’m quite optimistic that it will be possible to reach a consensus and not a consensus on the consensus, but the consensus that paves the way for progress after the COP in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Framework

    Question: Secretario, Silvia Patiño de W Radio Colombia. Usted estuvo ayer reunido con el Presidente Gustavo Petro y el presidente le planteó la posibilidad de cambiar el mecanismo a través del cual la ONU mide la cantidad de hectáreas de cultivos de coca en Colombia. ¿La ONU está dispuesta a eso? Porque el Presiente además planteó hace algunas semanas la posibilidad de comprar los cultivos de coca a los campesinos para tratar de enfrentar el tema de narcotráfico. A la ONU ¿le suena, le gusta, le parece esta idea en torno al tráfico de drogas?
     
    Answer: Hay convenciones sobre drogas y la ONU está vinculada a esas convenciones. Pero creo que es importante abrir la puerta a una reflexión muy seria en un mundo donde vemos que desafortunadamente el tráfico de drogas es simultáneo con el tráfico de armas, de muchos otras formas incluso de tráfico de mujeres, hombres y niños. Y que ese tráfico está minando en muchos países la estructura del Estado, por la corrupción generada.
     
    Entonces creo que el apelo del Presidente Petro a una reflexión sobre los mecanismos que hoy tenemos en relación con el combate al narcotráfico y en relación con la droga, creo que el apelo que es hecho a una reflexión sobre la eficacia sobre los mecanismos que tenemos es un apelo que debe ser escuchado. Yo no conozco en detalle el proyecto, pero si la compra es hecha para después ser utilizada de una forma positiva, ¿puede impedir el tráfico no?

    Si eso puede garantizar que haya una neutralización de esa producción y que esa producción no alimente al tráfico. Pero naturalmente el objetivo nuestro tiene que ser un objetivo de preservar la salud de la gente de todo el mundo. Muchas gracias.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening session of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Her Excellency, President Osmani, Excellencies, 

    It is an honour and a privilege to open today’s conference to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family.

    I thank the Doha International Family Institute for its impeccable organization.

    And I am very grateful to the Government of Qatar for hosting this gathering, and for offering to host the Second World Summit for Social Development next year.

    Your steadfast support for the United Nations and its work on sustainable development is hugely appreciated.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    A constellation of megatrends is shaping our societies, our families and our communities, and our collective progress towards sustainable development.

    First, the digital revolution. Modern technologies bring significant benefits, including for families – improving the balance between work and family for some. Allowing relatives to stay connected across countries and continents. And improving access to essential services on which families rely.

    But they also inflame challenges such as the digital divide, misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and cyberbullying. And these issues disproportionally affect young people.

    Second, demographic changes. People are living longer, birthrates are declining. Families are often smaller, and spread across the world. This presents new challenges to caregiving and intergenerational solidarity.

    Third, migration. Over the past six decades, the number of international migrants has quadrupled, reaching 281 million in 2020. They are driven by diverse motivations – from economic aspiration to family reunification, to escaping conflict and climate impacts.

    And the economic, social and political significance of international migration is expected to grow.

    Fourth, rapid and often unplanned urbanization. By mid-century, 70 per cent of the world population is projected to live in cities – up from around 55 per cent today – over a billion of whom live in slums of slum-like conditions.

    Fifth and finally, climate, biodiversity, and pollution, threaten our societies, directly disrupting the wellbeing of households:

    From access to clean water for daily sanitation, to disasters such as fires and floods, to livelihoods hammered by degraded lands, to disruptions in children’s schooling, to pollution damaging health.

    Yet, families are uniquely positioned to drive change.  For example, through consuming sustainably, embracing clean energy, and building resilience against climate disasters.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Smart policies can support families to thrive in the face of these changes and challenges. So can multilateral action.

    Through the new Global Digital Compact, the United Nations is bringing everyone together to ensure artificial intelligence serves all families equitably. Just as a doctor adapts their care to each family’s unique needs, AI can help tailor health services and direct resources to those who need them most.

    With a new Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a truly global dialogue on AI governance, we’re not just enabling technology – we are creating a framework where innovation serves humanity, helping every family thrive regardless of where they call home.

    Innovative social services and policies that provide comprehensive support to families throughout their lifespan, can help to deal with the demographic shifts we are witnessing. And the United Nations is supporting governments to deliver through development programs aimed at achieving universal
    healthcare.

    Sustainable urban planning and inclusive social policies can transform the challenges of urbanization into opportunities for growth and development. We must create cities where families and people of all ages can thrive. Cities that provide education and opportunities for young people.

    Local governments stand at the core of these efforts. This is why the United Nations has established the Local 2030 Coalition to advance progress on the Sustainable Development Goals at city-level.

    We must ensure cities have direct access to climate finance so they can play their part in slashing emissions, and remain decent places for families to live as our climate changes.

    More broadly, it is important for decision-makers to consider families in all policy making and to create gender-sensitive policies that empower women and expand their opportunities. This is critical – both as a matter of justice, and because women are the primary caregivers in many societies, and play a
    vital role in shaping family dynamics.

    Multilateral action is also critical in shaping megatrends for the benefit of families – as we have seen recently.

    In September, countries came together and agreed the Pact for the Future and its Declaration on Future Generations.

    This recognizes and reaffirms the importance of family-friendly and family-oriented policies in promoting intergenerational solidarity and social cohesion. And it highlights commitments to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    At the same time, countries agreed the Global Digital Compact.

    This committed to action, including: to close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals; to expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all; and to foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promote human
    rights.

    The Compact is the first universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence that would give every country a seat at the table.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    The work you begin today can help to drive international efforts forward. It is a call to action – a call to protect, to empower, and to invest in families as the foundational units of a just and thriving global community.

    Our discussions here will guide multilateral action and inform policies that strive toward an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all families.

    Thank you for your dedication to this cause and for your participation in this vital dialogue. I look forward to hearing from you all. And to the outcomes of our work driving action worldwide.

    At a moment of great change, let us work together, to strengthen and support families around the world.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to the Qatar Foundation: “Towards the Second World Social Development Summit 2025: Reinforcing global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda” [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am delighted to be here and to see so many of you present here today.

    Let me start by thanking the Qatar Foundation for organizing this important and timely event, and the Government of Qatar for generously agreeing to host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025.

    This is a great opportunity to shape our common vision for the upcoming Summit and ensure its success, building on the recent Pact for the Future.

    Almost 30 years ago, the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and its Programme of Action established a pathbreaking new consensus for people-centred development. Theis was strengthened by the Beijing Platform for Women, and this vision was later enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    Since the Copenhagen Summit in 1995, remarkable progress has been achieved. However, recent overlapping crises have further stalled or reversed progress in many areas.

    Uneven progress – coupled with the lingering effects of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical conflicts, the climate crisis, and economic disruptions like the debt crisis – have deepened inequalities and placed significant stress on countries fiscal space for investing in sustainable development and the brunt felt by people.

    The number of people living in extreme poverty is almost 700 million and growing. The number of people facing hunger is over 730 million and growing. Access to quality and relevant education, decent work, universal healthcare, social protection, and digital connectivity remains limited, with billions at risk of being left behind.

    The message is clear – and it is stark.

    The outlook for achieving people-centered development and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals is fragile.

    But it is not too late to change course if we step up our efforts and reaffirm our commitment to leave no one behind. We need urgent, coordinated reforms and harmonization of social, economic, and fiscal policies. We need genuine partnerships.

    The recently adopted Pact for the Future proposes a number of commitments and solutions. It reinforces the promise to deliver on Agenda 2030.

    This includes an SDG Stimulus, a review of the sovereign debt architecture, and a commitment to reform the global financial architecture, so it provides developing countries with the support and safety net they need to invest in their people and the systems they require.

    The Pact also proposes solutions to strengthen peace and security and redoubles the world’s commitment to human rights and international law.

    This is an important reminder that social development cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security – or in the absence of respect for human rights and all fundamental freedoms.

    The Pact goes further to embrace the new era of technology and provide the guard rails for the opportunity of AI to better connect and reap the benefits for all.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    The Social Summit comes at an opportune time. With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, we must address all seventeen goals – from poverty, hunger and inequality, to education, peace and inclusivity.

    The 2025 Summit must culminate in a detailed and measurable action plan for social development fit for the 21st century, safeguarding progress for years to come.

    The Summit will also be informed by the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and by Member States’ progress on the Pact for the Future’s commitments to invest in people, end poverty and hunger, and strengthen trust and social cohesion.

    At every step, the process towards the Summit must be inclusive and respond to people’s realities and expectations. We must listen to their voices and ensure that people – particularly youth – have a say in shaping their future.

    Open and broad consultations will be an opportunity to build trust and reinforce the connection between people and their governments, but also between people and global institutions.

    It will be an opportunity to shape the societies we want, tailormade to benefit our rich heritage and fabric which underpin the very foundation of inclusive and caring societies.

    To safeguard progress in the long run, we need to join forces around a shared agenda, underpinned by solidarity, respect and trust.

    Throughout, we must all aim high. Let us seek innovative approaches to engagement, cocreation and finding consensus at the highest ambition, while remaining steadfast in our pursuit of accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

    With the leadership of the Government of Qatar, and key partners such as the Qatar Foundation, I am confident that the Social Summit will lay solid foundations for advancing a key strand of the DNA of sustainable development, the social pillar.

    Thank you for joining us on this journey and let’s begin the conversation today.  
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee against Torture Commend Kuwait on Positive Measures to Prevent Torture, Raise Questions on the Independence of the Judiciary and the Death Penalty

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of Kuwait, with Committee Experts commending the State on positive measures introduced to combat torture, while raising questions on the independence of the judiciary and the application of the death penalty. 

    Peter Vedel Kessing, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, commended Kuwait for all the positive measures taken, including new laws and regulations to prevent torture.

    Abdul Razzaq Rawan, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Kuwait, asked if the State party could inform the Committee of any legislative amendments or developments aimed at establishing the judiciary as an authority that was independent of the executive authority, and granting it the full authority to manage the affairs of judges and supervise the preparation of relevant regulations? What measures had been taken to implement the constitutional principle guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and to implement the requirements of article 163?

    Mr. Vedel Kessing said the number of death sentences and executions carried out had reportedly increased, particularly since 2022.  How many persons had been sentenced to death over the last five years and how many of those persons had been executed?  Was it correct that a person could be sentenced to death for crimes not involving intentional killing, for example drug-related crimes? Allegedly, the abolition of the death penalty would be incompatible with Islamic Sharia, which was the main source of all Kuwaiti domestic legislation, including criminal law.  Would this also apply to a moratorium for the execution of death sentences?   

    The delegation said judges needed to be fully competent and qualified in the field of law or Sharia and did not have the right to exercise political activities. Judges could not be removed from their posts unless disciplinary measures were issued against them.  If judges were related to the accused by four degrees, they were required to recuse themselves from proceedings.  The Ministry of Justice could not get involved in daily cases or the running of the judiciary.  The judiciary was fully independent; there was no involvement from the executive or the parliament in the judiciary.

    The delegation said the death penalty was one of last instance, the maximum penalty issued in the Criminal Code of Kuwait.  It was only enacted for the most serious crimes and was not in contradiction with Islamic Sharia.  At any stage of proceedings, the accused murderer could appeal, or ask for a lighter or reduced sentence, rather than the death penalty.  From 2022 to 2024, there were 80 penalties reduced from the death penalty to a lighter sentence, with people even being released in some cases. In the case of a woman who was pregnant, the death penalty could not be carried out until the child was born. Minors could not be subjected to the death penalty.

    Introducing the report, Naser Alhayen, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said the accession of Kuwait to the Convention against Torture in 1996 was a pioneering step towards promoting rights and preserving freedoms.  Since the submission of the fourth periodic report, Kuwait had taken steps to strengthen the legislative framework related to combatting torture.  These efforts were represented in the issuance of decree-law no. 93 of 2024, which clearly stipulated the definition and prohibition of torture.  The new law tightened the penalties imposed on perpetrators of torture crimes, and strictly criminalised any act of discrimination or ill treatment.

    In closing remarks, Claude Heller, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for the dialogue which had been very constructive.  The Committee aimed to contribute to the improvement of human rights in all States.

    Mr. Alhayen, in concluding remarks, thanked the Committee for the dialogue.  Kuwait was fully committed to the implementation of all international standards and human rights and would continue the constructive dialogue with the Committee and the international community. 

    The delegation of Kuwait consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Interior; the Ministry of Defense; the Ministry of Social Affairs; the Ministry of Information; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education; the Central System for the Remedy of Situations of Illegal Residents; the Public Authority of Manpower; and the Permanent Mission of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of Kuwait at the end of its eighty-first session on 22 November. Those and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the session’s webpage.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Thursday, 31 October at 3 p.m. to conclude its consideration of the third periodic report of Namibia (CAT/C/NAM/3).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fourth periodic report of Kuwait (CAT/C/KWT/4).

    Presentation of Report

    NASER ALHAYEN, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said the accession of Kuwait to the Convention against Torture in 1996 was a pioneering step towards promoting rights and preserving freedoms.  Since the submission of the fourth periodic report, Kuwait had taken steps to strengthen the legislative framework related to combatting torture. These efforts were represented in the issuance of decree-law no. 93 of 2024, which clearly stipulated the definition and prohibition of torture.  The new law tightened the penalties imposed on perpetrators of torture crimes, and strictly criminalised any act of discrimination or ill treatment.  This decree was a milestone in the State’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law and protect human rights, and it imposed severe penalties of up to life imprisonment for certain crimes.  A decree had also been adopted which redefined measures for receiving complaints relating to human rights.

    Kuwaiti legislation included comprehensive protection for women and criminalisation of all forms of violence against them.  The protection from domestic violence law no. 160 of 2020 was issued, which established shelters for victims of domestic violence, and the possibility of reporting violence.  A child protection centre was also established.  The Supreme Council for Family Affairs was working on establishing the third centre for protection from domestic violence and the rehabilitation of survivors.  Law no. 21 of 2015 guaranteed the rights of the child, prohibiting children from deliberately being subjected to any physical or psychological abuse and punishing those who violated these provisions. 

    Specialised enforcement departments had been established to implement family court rulings and settle family disputes.  Social security and insurance were provided to persons with disabilities.  Monthly financial allocations were provided, in addition to a cash allowance for hiring a domestic worker or a driver to meet their daily needs.  During the first half of 2024, the number of residents in social care homes reached 518 people, including 362 citizens and 165 non-citizens. These homes provided integrated rehabilitation and training programmes focused on reintegration.

    The protection of the rights of contracted workers was a top priority for Kuwait, and this was highlighted in law no. 68 of 2015 on the protection of the rights of contracted workers.  Since the adoption of the law, the situation of domestic workers had improved substantially, as strict laws had been imposed to prevent the exploitation of these workers and ensure them full legal protection.  Inspection campaigns were conducted periodically on domestic labour recruitment offices and agencies to ensure that they applied the law; these campaigns issued fines in the event procedures were not followed. 

    Law no. 91 of 2013 aimed to criminalise all forms of human trafficking and provide legal protection for victims.  The National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons was established, as well as a specialised prosecutor to investigate these cases.  There had been a significant decrease in the number of trafficking crimes committed from 82 cases in 2020 to nine cases in 2023. A special system had been established for the early identification of victims by training workers at border crossings and hospitals to detect signs of exploitation.  Victims were then transferred to care centres where they received medical, psychological and legal support. 

    Kuwait had adopted an approach that achieved more security for detainees by subjecting all prisons to the supervision of the judicial authority, represented by the Public Prosecution, which was an independent authority.  The current system guaranteed every detainee the right to access a lawyer from the first moment of detention, and ensured that all detainees obtained their legal rights, and were granted an independent medical examination. 

    Mechanisms had been developed which allowed detainees or their families to submit confidential complaints for immediate investigation, with any official found to be involved in ill treatment held accountable.  Advanced training programmes for police officers and prison staff had been developed in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with a special focus on practical aspects related to dealing with detainees.  Mr. Alhayen concluded by emphasising Kuwait’s full commitment to human rights and to cooperation with the international community. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ABDUL RAZZAQ RAWAN, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Kuwait, congratulated Kuwait for the desire expressed with regards to continued cooperation and dialogue with the Committee.  The Committee congratulated Kuwait on announcing a number of important initiatives and legislation.  The Committee also congratulated the State party on the fact that half the delegation were women, and that the delegation represented multiple sectors, reflecting the importance of the Convention. 

    The Committee congratulated Kuwait for the work of the National Standing Committee on follow-up and communications that prepared the report, while asking for further clarification around the work of this body.  What was the number of organizations which attended consultations for preparing the report, and how did these consultations impact the report? Could the State party elaborate further on the place of the Convention within the national legal system, in particular article 70 of the Kuwaiti Constitution?  What was the impact of this jurisprudence in the country?  To what extent was there an application of the provisions of the Convention by law enforcement officers? 

    Decree-law no. 93 of 2024 amended some provisions of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, with a new article which stipulated that the punishment of a public official who caused physical or psychological harm to a person, or induced him to confess to committing a crime, would face imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years and a fine not exceeding 5,000 dinars.  Penalties for torture should be proportionate to the acts committed and the damage resulting from them.  Torture leading to death was a crime that should be treated as more severe than murder, and should have its own punishment to distinguish it from ordinary murder.  Could the State party comment on this? 

    Could the State party also comment regarding article 37 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allowed the use of “any means” during investigations to obtain evidence, provided that it was not contrary to public morals or infringed on the rights and freedoms of individuals?  What procedural safeguards prevented coercion to remove confessions during interrogations and pretrial detention?  What legal texts and legislative measures ensured the exclusion of torture from national legislation on amnesty and immunities?  What was being done to fill this gap at the legislative level and in practice?  The Convention obliged States parties to prevent and prohibit torture in all circumstances, including a state of emergency, war or any other exceptional circumstance.  What were the State’s planned future actions to implement this commitment?

    The Committee was satisfied with the provisions of paragraph 126 of the national report, in particular the requirements of articles 158 and 159 concerning the prohibition of coercion or inducement of the accused to make statements and the invalidity of a confession obtained under duress or torture.  Could current examples be provided of judicial decisions invalidating confessions of accused persons as a result of torture? 

    The Committee had questions regarding the right of detainees to challenge the lawfulness or necessity of their detention.  What actions had been taken to establish safeguards currently, or in the future, as well as the measures taken to enforce respect for them by law enforcement officials?  What measures had been taken with regard to the control of records in all places of deprivation of liberty?  Was there a centralised national information register that included all the data of the records in the detention centres in the country?

    The Committee had expressed concern that judges were appointed by the Supreme Judiciary Council. There was also concern about the independence of foreign judges due to a lack of career security.  Could the State party inform the Committee of any legislative amendments or developments aimed at establishing the judiciary as an authority that was independent of the executive authority, and granting it the full authority to manage the affairs of judges and supervise the preparation of relevant regulations?  This included the conditions for managing the judiciary, appointing judges, tracking their careers, including their dismissal and promotion, and the conditions for appointing foreign judges to ensure their job security.  What measures had been taken to implement the constitutional principle guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and to implement the requirements of article 163?

    The Committee had previously recommended that the State party adopt a legislative and institutional framework that incorporated international standards on asylum.  Was this on the legislative agenda?  While noting the decisions reported in the report whereby the daily fines imposed in many cases had been abolished, what measures had been taken to give effect to the Committee’s previous recommendation to amend the laws imposing such fines?  What was the nature of cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and could any statistics be provided?   

    What measures were taken during the period under review to ensure that no person was returned to a country where they were in danger of being subjected to torture or ill treatment?  Were those concerned with expulsion, return or extradition informed that they were entitled to seek asylum and appeal against deportation decisions?  What legal and practical safeguards existed to ensure the right of persons for whom deportation orders had been issued, to have their cases reviewed by a competent judicial body?  How many cases of return, extradition and expulsion had been carried out by the State party during the reporting period in exchange for diplomatic assurances?

    Did Kuwaiti law and jurisprudence allow for universal jurisdiction, which was the following and prosecution of crimes of torture, so as to establish jurisdiction in all cases and to ensure that perpetrators did not go unpunished?  If the State received a request for extradition from a State where Kuwait had no extradition agreement or treaty, what were the legislative and administrative measures needed to ensure that the Convention could be invoked as a legal basis for extradition?  Had the State ever refused a request by another State for the extradition of an individual suspected of the crime of torture?  Had it initiated any criminal proceedings against that individual as a result?  If so, could information on the status and results of these proceedings be provided?

    Could the delegation provide the Committee with information on any specialised programmes aimed at raising awareness of law enforcement officials, including security and prison personnel, and the measures adopted by the State party to prevent torture?  Had any programmes been adopted and implemented to train police cadets and officers in non-coercive investigative techniques?  Could information be provided on the assessment, review and updating of interrogation rules for persons who had been subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment?  What did the State of Kuwait intend to do to fulfil the obligation of monitoring practices related to interrogation, methods of detention, and treatment of persons arrested?

    The Committee would appreciate receiving information on the cases in which the legal provisions on the protection of witnesses and medical professionals documenting acts of torture and ill treatment had applied, in particular cases where these provisions had not been respected and action that had been taken against persons who had violated these legal requirements?  Taking into account the legal amendments on torture, did Kuwait intend to accompany these amendments by allocating legal provisions related to the protection of victims, witnesses and medical experts in criminal law? 

    Article 14 of the Convention obligated States parties to provide a legislative framework for the right of victims to effective remedy and adequate compensation.  What measures would be taken to give effect to this commitment through the adoption of legislation and institutional requirements? What measures of reparation and compensation, including court-ordered rehabilitation methods, had been made available to victims of torture and ill treatment or their families since the consideration of the previous periodic report?  Were programmes being implemented to provide reparation to victims of torture and ill treatment, including health and psychological rehabilitation?

    PETER VEDEL KESSING, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, asked what progress had been made to establish a fully independent National Human Rights Institution in line with the Paris Principles?  Did the Government agree with reports that some law enforcement officers still engaged in abuse and ill treatment during arrest or interrogation? How many complaints of torture and ill treatment had been received over the last three years and what was the outcome of these complaints?

    Were the three institutions which could investigate allegations of torture – the Office of the Public Prosecution, the General Directorate for Oversights and Inspection in the Ministry of Interior, and the National Bureau for Human Rights – completely independent from the Government as required under the Convention?  Would the State party consider establishing a fully independent institution that could investigate violations of the Convention in an effective and impartial way?  How many complaints had the Bureau received over alleged torture and ill treatment over the last three years?  What was the outcome of these cases? 

    Overcrowding in prisons continued to be a significant problem, particularly in the central prison. The prison population was reported to be at an occupancy rate of 126 per cent in 2023.  What efforts that had been taken to improve the living conditions in prisons?  Was the Government considering additional efforts since the problem with overcrowding had not been solved?  What progress had been made on the building of the new prison? 

    A law reportedly allowed the use of shackling of hands and feet for up to a month and the deprivation of certain types of food for a week as disciplinary punishment.  How many detainees had been shackled over the last three years?  What kind of offence warranted this punishment?  How many detainees had been deprived of food over the last three years? 

     

    How could a prisoner make a complaint over ill treatment in the prison?  How many complaints of ill treatment had been received over the last three years and what was the outcome of these cases?  Was it correct that some officers only received a decrease in their salaries as a penalty for having subjected detainees to torture and other forms of ill treatment?  How many visits had the International Committee of the Red Cross undertaken to places of detention from 2019 and onwards?  How many announced and unannounced visits had the National Bureau for Human Rights carried out to places of detention over the last three years? How had Kuwait followed-up and implemented the recommendations from the independent institutions visiting places of detention in Kuwait?

    The number of death sentences and executions carried out had reportedly increased, particularly since 2022.  How many persons had been sentenced to death over the last five years and how many of those persons had been executed?  Was it correct that a person could be sentenced to death for crimes not involving intentional killing, for example drug-related crimes?  Allegedly, the abolition of the death penalty would be incompatible with Islamic Sharia, which was the main source of all Kuwaiti domestic legislation, including criminal law.  Did this also apply to a moratorium for the execution of death sentences?   

    The delegation had provided important information on steps taken to improve the protection of foreign workers, including reviewing the laws, improving working conditions, and criminalising trafficking, which were positive steps.  However, it was reported that there was a high death rate among migrant workers who carried out dangerous work, particularly in construction sites.  How many migrant workers had died in Kuwait over the last three years?  What measures were taken to protect migrant workers from ill treatment and exploitation?  Why was a domestic worker not allowed to freely resign and change workplace?  Why did they need the consent of or authorisation from the employer to change workplace?

    The Committee appreciated the steps taken by Kuwait to counter domestic and sexual violence. Could marital rape be punished in Kuwait?  Were there concrete court cases where martial rape had been punished as a criminal offence? What was the outcome of the court cases involving violence against women?  In how many cases were the accused persons convicted for a crime and what were the sentences?  Was the Government considering a ban on corporal punishment in all settings? 

    There had been reported concerns that Bidoon citizens were being denied access to education, health care and employment, and faced mass arrests, torture and abuse when trying to exercise their right to freedom of peaceful assembly.  Did the Government accept the criticism and recommendations from the United Nations Human Rights Committee and from other sources, and was it willing to improve conditions for the Bidoons?

    A Committee Expert said prolonged solitary confinement was proven to undermine the standards outlined in the Convention.  Under what circumstances was incommunicado detention authorised?  Would the State party consider abolishing incommunicado detention? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the National Standing Committee on follow-up and communications was established in 2019.  This Committee was delegated to respond to reports regarding the human rights situation in Kuwait and was assigned with preparing periodic reports presented to international bodies, and coordinating with non-governmental organizations working in the field of human rights.  The Committee was operational and was present in the meeting.  Its staff received the necessary training to support its mandate. This Committee had been in contact and coordinated with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

    The promulgation of the 1996 law approving the adoption of the Convention meant that this instrument was part of the national legal framework in Kuwait.  A judge could invoke the Convention in the issuance of verdicts.  There was no need for another process or procedure for the Convention to be part of national legislation.  A new text in the legislation included a penalty for using torture to extract a confession.  A new law punished every official who had acquiesced to a request of torture. 

    Any official or service provider who inflicted physical or mental harm against a person or their family members, or forced them to provide statements thereof, could be found guilty of torture.  The punishment was a sentence of not more than five years and not less than 5,000 dinars. There was also a criminalisation of discrimination in connection with torture.  If torture led to death, then a person was charged with the crime of a deliberate murder.  The sentence was then death, and there was no harsher punishment. 

    The Public Prosecutor conducted investigations and interrogations into charges of torture. Defendants could deny such charges. Everything took place under the supervision of the courts.  A defendant could adhere to the invalidity of such a confession.  If a confession was obtained under torture, then it was dismissed by the court.  The court resorted to many principles related to the invalidity of confessions extracted under torture.  In a case when a police officer had forced a defendant to provide a confession, the defendant was acquitted.  Acquittal was premised on the examination of evidence in the case. 

    If a detainee requested a medical evacuation, medical care was provided under the supervision of the police.  Anyone sentenced to imprisonment had their names recorded in an electronic system which was supervised by multiple agencies.  If their detention period exceeded the terms stipulated in the law, there was a notification, and those in charge were held accountable. 

    Judicial safeguards were in place, including that the individual had the right to know the reason for their arrest.  If the individual could not appoint a lawyer, the State had the right to appoint a lawyer for them.  All questioning should be done by specialist bodies, and it was up to the judge to release the person or keep them in detention.  Detainees could appeal at any stage of the judgement.  Questioning could only be conducted by trained, specialised staff, not just the police.  The accused individual had the right to request an examination to ensure there were no injuries, which needed to be included in the investigation report. The arrested individual had the possibility of appointing somebody to witness this. 

    Judges needed to be fully competent and qualified in the field of law or Sharia and did not have the right to exercise political activities.  Judges could not be removed from their posts unless disciplinary measures were issued against them.  If judges were related to the accused by four degrees, they were required to recuse themselves from proceedings.  The Ministry of Justice could not get involved in daily cases or the running of the judiciary.  They could recommend the appointment of judges when necessary.  Kuwait had chosen to ensure a separation of powers.  The judiciary was fully independent; there was no involvement from the executive or the parliament in the judiciary. 

    Currently, there were no persons subject to a decision of exile or expulsion.  If such a decision was taken, it was implemented in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, allowing the affected persons to be supported.  All foreign individuals could not be exonerated from fines imposed upon them. Any individual who had received fines was obliged to pay them before being deported.  In cases where people were unable to pay the fines, they could pay them subsequently in cooperation with third parties. 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the definition of the crime of torture was challenging, as there was a need to define what behaviours constituted torture.  For example, if an individual was compelled to disclose information under duress, this could equate to torture, even if they were not subject to physical constraint.  One did not have to be the perpetrator of torture to be covered by the acts under the law; individuals could be sanctioned as a standby witness.  Any physical act of torture was a crime and the Kuwaiti legislator had established as a minimum threshold, a three-year imprisonment.  If the acts committed had long-term impacts and were severe, the sanctions would be increased.  Pre-mediated crimes could be punished by life imprisonment or the death penalty.  The crime of torture was an absolute crime, and mitigating circumstances could not be used to downplay or excuse acts of torture. 

    Awareness campaigns had been rolled out on national radio and television stations to make the public aware of the serious nature of the act of torture.  Social media networks had published advertisements and short awareness-raising videos and clips.  The campaign aimed to ensure that violence was not seen as mainstream or normal, whether in schools or in the family.  All channels were used to repeat this point.  A robust checking system was in place to monitor campaigns and check results.  Steps were taken to ensure unjustified violence was never promoted or mainstreamed, and to crack down on misinformation which could foster unrest and discrimination.  Producers who violated requirements were held accountable.  There were rare cases where scenes of violence had been broadcast, for example during the COVID-19 pandemic.  These were immediately followed up on and assessed, and action was taken to hold those responsible to account. 

    Initiatives had been conducted to be conducive to awareness raising in schools, to ensure victims of violence could have access to support.  All measures were taken to support the psychological wellbeing of women. Around 60 clinics provided women victims of violence with psychological support.  Specialised non-governmental organizations worked with victims of domestic violence and conducted training for self-defence.  Each State had rules for interrogation and treating any person who was under arrest, in such a way to ensure there were no acts of torture involved.  There first needed to be a medical observation of the entire body of the arrested person prior to interrogation, and they were then given the opportunity to meet with a lawyer.  If the arrested person did not speak Arabic, they would receive the support of an interpreter. 

    In the cases of detention, the detainee was entitled to all communication tools, access to a lawyer, and the ability to communicate with their family members to inform about their whereabouts.  All cases involving compensation for acts of torture were actioned through a special administration.  From 2020 to 2023, there were only nine torture complaints.  Torture was not considered a phenomenon or a scourge in Kuwait. 

    The National Bureau for Human Rights conducted training and developed content to disseminate a general culture about human rights, and also contributed to building programmes on human rights training in schools.  The protection and promotion of human rights was promoted through a website, social media networks, and awareness raising campaigns.  This year, the Bureau participated in a conference on local and regional initiatives for human rights.  The Bureau supported rehabilitation and penitentiary centres and could conduct visits to places of detention, women’s shelters, and other institutions without any clearance needed.  Investigations against the police were conducted in the event of complaints.  If it was found that these complaints were legitimate, sanctions were imposed, including the loss of salary or job. 

    Twenty-one memorandums of understanding had been signed with other countries to govern the issue of domestic workers.  Kuwait heeded its commitments under the International Labour Organization conventions.  A hotline was provided to all workers, enabling them to file complaints at any time.  One hundred and fifty-three inspection campaigns had been conducted in July.  Seven violations against domestic workers had been recorded in 2024. 

    Any domestic worker could request a change of employment without requiring the approval of their previous employer.  An awareness campaign which targeted domestic workers was being rolled out, focused on raising awareness for current and prospective domestic workers about their rights, as well as promoting the hotlines and contact points they might need.  

    Being held incommunicado in isolation cells could only be imposed in specific circumstances, for example if the person was self-harming while in detention.  The death penalty was one of last instance, the maximum penalty issued in the Criminal Code of Kuwait.  It was only enacted for the most serious crimes and was not in contradiction with Islamic Sharia.  At any stage of proceedings, the accused murderer could appeal, or ask for a lighter or reduced sentence, rather than the death penalty.  From 2022 to 2024, there were 80 penalties reduced from the death penalty to a lighter sentence, with people even being released in some cases. In the case of a woman who was pregnant, the death penalty could not be carried out until the child was born. Minors could not be subjected to the death penalty. 

    The crime of rape was defined with the non-presence of consent.  Consent was a constant, including in a marriage.  If consent had not been given, this was recognised as being a rape and was defined as a rape in the Criminal Code.  If marital rape occurred, this was criminalised and the perpetrator was punished. This relied on the woman registering a complaint of rape.  The existing legislation in Kuwait did meet the requisite standards.  The sanctions and punishments were commensurate with the degree of harm suffered. 

    Crimes of sexual violence had multiplied, including rape and non-consensual sexual relationships with minors.  Some of the sentences handed down for these cases were life imprisonment, with the minimum sentences being 15 years in certain circumstances.  This highlighted that the justice system was working as it should in Kuwait, with perpetrators being duly sanctioned. 

    The State did not currently intend to lift its reservations to the Convention, as doing this would pose a risk to the State’s sovereignty.  Any detainee who had health concerns where their lives were at risk were assessed by doctors, and in some cases could be provided with a conditional release. 

    The Government was continuing its tireless efforts to address the issue of stateless persons.  An action plan had been adopted which served as a roadmap. There were 10,260 stateless persons in Kuwait who were currently in the regularisation process.  People undergoing this process received long-term resident permits and received medical insurance cards.

    Kuwait guaranteed the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  The country had signed 15 extradition agreements, which were bilateral agreements between Kuwait and third parties.  In the event no treaty was in place, Kuwait referred to the principle of reciprocity.

    Laws and regulations punished terrorist acts and crimes, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. Kuwait had a specialised department on combatting terrorism, money laundering and terrorism financing. Twenty-eight terrorist cases had been registered over the past four years.  Thirty-five inmates currently were being held in prison for being associated with a group which presented a threat to the nation. 

    Kuwait had rehabilitation and mental health follow-up programmes for persons in institutions, which allowed these persons to avoid relapse.  Therapy sessions were conducted, in which persons were evaluated at the psycho-social level and evaluated from a general risk perspective before they were discharged. A social and family integration programme was in place for persons with disabilities.  Allowances were provided for personal assistants and drivers. Five hundred and eighteen persons were in social care institutions.  These included persons with severe psychological and motor disabilities. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ABDUL RAZZAQ RAWAN, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Kuwait, said torture was a serious and grave crime within international human rights law.  Therefore, it was absurd that there were no provisions thereon, and the Committee insisted on this.  Mr. Rawan commended the provisions in the civic law of Kuwait, which provided for reparations.  Could the delegation explain in detail the course of the reforms undertaken by Kuwait? Were there any special education programmes to support the Convention among law enforcement officers? 

    All countries were recommended to provide training in the provisions of the Istanbul Protocol.  Did Kuwait provide such training?  Was there a law which governed the use of forensic medicine in Kuwait?  The Convention considered mechanisms monitoring deprivation of liberty as an effective means to combat torture.  It was hoped that Kuwait would ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention. Regarding fundamental legal safeguards, it was vital for family members to be notified of one’s place of detention.  Could clarifications be provided on whether this was complied with?   

    PETER VEDEL KESSING, Committee Expert and Rapporteur, commended Kuwait for all the positive measures taken, including new laws and regulations to prevent torture.  It was understood that the State was willing to tighten the penalty for torture to more than five years, which was commensurate with the gravity of the crime.  This was commendable.  What was to process from here on?  When could it be hoped that there would be changes?  Would the Government apply for international accreditation for the National Bureau for Human Rights?  Was it common to have video or audio recordings of police interrogations?  If there were allegations against a police officer, who would investigate that complaint? 

    Could a domestic worker easily terminate a contract with a month’s notice, or were they always required to supply a reason?  It was encouraging to learn that Kuwait was considering a ban on the use of shackles. Could the State be more specific on the timeline?  Had the new prison been built to tackle the issue of overcrowding?  Could updated statistics be provided on deaths in custody? Had deaths in custody been investigated? What measures were being taken to prevent these kinds of deaths? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said sovereignty was a sensitive issue, all the more so when international texts and treaties departed from national legislation.  The State of Kuwait was firmly resolved to prosecute and punish any act of torture, irrespective of the perpetrator of that act.  The law on protection from corporal punishment 2020 expressly prohibited any act of violence against a child.  A unit was set up which responded to complaints of ill treatment against children, including corporal punishment.  Immediate investigations were launched into allegations of abuse in schools.  Any report of abuse needed to be followed up on immediately. 

    The Office of the Prosecutor was mandated to prosecute crimes brought before it, including torture.  Once the Office was seized with a case of torture, an effective streamlined system ensured a rapid investigation into the reported case of torture.  The Public Prosecutor’s Office was also an independent, oversight body which enacted measures to ensure oversight of places of deprivation of liberty.  Since 2009, it had the right to carry out visits to verify the conditions of places of deprivation of liberty.  The visits were also used to ensure that there were not acts tantamount to torture, ill treatment or abuse being carried out. 

    If an act of torture had led to a loss of life, the sentence would be toughened up to the death penalty.  If a doctor believed a patient in hospital ran the risk of being tortured, they would report it to the police unit in the hospital which would take legal measures against the perpetrator. 

    Around 53,000 domestic workers had changed careers to jobs in the public sector.  When a suspect or defendant was under interrogation, they were informed of their rights.  Twenty-two cases of detention without grounds between 2020 and 2024 had been referred to the competent judicial authorities, who referred the cases to the competent courts. A decree regulated the suspension of a police officer, following reports of excessive use of force. 

    A study was being conducted to amend the article in regard to the use of discipline of inmates.  It was hoped that this amendment would see the light of day, and the article would then be in line with the Mandela and Bangkok Rules. Remand in custody was limited by law and could not be extended.  The provision of a hotline was a safeguard, which was open to Kuwaitis or non-Kuwaitis to lodge any abuse of their rights, including complaints against police officers. Kuwait would recommend that the National Bureau for Human Rights seek accreditation under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

    Question by a Committee Expert

    ABDUL RAZZAQ RAWAN, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Kuwait, said the judiciary had a fundamental role in preventing torture and implementing the provisions of the Convention. It was hoped the State would take into account shortcomings which could impact the work of the judges and judiciary into account. 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the judicial authority in Kuwait was fully independent of the executive and legislative authority; these were separate powers.  In practice, there was no interference whatsoever.  Rules might imply an interference, but in practice, this was not the reality.  The Kuwaiti judiciary and the Office of the Prosecutor General were fully independent from a technical standpoint. 

    Closing Remarks

    CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for the dialogue which had been very constructive.  The Convention was respectful of sovereignty.  The Committee aimed to contribute to the improvement of human rights in all States. 

    NASER ALHAYEN, Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue.  Kuwait was fully committed to the implementation of all international standards and human rights and would continue the constructive dialogue with the Committee and the international community. 

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CAT24.019E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Expands Mpox Appeal to Reach Migrants and IDPs Across Africa 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva, 30 October 2024 – In response to the escalating number of people affected by the mpox outbreak, spreading across parts of Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 27.8 million to protect and support migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and mobile populations, from the disease, as well as the communities they interact with.  

    Since August 2024, the number of confirmed cases across Africa has risen sharply from over 2,800 in 12 countries to more than 9,300 in 34 countries as of 20 October 2024.  This appeal comes after an initial USD 18.5 million dollar request for funding for countries affected in East, Horn and Southern Africa, was issued in August 2024.  

    IOM has expanded the East, Horn and Southern Africa’s plan into a Multi-country mpox Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa, covering the period from September 2024 to February 2025. The Plan aims to address the health needs of migrants and IDPs by providing health screenings, risk communication and community engagement within affected communities, supporting cross-border coordination between governments and local communities, and supporting countries to strengthen response at key borders and points of entry in high-risk areas across Africa.   

    “By mobilizing support for this Plan, IOM will be able to support response and readiness measures from our Member States and partners to contain the outbreak and strengthen preparedness.” Said Dr Poonam Dhavan, IOM Director for Migration Health.  

    The virus, which spreads through close contact with infected persons, is disproportionately affecting IDPs, migrants, and highly mobile populations living in cross-border communities due to the absence of disease prevention, detection and control measures available to them. The risk is further heightened by their overcrowded and poor living and working conditions.   

    IOM has been responding to mpox since the recent outbreak and spread of the disease in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Over 1,047,900 health screenings have been conducted in the DRC, Guinea, and Uganda for over four months. Nearly 2,300 border officials and community health workers have been trained in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe on early detection and case management.  In DRC, Mozambique, and Uganda, IOM has reached more than 27,500 individuals with mpox awareness messages since June 2024.  

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the continent’s most affected country, IOM is strengthening mpox control in high-risk areas by supporting risk communication and community engagement in IDP camps and trained over 80 community health workers and community leaders to sensitize the camps.  

    IOM response plan seeks to address pressing health vulnerabilities exacerbated by high mobility across the continent. However, despite the work of IOM, the funding gap remains significantly low, with only USD 1 million secured from the USD 18.5 million. Without additional support, crucial activities at points of entry are likely to face disruptions. IOM appeals to international donors, governments, and partners to support the mpox response to protect the health and well-being of migration-affected communities.   

     

    Note to Editor  

    The IOM response plan is developed in coordination with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  

    The latest situation report is accessible here.  

      

    For more information, please contact:   

    Dorothy Njagi, dnjagi@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message to the 2024 Global Education Meeting

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    As you gather for the 2024 Global Education Meeting, you confront a critical global challenge.

    Education is the key to unlocking opportunities, equality, prosperity and peace.

    But for millions of people around the world, that door remains shut tight.

    Seventy per cent of 10-year-olds are unable to understand a basic text, while 250 million children and young people are out of school altogether. This is worsened by a huge financing gap of $97 billion annually for education in low and middle income countries.  

    We don’t have a moment to lose. At the Transforming Education Summit in 2022, governments committed to ending the learning crisis, and boosting investment in quality education systems that can reach every learner, throughout their lives.

    Your meeting is an opportunity to measure how governments are — and are not — living up to this commitment.

    In particular, I welcome your focus on closing the financing gap for education through more effective resource mobilization and innovative financing initiatives. I call on governments to arrive at next year’s Conference on Financing for Development and the World Social Summit with concrete solutions that can deliver the education systems all people need and deserve. 

    Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, governments committed to investing in accessible, safe, inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

    The United Nations is proud to stand with you in this essential global effort.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Ministerial Breakfast on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to end Plastic Pollution [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, Friends,

    We are here today as we enter the last stretch of a crucial negotiation.

    Next month, Member States will meet in Busan, Republic of Korea to negotiate a multilateral solution to end plastic pollution.

    A solution that is vital for people, planet and prosperity alike.

    My thanks to the Government of Colombia for bringing us together today.

    And I commend you for leading by example – with ambitious national measures to reduce single-use plastics.

    Excellencies, dear Friends,

    We are here because we know the obvious.

    Plastic pollution is everywhere – all around us and even inside us – from our seas to our blood, to our brains.

    We are choking on plastic.

    Every year, people may ingest the equivalent of up to 50 plastic bags due to microplastics in food.

    Each year, humanity produces over 460 million metric tonnes of plastic.

    Half of it is designed for single-use purposes – used once and tossed away.

    By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

    And so, it is clear that we need action, and fortunately, people are now demanding it.

    Excellencies, dear Friends,

    We would not be here today but for the historic step taken by Peru and Rwanda in introducing a joint proposal that paved the way for the adoption, in 2022, at the UN Environment Assembly, of a landmark resolution to begin the process to end plastic pollution.

    Since then, solidarity has been the hallmark of these negotiations.

    We see this solidarity enshrined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework that has reinforced the importance of addressing pollution from all sources to reduce the impacts of pollution on ecosystems and biodiversity.

    And we see this solidarity in the Pact for the Future, through which Member States recommitted to work towards the conclusion of a plastics agreement “with the ambition of completing negotiations by the end of 2024”.

    In Busan, Member States will have the chance to deliver on these promises and agree on a global treaty to end plastic pollution – once and for all.

    This has not been a road without challenges, but it has been a journey of progress.

    I thank the Chair of the International Negotiating Committee, Luis Vayas Valdivieso, as well as his predecessor Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, for getting us through five rounds of complex negotiations.

    This is an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism, while not always easy, can deliver for people, health and the environment.

    The ball is now in the court of Member States to land an agreement that is ambitious, credible and just.  

    An agreement that addresses the life cycle of plastic – tackling single-use and short-lived plastics;

    An agreement that responds to the needs of people and communities and that unleashes a just transition for all – including 20 million waste pickers around the world. 

    Excellencies, dear Friends,

    As the Montreal Protocol demonstrated almost forty years ago, international cooperation underpinned by meaningful legally binding agreements remains the most fruitful avenue to address global environmental challenges.

    I urge you to step up for human health, equity and justice.

    To step up for the future of people and planet.

    An ambitious agreement is the only way to end plastic pollution.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Human Rights Committee Commend Ecuador’s National Councils for Equality, Ask about State of Emergency Restrictions and Military Management of Prisons

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the seventh periodic report of Ecuador on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee Experts commending the State’s national councils for equality, and raising issues concerning restrictions imposed under the state of emergency and the deployment of military personnel to manage State prisons. 

    A Committee Expert welcomed that the State party had established national councils for equality.  How had the initiatives of the National Council for Gender Equality contributed to promoting gender equality?

    Another Committee Expert cited reports that freedom of movement and assembly had been considerably curtailed under the state of emergency, and that vulnerable sectors of society had been disproportionately affected by restrictions.  How would the State party ensure that measures taken under the state of emergency were strictly proportionate, time-bound and necessary?

    Under the state of emergency, military personnel had been deployed to administer prisons, the Expert noted.  Was the State party considering gradually withdrawing the military from prisons?  There had been complaints of torture and abuse of authority, as well as murders and arbitrary detention by military personnel in prisons.  Had the State party investigated these and prosecuted any personnel?

    Juan Carlos Larrea, Attorney General of State of Ecuador and head of the delegation, said that the Office of the Attorney General had carried out constant training for members of the national police and armed forces on international human rights and humanitarian law, the use of force, and the rights of persons deprived of liberty. The delegation added that the State party was working to strengthen training for prison staff.  It planned to train almost 7,000 staff over a five-year period.

    The delegation said the National Council for Gender Equality had a mandate to mainstream and monitor public policies on gender equality and promote the rights of women and persons from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.  Some of the goals of the national agenda on equality were to reduce maternal and child mortality and teenage pregnancy, and there had been progress in these areas.

    The delegation said a state of emergency had recently been implemented to confront spiralling acts of violence, terrorism, internal armed conflict, and the prison crisis.  All measures implemented under a state of emergency needed to be time bound and to conform with principles of necessity and proportionality, and all states of emergency were monitored by the Constitutional Court.

    Formerly, Ecuador’s prisons were in effect being run by organised gangs due to a lack of oversight, creating a crisis in the prison system, the delegation said.  The State party had implemented the “Phoenix Plan” to regain control and safety in all prisons.  The armed forces were ensuring physical security in only eight of the 35 adult detention centres in the State. 

    The delegation also said armed forces personnel had been involved in 72 cases of habeas corpus, with personnel cleared of wrongdoing in 68 cases and the remaining cases still being investigated.  A specialised prosecutor’s unit had been established to investigate cases of harm or death caused by the armed forces and the prison service.

    In concluding remarks, Mr. Larrea said Ecuador was fully committed to implementing international human rights law and promoting respect for human rights.  It was facing challenges in the field of human rights, including spiralling international organised crime, but remained committed to addressing these.  The delegation hoped that the Committee would provide concrete recommendations that addressed the complex challenges Ecuador was facing.

    Tania María Abdo Rocholl, Committee Chairperson, in concluding remarks, said the dialogue had addressed historic human rights violations, measures to combat terrorism, reproductive rights, the independence of the judiciary, and the situations of human rights defenders and indigenous peoples, among other topics.  The Committee was committed to its mandate of guaranteeing the highest level of implementation of the Covenant in Ecuador.

    The delegation of Ecuador was made up of representatives of the Ministry for Women and Human Rights; National Council for Gender Equality; National Service for the Comprehensive Care of Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility; Office of the Attorney General of the State; Ministry of National Defence; and the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-second session is being held from 14 October to 7 November 2024.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Monday, 4 November, to hear the presentation of the progress report of the Committee’s Special Rapporteur on Views.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the seventh periodic report of Ecuador (CCPR/C/ECU/7).

    Presentation of the Report

    JUAN CARLOS LARREA, Attorney General of State of Ecuador and head of the delegation, said Ecuador had demonstrated its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through the ratification of the 27 United Nations instruments on human rights; the open invitation to the Rapporteurs and Special Procedures of the United Nations and the Inter-American system; timely and continuous submission of periodic reports; and the establishment of the national mechanism for the implementation, follow-up and monitoring of Ecuador’s international human rights recommendations.

    Ecuador had implemented public policies to comply with the provisions of the Covenant.  Notable achievements over the reporting period included the creation of the Ministry of Women and Human Rights; the decriminalisation of abortion in cases of rape; the implementation of the second phase of the spotlight initiative for the eradication of gender-based violence; and actions taken to improve the situation of persons deprived of liberty. 

    The executive had trained 25,844 people on the right to life, freedom of expression and peaceful protest, due process, the right to liberty, free mobility, equality and non-discrimination.  The judiciary had held training events on human rights which benefited 69,624 officials, professional associations and universities.  Similarly, the Office of the Attorney General had carried out constant training for members of the national police and armed forces on international human rights and humanitarian law, the use of force, and the rights of persons deprived of liberty. 

    The organic law on communication created a mechanism to protect the life and integrity of journalists and to develop indicators on murder, kidnapping, forced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists.  The State was also developing protocols for their protection and to ensure prevention. So far in 2024, 97 alerts of aggression against media workers had been received.  In response to these, the Communication Council had carried out 78 protective actions, in addition to security workshops in conjunction with the national police and armed forces. 

    The National Council for the Equality of Peoples and Nationalities had drawn up the agenda for the equal rights of indigenous nationalities and peoples, the Afro-Ecuadorian people and the Montubio people. Representatives of organizations and civil society were consulted in its development.  In 2023, the National Council held 14 territorial conferences with members of organizations of Afro-Ecuadorian communities to examine issues related to the Decade for People of African Descent at the national and international levels and move forward with proposals for its fulfilment, from which support for the declaration of a second Decade was concluded.

    ARIANNA TANCA MACCHIAVELLO, Minister for Women and Human Rights, said the Ministry was dedicated to preventing, addressing, repairing and eradicating violence against women, children and adolescents.  The Ministry had 45 comprehensive protection services established within the framework of legislation and the national plan to prevent and eradicate violence against women 2020-2030.  There were State-run centres providing free psychological care, legal advice and social work services to victims of violence against women, and the State had cooperation agreements with shelters and comprehensive care centres.

    The recent establishment of the technical standard to mainstream a gender approach in all public policies and actions reinforced the State’s efforts.  The National Council for Gender Equality had formulated the national agenda for gender equality 2021-2025.  Further, in January 2024, the organic law for equal pay between women and men was approved, and 18 September was declared “Equal Pay Day” to raise awareness in society about the gender pay gap.  In May 2024, a law on reparation for relatives of victims of femicide was approved, which guaranteed family members the right to comprehensive reparation, scholarships and financial aid for children who were orphaned, and to medical and psychiatric care and counselling. 

    Ecuador has prioritised the elimination of sexual abuse and violence against children and adolescents in schools.  Among the main measures adopted were the national plan on the creation of protective educational environments and the public policy for the eradication of sexual violence in education. 

    The State Attorney General’s Office had a policy promoting access to justice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, which established guidelines for the investigation of hate crimes and discrimination against this group.  In addition, the diversity action plan 2022-2025 was adopted, which established 148 actions and 151 indicators to improve living conditions and guarantee equal rights for this community in Ecuador.  In 2023, a measure was introduced for the identification and prosecution of people and entities who discriminated against others based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  The Ministry of Public Health had prepared a manual of good practices in comprehensive health care for this community.  From 2019 to June 2024, more than 39,000 services were provided for people who self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex.

    The organic law on human mobility determined the procedures to be followed in the event of inadmissibility at borders, deportation and expulsion, taking into account international standards on non-refoulement.  The extraordinary regularisation process for Venezuelan migrants, which began on 1 August 2022 and was still in force, had provided more than 97,000 exceptional temporary residence visas, including 871 visas for unaccompanied or separated children. Ecuador had been awarded for its good practices regarding recognition of sexual diversity and gender identity within refugee status determination procedures.

    Ecuador was committed to the protection, respect and promotion of human rights, in particular within the framework of the obligations assumed under the Covenant.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert welcomed measures adopted by Ecuador in recent years to tackle serious human rights issues in the country. What measures had been adopted by the State party to implement the Views of the Committee concerning the cases of Isaías Dassum v. Ecuador and Pérez Barriga et al. v. Ecuador.  Had the State party established a procedure for implementing the Committee’s Views?  Had courts other than the Constitutional Court expressly referred to the Covenant’s provisions?  Could the delegation provide updated figures on training for public officials on the Covenant?  What was the situation of the Ombudsperson’s Office?  Did it have sufficient resources to fulfil its mandate? 

    Vulnerable sectors of society had reportedly been disproportionately affected by restrictions imposed under the state of emergency.  What safeguards were in place in this regard?  Under the state of emergency, military personnel had been deployed to administer prisons.  Was the State party considering gradually withdrawing the military from prisons? There had been complaints of torture and abuse of authority, as well as murders and arbitrary detention, by military personnel in prisons.  Had the State party investigated these and prosecuted any personnel? 

    The Constitutional Court had declared the state of emergency as being unconstitutional in 2023.  Why had the executive continued to maintain it, contrary to the Court’s decision?  Was the current state of emergency being monitored by the Court?  There were reports that freedom of movement and assembly had been considerably curtailed under the state of emergency.  How would the State party ensure that measures taken under the state of emergency were strictly proportionate, time-bound and necessary?

    Another Committee Expert asked for information on cases contained within the Truth Commission’s final report on historic human rights violations that had not been concluded.  Reportedly, a large percentage of cases had not been concluded 14 years after the report was issued.  How many persons had been provided with reparations?

    What court cases had been ruled on regarding terrorism in the last three years?  How was the State party ensuring fair trial guarantees for persons accused of terrorism? Around 35,000 people had reportedly been arrested this year alone on charges of terrorism.

    A Committee Expert welcomed that the State party had established national councils for equality.  What impact had these councils had in promoting equality and preventing discrimination?  How had the initiatives of the National Council for Gender Equality contributed to promoting gender equality?  The State party had provided training for members of the judiciary on sexual orientation and gender identity.  Was this effective in combatting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons?  What impact had measures to improve health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons had?  What measures were in place to protect and improve the rights of transgender and intersex persons, including children?

    The police had registered 15,000 complaints of violence against women in 2021.  Had inquiries into these cases contributed to combatting impunity and ensuring reparation for victims?  What progress had been achieved by the plan to bolster training regarding violence against women?  What would be done to speed up the legislative process for cases of violence? How would the State party ensure that women who were victims of violence had access to remedy and appropriate protection mechanisms, including psychosocial and rehabilitation services?

    Another Committee Expert asked about the State party’s position on the United Nations’ human rights protection system.  The Expert welcomed that reform of the Democracy Code in 2020 had introduced gender parity on election lists, and said that there had been positive progress in the implementation of legislation to tackle gender-based violence in the political sphere.  However, there were 23 cases of violence against women politicians between 2022 and 2023, including two femicides, one of a female mayor.  How was the State party working to combat such violence and promote women’s participation in politics, including the participation of minority women? 

    Women’s representation in political bodies continued to be limited, particularly for minority women.  What awareness raising campaigns were in place to address stereotypes concerning women’s role in society?  Could the delegation comment on the implementation of the law on equal opportunities and the “purple economy”?

    There were reports of violence against indigenous peoples by the armed forces in the northern border area; had these been investigated and had cases been prosecuted?  Would the State party provide material reparation to indigenous communities affected by violence and the actions of resource sector companies?

    One Committee Expert said there were concerns regarding gaps in the protection system for the children of victims of violence. What steps had been taken to protect vulnerable children and to guarantee a sustainable budget for support payments for victims, so that families of victims could benefit? 

    The Committee was concerned by the high number of girls being subjected to sexual abuse, rape and incest.  Violence against girls in schools was reportedly endemic and girls were discouraged from reporting sexual attacks.  What measures were in place to protect vulnerable girls against such attacks?  What sanctions were imposed for sexual offences and what reparations were provided to girl victims?  Were vulnerable girls’ families provided with legal assistance? 

    Ecuador had expanded access to abortion for victims of sexual assault in a new law.  Would the State party decriminalise abortions in the case of malformation of the foetus?  Had the State party organised education for women and girls regarding contraception and established family planning counsellors within health care facilities? Had the State party approved guidelines for therapeutic abortion care and taken action to inform society regarding the law on abortion and medical centres where abortions were available? How did the State party ensure that there were health care professionals who were able to provide safe abortions in all remote and rural areas?  The Committee noted a Constitutional Court ruling calling on the State party to not prosecute health care professionals who performed abortions.  Had this been implemented?  How was the State party protecting the confidentiality of women who sought abortions?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Truth Commission had the mandate to investigate serious human rights violations occurring between 1983 and 1998.  The Commission’s final report documented enforced disappearances and other violations occurring during that period.  The Ombudsman had been called on to implement reparations for the victims of these violations; more than 150,000 direct and indirect victims had benefited from reparations.  Two criminal cases addressing historic human rights violations had been prosecuted. 

    A law preventing sexual violence and harassment in education had been developed and a national plan for addressing such violence had been implemented.  After victims of violence and harassment were identified, they were referred to mental health services.  The State party promoted the best interests of the child and their right to be informed in all matters affecting them.  Eleven protocols had been issued addressing sexual crimes against minors.

    A law permitting abortion in cases of rape was implemented in 2022 and inter-institutional mechanisms were set up to ensure that the law was properly applied.  Victims of rape did not need to file a legal complaint to access abortions. The prosecution was obliged to provide victims of rape with information on accessing abortions, and all health care facilities were required to provide information immediately on access to abortion in cases of rape.  The State party provided free and confidential guidance on abortions, and health care providers were required to protect the confidentiality of persons who sought abortions.

    The National Council for Gender Equality had a mandate to mainstream and monitor public policies on gender equality and promote the rights of women and persons from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community.  The national agenda on equality addressed the barriers faced by various groups of minority women.  Some of the goals of the agenda were to reduce maternal and child mortality and teenage pregnancy, and there had been progress in these areas.  Guidelines had been developed to ensure that vulnerable women had access to credit lines and the digital economy.  The State party was also promoting rural women’s access to land titles.  The police had carried out capacity building programmes addressing gender stereotypes and promoting positive masculinity.

    Formerly, Ecuador’s prisons were in effect being run by organised gangs due to a lack of oversight, creating a crisis situation in the prison system.  The State party had implemented the “Phoenix Plan” to regain control and safety in all prisons and promote the rehabilitation of all those deprived of liberty.  It was working to improve prison infrastructure to address overcrowding and was currently building two new prisons. 

    Protocols were in place to ensure cooperation between the armed forces and the national police in the management of prisons.  The armed forces were ensuring physical security in only eight of the 35 adult detention centres in the State.  The State party was working to strengthen training for prison staff.  It planned to train almost 7,000 staff over a five-year period.  This year, the State party would almost entirely eliminate mixed gender detention to prevent gender-based violence in prisons.

    Ecuador was fully committed to cooperating with the United Nations human rights protection system and was grateful for the support and advice that it offered to the State.  The Constitution allowed for the direct and immediate application of international human rights instruments ratified by the State. Regarding the case of Isaías Dassum v. Ecuador, investigations had been carried out and resolved in favour of the individual involved and reparation had been provided, in compliance with the Committee’s recommendations.

    Ecuador’s President had the ability to impose a state of emergency in cases of violence, threats to the State, and natural disasters. All measures implemented under a state of emergency needed to be time bound and to conform with principles of necessity and proportionality, in line with the Covenant.  A state of emergency had recently been implemented to confront spiralling acts of violence, terrorism and internal armed conflict, and the prison crisis.  All states of emergency were monitored by the Constitutional Court, which had questioned the restriction of rights in certain contexts.  The State party’s duty was to ensure that its people were able to live in a safe society free of corruption.

    The national allowance for orphans whose mothers had been murdered was a monthly allowance indexed to the monthly basic income. So far, 486 allowances had been provided to children.

    An agreement had been reached to strengthen relations with indigenous peoples and to prevent violence against indigenous communities.  There was also a protocol that aimed to protect indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said there appeared to be a large gap between the legal and institutional framework on human rights and the situation on the ground.  The rate of femicide was on the rise and women were increasingly becoming victims of enforced disappearance, leading to an increase in orphaned children.  Had drug trafficking groups become so strong that authorities could not control them?  Why was the State party not sufficiently reacting to the prevailing environment of impunity?  What measures were in place to protect vulnerable groups, including children?

    Another Committee Expert said that the Prosecution Service had launched over 200 investigations into torture and abuse of authority by the police force.  Had any rulings been issued for these cases?

    One Committee Expert asked about the role of victims of past human rights violations in creating the Museum of Memory. Why had their proposals regarding the location of the Museum not been taken on board?  Had the prison population increased or decreased as a result of the security measures being implemented by the State party?  Were the prisons in which the armed forces were present the largest and most modern?  Were there plans to reduce the number of prisons administered by the armed forces?  The Expert commended the State party’s significant efforts to train prison guards. What was the current ratio of guards to prisoners?

    A Committee Expert said the allowance for children whose mothers were victims of femicide was a good measure, but all orphaned children needed to receive it.  What were the prospects for decriminalising abortions in cases other than rape or where the mother’s life was at risk?  Did the State party support access to contraception for low-income families?

    Another Committee Expert asked whether allowances given to children whose mothers were murdered were the same regardless of the number of children in the family.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Government would implement the single register on violence by the start of next year.  It had been providing training to public officials on the handling of sensitive information within this register.  The register would allow the State party to gain insights into patterns of violence in different areas of the country, as part of its efforts to eradicate gender-based violence.

    There was a five-year training plan for prison officials and 60 million United States dollars had been invested in improving the prison system this year.  Improving the national rehabilitation system was a priority for the Government.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked about measures to prevent torture and ill treatment by the police against detained persons.  How did the State party ensure transparency in investigations of complaints against the police related to torture?  What redress was provided to victims of torture? What measures were being considered to strengthen human rights training for the police?

    The Transitional Council for Citizen Participation and Oversight was endowed with extraordinary powers allowing for the dismissal and appointment of judges and magistrates at the discretion of the executive branch, violating principles of judicial independence.  It appointed the Attorney General, judges of the National Court of Justice, and 137 other oversight authorities, and had reportedly removed judges and judicial officials who did not align with the political interests of the Presidency.  What mechanisms were in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that the Council complied with international standards on judicial independence?  How was transparency and the participation of citizens ensured in the Council’s evaluations of public authorities?  When did the mandates of the Attorney General and the members of the Council expire?  Why did the Council still have “transitional” status?

    What mechanisms were in place to ensure that migrants at the northern border had access to basic services such as health, education and employment?  Were there programmes to protect migrant women and children from exploitation and abuse? How was discrimination against migrants addressed in regularisation and asylum processing?  Was the State party monitoring and evaluating asylum policies on the northern border?

    The Ecuadorian Government had reportedly failed to implement adequate protection measures for human rights defenders, allowing threats and attacks against these people to go unpunished and exposing them to the constant risk of violence and intimidation.  Had the State party strengthened the legal framework for protecting human rights defenders?  Were human rights defenders involved in developing policies that affected their work? What protection mechanisms were in place for at-risk persons?  Investigative journalists Anderson Boscán and Mónica Velásquez faced threats and were forced into exile in Canada after making complaints about Attorney General Diana Salazar’s alleged connections to organised crime networks.  Why were these persons’ security being jeopardised?

    One Committee Expert asked about the entity that carried out investigations into the excessive use of force.  How many officials had been prosecuted for the excessive use of force?  A 2024 decree called on the armed forces to participate in controlling internal order. Had the State party held a referendum on this decree, and did it comply with the Covenant?

    How did Ecuador guarantee the principle of non-refoulement?  What measures were in place to safeguard the physical security of asylum seekers and refugees?  Restrictions on the freedom of movement had limited migrants’ ability to find jobs. Curfews had affected migrants in street situations, who did not have a place to stay.  Had legal aid or counsel been provided by the State to defend asylum seekers’ rights in regularisation processes?  How was the State party ensuring access to justice for migrants who were victims of extortion?

    Indigenous peoples had been adversely affected by mining projects, including illegal mining linked to organised crime.  What consultation processes had been held regarding these projects?  The State party had adopted decrees but had yet to adopt a law on prior consultation and free, informed and prior consent regarding mining and resource projects. Would the State party speed up the adoption of such a law?  Oil spills had affected the environment and the health of indigenous peoples.  What preventive measures had been taken regarding oil spills and what reparations had been provided to affected persons?

    A Committee Expert said the Committee was concerned about conditions in places of detention and overcrowding, a serious and persistent problem in prisons.  Detainees lacked access to food, water and health services, and overcrowding also increased tensions between inmates and made the management of prisons difficult. Since January 2024, the overall prison capacity had increased by 7.8 per cent, but there were still 18 prisons with critical overcrowding at over 120 per cent capacity.  What measures were in place to address the issue?  Had the State party considered dismantling mega prisons?

    The Committee noted significant efforts by the State party to address the issue of human trafficking through training of judicial actors.  What were the prospects of establishing a specialised office addressing trafficking within the prosecution?  Had compensation been provided to victims of trafficking?  How were victims protected from criminal liability?  How did the State party promote the social inclusion of victims, protect them from revictimisation, and support their access to the labour market?

    Another Committee Expert said there had been more than 600 deaths of detainees between 2018 and 2023.  In March 2024, a violent riot in a prison had led to the death of 12 detainees, while another riot in July led to 18 deaths.  Two prison wardens had recently been murdered. Organised crime had reportedly infiltrated prisons, inciting these events.  What measures were in place to regain control of the prison system and promote the basic rights of prisoners?  How many deaths had occurred in prisons this year, and were there any deaths resulting from torture or ill treatment?  Would the State party grant access to prisons for the national preventive mechanism?

    The Committee was concerned about the reported penetration of organised crime into the judiciary.  Members of the judiciary were allegedly paid bribes to give shortened prison sentences to members of organised crime groups.  What investigations had been carried out into such allegations?  How did the State party ensure the integrity of investigations into corruption?  What was the disciplinary structure for judges and how was their independence guaranteed?

    In 2018, three journalists were kidnapped and murdered by organised crime and four journalists were murdered in 2022.  What investigations had been carried out into these events?  The judicial system was reportedly used as a tool for censorship against journalists. How did the State party ensure that journalists could carry out their work without interference?

    One Committee Expert said the Communication Council had been involved in promoting diversity in the media and in organising training on media workers’ rights.  What results had been obtained by training programmes?  Between July and December 2021, there were 62 reports of harassment against journalists.  What measures were in place to ensure that threats against journalists were properly investigated and punished?  During 2022 demonstrations, at least nine deaths were recorded and close to 200 people were arrested.  How did the State party guarantee the right to peaceful assembly and ensure justice for victims of excessive force by State officials?

    Was the law issued in 2022 on the use of force and firearms by the police in line with the Covenant?  Was civil society involved in the drafting of the law?  How was the law being implemented?  Did the State party provide training programmes on the law to police?

    How had the State party guaranteed access to justice for indigenous peoples in indigenous languages?  What obstacles were there in providing legal aid to indigenous peoples?  What measures were in place to strengthen the indigenous legal system and to ensure coordination between indigenous and regular legal systems?

    In some regions, authorities did not recognise the legal status of indigenous peoples.  Farmers who were defending their lands were reportedly perceived as criminals and harassed by authorities.  How was the State party preventing such harassment?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said training had been provided for around 500 prosecution staff and over 2,000 civil servants on investigating violent deaths of women and girls since 2022.  This year alone, over 500 members of the armed forces and other civil servants had participated in the prosecution office’s training on international human rights law. 

    The armed forces were ensuring internal security in the context of the high level of armed conflict occurring in the State, caused by organised gangs.  The activities of the armed forces strictly complied with human rights standards, regulations on the use of force and firearms, and principles of necessity and proportionality.  The State party was constantly updating provisions on the use of force in line with international standards.  During the first six months of this year, the murder rate had fallen significantly and criminal structures had been dismantled.

    The armed forces’ activities had helped to reduce criminal activities within the prison system.  The armed forces allowed oversight visits to prisons by Government bodies.  Members of the armed forces were trained in human rights, the use of force, and the protection of vulnerable persons.  Accusations of human rights violations by members of the armed forces were investigated in cooperation with public bodies.  Armed forces personnel had been involved in 72 cases of habeas corpus, with personnel cleared of wrongdoing in 68 cases and the remaining cases still being investigated.  A specialised prosecutor’s unit had been established to investigate cases of harm or death caused by the armed forces and the prison service.

    The State party was strengthening the national framework for the prevention of terrorism.  It was receiving international support to bring its legislation on terrorism in line with international standards.

    Ecuador ensured full reparation for direct and indirect victims of homicide, including through the law on support for family members of victims of femicide.  The public policy on reparation was being updated to strengthen support for victims’ relatives through consultations with civil society.  Support payments for orphaned children whose parents were murdered were increased progressively depending on the number of children in the family.

    State legislation protected the activities of human rights defenders.  An inter-institutional board was developing a comprehensive policy on the protection of human rights defenders and carrying out an analysis of threats faced by human rights defenders.  The State provided protection to victimised human rights defenders involved in court proceedings through the witness protection programme.  Regional councils of human rights defenders had been established.

    The Government had delineated certain areas as “protected land” where mining activities could not be carried out.  It had provided training on promoting the human rights of indigenous peoples and tackling their exploitation.  Over 3,000 interventions related to indigenous peoples had been carried out by the Government.  The State party worked closely with local autonomous governments to ensure the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into policies and activities to address climate change.

    Before implementing measures related to non-admission and deportation, investigations needed to be carried out to assess whether the individual concerned needed international protection.  Asylum seekers could receive free legal aid and the support of translation services if required.  An online platform to support asylum requests had been established; it had received more than 56,000 such requests.  Over 96,000 Venezuelan citizens had been granted temporary residency through a special procedure implemented in 2022.  Emergency care was being provided for the large number of migrants on the northern border in collaboration with international organizations and private sector bodies, to ensure that these migrants and asylum seekers received the highest standard of care.

    The State party had been procuring building materials and conducting repairs to improve prison infrastructure and the living conditions of detainees.  Accommodation in two prisons had recently been increased by 1,700 places.  The State had authorised the construction within 300 days of two new prisons to house a maximum of 800 detainees.  These would greatly reduce the rate of overcrowding. The Government was increasing human resources for administering these prisons.  Around 600 prisoners who had been detained for over five years and were not accused of violent crimes would soon be pardoned to further reduce overcrowding.

    The National Red Cross Committee had been training medical staff to improve health care in prisons.  A classification plan was in place to revise the classification of detainees to reduce the grouping of members of organised crime in prisons. Female detainees had been relocated to exclusively female prisons.  Over the next five years, the State party planned to recruit 700 new prison guards. A protocol on the handling of complaints within the prison system had been developed.

    Although a law on free, prior and informed consent had yet to be implemented, the Constitutional Court had established standards relating to this consent that needed to be respected by administrative authorities.  Bills had been developed to enact such a law that were currently before Parliament. The State party was undertaking environmental consultations that were in line with international standards in relation to upcoming mining projects.  It was also working to respect the life and integrity of indigenous peoples and preventing them from being harmed by the actions of third parties.  The Government had been successful in reducing conflict over indigenous territory and was fostering a culture of peace.  A health cordon had been established to improve the health conditions of people living in voluntary isolation.

    State legislation ensured respect for judicial independence.  No Government entity could interfere with the activities of the judiciary.  A roadmap had been developed to promote judicial independence through strict internal oversight of appointment, promotion and evaluation of members of the judiciary.  The Council of the Judiciary had implemented measures to ensure the safety of judicial operators.  The transitionary period for the Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control had concluded and its regular members were being appointed.

    There was a protection and early warning system for media professionals who were facing aggression.  The Government was strengthening its capacity to react to attacks against media professionals and to prevent such attacks.  Civil society organizations were involved in providing protection measures and improving the working environment for media professionals. 

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked why the State party allowed civilians to carry firearms in violent areas in the country.  Had any initiatives been adopted to regularise migrants who came into the country after 2022?

    Another Committee Expert said judges and prosecutors had been killed and the rule of law was in danger in the country.  Some judges had been murdered outside of the premises of the judiciary.  There needed to be effective protective actions to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.  What transparency measures would be implemented to increase public trust in the judiciary?  It was positive that the State party had begun a reform of legislation on terrorism in cooperation with international bodies.  Would the bill of law being developed provide procedural guarantees in terrorism cases in line with the Covenant?

    One Committee Expert said that, since the deployment of armed forces across the territory, femicides, the enforced disappearance of women, and the violation of indigenous peoples’ rights had continued with impunity for offenders.  The State party had not ensured the protection of indigenous human rights defenders, whose rights were violated by the activities of mining companies. There were environmental issues threatening the lives of indigenous peoples that had not been investigated and several indigenous peoples were awaiting compensation.  Environmental rights defenders were continually harassed by authorities.  Could the delegation provide information on the killing of an indigenous chief in February 2024 who was protesting oil prospecting in his region?

    Another Committee Expert said poverty and insecurity were serious issues in Ecuador that were disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups.  How would the State party address these issues and protect the rights of workers?

    Closing Remarks

    JUAN CARLOS LARREA, Attorney General of State of Ecuador and head of the delegation, said Ecuador was fully committed to implementing international human rights law and promoting respect for human rights.  It was the first country in Latin America to receive a visit from the current High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.  It was working to implement all recommendations issued to it by the United Nations human rights system.

    Ecuador was facing challenges in the field of human rights, including spiralling international organised crime and the current energy crisis, but remained committed to addressing these, and to strengthening efforts to promote the human rights of all people on its territory. It called on the international community to increase technical support for the promotion and protection of human rights in Ecuador.  The delegation hoped that the Committee would provide concrete recommendations that addressed the complex challenges that Ecuador was facing.

    TANIA MARÍA ABDO ROCHOLL, Committee Chairperson, thanked all those who had contributed to the dialogue.  The dialogue had addressed Constitutional and legal frameworks related to the Covenant, historic human rights violations, measures to combat terrorism, reproductive rights, the independence of the judiciary, detention conditions, the right to life, freedom of expression and association, trafficking in persons, and the situations of human rights defenders and indigenous peoples, among other topics.  The Committee was committed to its mandate of guaranteeing the highest level of implementation of the Covenant in Ecuador.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CCPR24.023E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Expert Meeting on Dissemination and Communication of Statistics 2023

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    About the meeting

    In today’s rapidly changing world, statistical organisations are facing increasingly complex challenges in effectively disseminating and communicating data. With the continuous emergence of new technologies and platforms, the growing need to provide the right data product to the right people in a timelier manner as well as the rising competition from private data providers, statistical organisations must adapt quickly to continue serving their critical role as providers of official statistics that are fundamental to informed decision-making in society.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Pan-European Strategy aims to align Transport, Health and Environment policies by 2050

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Transport plays a crucial role in society and in the economy, enabling access to jobs, services and people, while driving trade and tourism. However, it also brings significant socioeconomic, environmental and health challenges. In most countries, public policies at all levels do not deal with transport, health, environment, and urban planning issues holistically.

    This is about to change thanks to the adoption of the first Pan-European Strategy on Transport, Health and Environment – the result of a vision that connects transport policies with health and environmental goals. The strategy, adopted today in Geneva at the 22nd session of the Steering Committee of the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP), lays out a road map for the transformation of transport systems by 2050, promoting sustainable urban mobility, cleaner technologies and climate resilience. This brings synergies with other UNECE initiatives, such as the Inland Transport Committee’s Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport.

    The strategy aims to:  

    • Recognize the positive role of transport

    The strategy recognizes the transport sector as crucial to sustainable development, promoting health as well as the quality and livability of the environment. By working together, the transport, health and environment sectors can contribute significantly to improving people’s lives.

    • Adopt a holistic approach

    National, regional and local authorities must address transport, health and environmental issues together, in order to develop integrated policies and frameworks. In some countries, financing mechanisms for public transport and infrastructure for walking and cycling are neither sustainable nor adequate. The adoption of a holistic approach will lead to more effective regulations, better budget allocations and improved living conditions.

    • Allow for tailor-made solutions

    The strategy recognizes the diverse realities across the region and calls for tailored solutions that include all stakeholders – Governments, communities, businesses and civil society – to build an inclusive, greener mobility.

    • Support the shift to public transport and active mobility  

    The strategy aims to shift the modal split from the current car-dominated model towards increased public transport and active mobility (cycling and walking). These different modes will need to be treated equally across UNECE member States, with sustainable transport solutions being applied to rural and peri-urban areas. Cargo and freight transport will also become more sustainable. The approach to transport demand will promote proximity to services and enhance sustainable mobility through technology.

    • Address air and noise pollution

    Air pollution is a leading environmental risk to health, causing nearly 570,000 premature deaths in 53 countries of the region according to a 2023 World Health Organization publication. Over 90% of the region’s population is exposed to harmful levels of air pollutants, with road transport being a major source of such pollutants through exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. Road transport accounts for about 25% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and is thus a key contributor to climate change.

    The current shift towards vehicle electrification and fleet renewals will allow for the transition to cleaner mobility. At present, transport is the principal source of background noise pollution in urban areas in the region.

    • Maximize health benefits

    Active mobility can significantly reduce health risks, in particular obesity and non-communicable diseases, lessening the burden on healthcare systems. Expanding green spaces and infrastructure for active mobility will also foster mental well-being through greater social interaction.

    • Reinforce social inclusion  

    Lower-income groups tend to live in areas with poorer transport infrastructure, limiting access to services, jobs and social activities. Transport systems also often fail to address the varying needs of people according to gender, age and ability. Road traffic accidents are the main cause of death among people aged 5–29 years worldwide.

    The strategy emphasizes the inclusion of gender, age and disability needs in transport planning, ensuring that mobility is accessible to all. Green finance and fiscal incentives will have an important role to play in driving investment in sustainable transport, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy.

    • Collect and manage data

    The lack or limited quality of data is a recurring challenge and one of the most serious obstacles to informed policymaking in some UNECE member States. This prevents an objective assessment of the impact of transport on the environment and health from being carried out.

    Consistent data on transport, greenhouse gas emissions and mobility will inform policy across the region.

     

    In implementing the Strategy, under the framework of THE PEP, member States will also work on:

    • Directing investments, fiscal incentives and green finance initiatives towards sustainable transport, stimulating job creation and the economy;
    • Making the most of digitalization of transport and mobility services;
    • Increasing the resilience of transport systems to climate change, pandemics and other disasters.

    The next step will be for member States, within the framework of THE PEP and with other stakeholders, to discuss how to implement the Strategy and mobilize the appropriate resources to facilitate implementation, drawing on the knowledge-sharing and good practices of each member State.

    Note to editors

    At the Fifth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment (Vienna (online), 17–18 May 2021), member States agreed to develop a comprehensive pan-European strategy on transport, health and the environment, including a clear pathway for its implementation, to achieve the agreed vision, and to guide the further work of THE PEP. The Vienna Declaration is available at https://unece.org/pep/publications/vienna-declaration.

    In addition to being the first and only international programme designed to integrate environmental and health aspects into transport, mobility and urban planning policies, THE PEP is a policy framework that brings together the transport, health and environment sectors. It is jointly serviced by UNECE and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. All member States are invited to actively contribute to and support THE PEP and more information in its regard is available at https://unece.org/thepep.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the 110th Meeting of the Development Committee

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Chair,

    Excellencies,

    Let me begin by acknowledging the inspired leadership of Ajay and Kristalina, and thanking them for their support at the UN High-Level Week.

    This week, our global economy has been diagnosed as suffering from low growth, and high debt.

    This toxic combination further exacerbates a sustainable development crisis for millions of people across the world.

    With only 17 per cent of SDG targets on track, hunger is rising, global temperatures are soaring, conflicts are spreading, and the fight for gender equality is floundering.

    Financing challenges are at the heart of this crisis.

    Financing gaps are growing.

    Debt service is crowding out investments.

    And economies are repeatedly rocked by external shocks that our financial system cannot contain.

    Last month, against geopolitical tensions, Heads of States from the Global North and South agreed a Pact for the Future.

    The Pact lays the foundations for a future-ready world.

    It commits to deepen multilateralism to rescue the SDGs;

    To guide us through a new era of technology;

    to renew our approach to restoring and keeping peace;

    and to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture to reflect today’s world and meet today’s challenges.

    Here, the Pact urges specific actions:

    To raise the voice and representation of developing countries…

    To scale up development finance…

    To promote sustainable borrowing, and resolve debt crises as and before they occur…

    And to strengthen the global safety net. 

    Agreements reached at the United Nations cannot deliver change overnight. But they provide a powerful political signal for action in other fora – including this one.

    Over the last two weeks, we have seen important steps forward.

    The World Bank’s reduction of its equity to loan ratio frees up an additional $30 billion in lending.

    And the IMF’s overhaul of its surcharge policy will lessen the penalty borne by countries most dependent on support.

    We must now build on these steps, with urgency, to meet the needs and expectations of Member States and their people.

    This brings me to one commitment that we must deliver this year.

    IDA is the largest and most powerful instrument of financial assistance to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries.

     That’s why the Pact for the Future urges Member States to deliver a robust 21st replenishment, to enable IDA to continue its vital work.

    The Secretary-General and I wholeheartedly endorse this.

    Another commitment is to seize the opportunity approved by the Fund to rechannel SDRs to acquire hybrid capital in our multilateral development banks. Champions of this initiative believe we can get this done by next month’s G20 summit.   

    I look forward to working with the Bank and Fund to deliver other commitments in the Pact: from reviewing the sovereign debt architecture, to improving access to concessional finance.

    With next year’s Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to transform financing for sustainable development to deliver the SDGs.

    To do this for a future ready World Bank, we must work better together at the country level surging combined expertise and resources in support of our commitments to countries and their people.

    Let’s work together to deliver this.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNRWA is Irreplaceable

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    News

    Global

    29 October 2024

    UNRWA is Irreplaceable

    Photo Credit UNRWA 2018/ Iyad Faouri

    Geneva, 29 October 2024 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) fully supports the Secretary-General and the United Nations’ resolute stance that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is irreplaceable. The absence of UNRWA from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza, will be catastrophic.  

    UNRWA’s comprehensive mandate underscores its unique role as a custodian of Palestinian refugees’ rights and well-being, extending well beyond the provision of basic aid.  It is an essential provider of education, healthcare, social services, infrastructure, protection, and so many other vital services for Palestinian refugees. It upholds the dignity and rights of those it serves, promoting human development until a just and lasting solution to their plight is achieved. It is imperative that we support and protect this mandate.

    UNRWA’s services are indispensable to the people of Gaza – there is no alternative to UNRWA. Together with our partners, including UN agencies, we will continue to provide support to individuals in crisis.

    For more information please contact:
    media@iom.int 
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti [scroll down for French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Leslie Voltaire, President of the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti.

    The Secretary-General and the President of the Transitional Presidential Council agreed on the need to expedite the political transition towards holding elections.

    The Secretary-General appealed to Haitian stakeholders to set aside their differences and work together for Haiti’s peace and security.
     
    The Secretary-General and the President of the Transitional Presidential Council discussed the Haitian authorities’ views on the future of the Multinational Security Support mission.
     
    *****
     
    Le Secrétaire général a rencontré S.E. M. Leslie Voltaire, Président du Conseil Présidentiel de Transition d’Haïti.
     
    Le Secrétaire général et le Président du Conseil présidentiel de transition ont convenu de la nécessité d’accélérer la transition politique vers la tenue d’élections.

    Le Secrétaire général a lancé un appel aux parties prenantes haïtiennes pour qu’elles mettent de côté leurs différences et œuvrent ensemble pour la paix et la sécurité en Haïti.
     
    Le Secrétaire général et le Président du Conseil Présidentiel de Transition ont échangé sur la vision des autorités haïtiennes sur l’avenir de la mission multinationale d’appui à la sécurité.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message for Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance Annual Meeting

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+18+OCT+24/3284442_MSG+SG+UN+SGM+GLOBAL+INVESTOR+18+OCT+24.mp4

    Colleagues, dear friends,

    I thank the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance for all your work to build a better world.

    The clock is ticking to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals. And the biggest barrier to delivery is finance.

    The international financial architecture is stuck in the past, unable to mobilize the resources required.

    The commitment in the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda, to unleash trillions of dollars in private finance, has not materialized.

    One of my priorities as Secretary-General has been to urge reform – including to enable far more private finance to be leveraged at reasonable cost.

    And this year we made a major step forward.

    Countries overcame their differences to agree on the Pact for the Future.

    This contains clear, ambitious commitments to multilateral action – to reform the international financial architecture, turbocharge SDG implementation, and mobilise additional finance from all sources. 

    Now, we need the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development next year to deliver the detail.

    This Alliance will play a vital role.

    The Conference needs your insights and advocacy – particularly on three investment challenges:

    First, structuring blended finance to attract private capital.

    Second, managing currency risk – a massive deterrent to international investors today.

    And third, encouraging investments that consider long-term sustainability, and have longer timeframes for returns.

    Together, let’s build on the momentum of this moment and unleash the finance we need to build a better future for all humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Segment of COP16 on Biodiversity [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Presidente Petro,

    Gracias por acoger esta importante sesión, aquí en Cali – un microcosmos de la rica biodiversidad de nuestro planeta.

    Excelencias, queridos amigos,

    La naturaleza es vida.

    Y, sin embargo, estamos librando una guerra contra ella.

    Una guerra donde no puede haber vencedores.

    Cada año, vemos las temperaturas subir más y más.

    Cada día, perdemos más especies.

    Cada minuto, vertemos un camión de basura de desechos plásticos en nuestros océanos, ríos y lagos.

    No se equivoquen.

    Así es como se ve una crisis existencial.

    Ningún país, rico o pobre, es inmune a la devastación provocada por el cambio climático, la pérdida de biodiversidad, la degradación de la tierra y la contaminación.

    Estas crisis ambientales están entrelazadas. No conocen fronteras.

    Y están devastando ecosistemas y medios de vida, amenazando la salud humana y socavando el desarrollo sostenible.

    Los motores de esta destrucción están arraigados en modelos económicos obsoletos, que alimentan patrones insostenibles de producción y consumo.

    Y se ven multiplicados por las desigualdades – en riqueza y poder.

    Cada día que pasa, nos acercamos más a puntos de inflexión que podrían alimentar más hambre, desplazamientos y incluso conflictos armados.

    Ya hemos alterado el 75% de la superficie terrestre y el 66% de los océanos.

    Queridas amigas y queridos amigos,

    La biodiversidad es aliada de la humanidad.

    Debemos pasar de saquearla a preservarla.

    Como he dicho una y otra vez, hacer las paces con la naturaleza es la tarea definitoria del siglo XXI.

    Ese es el espíritu de la Declaración de hoy de la Coalición Mundial por la Paz con la Naturaleza:

    Un llamado a la acción para mejorar los esfuerzos nacionales e internacionales hacia una relación equilibrada y armoniosa con la naturaleza – protegiendo la naturaleza y conservando, restaurando, utilizando y compartiendo de manera sostenible nuestra biodiversidad global.

    Un llamado a reconocer el conocimiento vital, las innovaciones y las prácticas de los Pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes, los agricultores y las comunidades locales.

    Un llamado por la vida.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace with those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Notre mission à Cali est claire : accélérer le progrès pour la biodiversité ; mobiliser les ressources nécessaires ; et renforcer le rôle des peuples autochtones, des personnes d’ascendance africaine et des communautés locales.

    Nous pouvons – et nous devons – sauvegarder les écosystèmes qui nous font vivre et maintenir les objectifs climatiques à notre portée.

    Tout autre chemin est impensable.

    Il en va de la survie de la planète – et de la [nôtre].

    Choisissons avec sagesse.

    Choisissons la vie.

    Faisons la paix avec la nature.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****

    [All-English]

    President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and even armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity.

    Finally – in the spirit of this “COP de la gente”, we must engage all parts of society, in particular Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    Too often, they have been on the sidelines of global environmental policy.

    Too often, environmental defenders have been threatened and killed.

    Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities are guardians of our nature.

    Their traditional knowledge is a living library of biodiversity conservation.

    They must be protected.

    And they must be part of every biodiversity conversation.

    The establishment of a permanent subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity would mark a significant step forward, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard at every stage of the process.

    Peace with nature means peace for those who protect it. 

    We must defend the people who defend nature.

    Excellencies,

    Across all these areas, we know progress is possible.

    Many countries around the world are stepping up to lead the way.

    Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia and Malaysia are leading by example by ramping up efforts to curb deforestation.  

    The Congo Basin is intensifying efforts to increase protected area coverage.  

    The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss.

    Mobilizing all countries – each with different levels of wealth and capacities – is challenging.

    But swift global cooperation can provide the defense we so desperately need – against wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and pandemics.

    Last year’s Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction demonstrated our determination for every hectare of the planet. 

    We need the same determination later in the year as countries come together to conclude negotiations on a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution.  

    Let us be inspired and lifted by these examples.

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    We are in Cali to accelerate progress, commit resources, and elevate the role of Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities.

    We can – and we must – save the ecosystems that sustain us and keep our climate goals within reach.

    The alternative is unthinkable. 

    The survival of our planet — and our own — is on the line.

    Let us choose wisely.

    Let us choose life.

    Let us make peace with nature.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Voluntary Return of 131 Togolese Migrants from Libya: A Joint Effort by IOM and the Togolese Government

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Lomé, Togo – The International Organization for Migration, in collaboration with the Togolese Government, facilitated the voluntary return of 131 migrants (77 men, 54 women, including 28 children) from Libya via a charter flight on Tuesday, 22 October 2024.

    Upon their arrival in Lomé, the migrants were welcomed by H.E. Madame Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Minister of Social Action, National Solidarity, and Women’s Promotion, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Togolese Abroad, along with representatives from the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, and Madame Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, Chief of Mission of IOM for Benin, Togo, and Ghana. IOM provided immediate assistance to the migrants, including food, water, and hygiene kits.

    In a message on behalf of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, H.E. Madame Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou welcomed the migrants and reassured them of the Togolese Government’s commitment to establish necessary services to facilitate their social reintegration, in line with the policy of inclusion under the leadership of President Faure Essozimna. “No one will come to build Togo in our place. We must all contribute to building the Togolese nation,” she conveyed to the migrants.

    IOM continued the registration and profiling process initiated in Libya, allowing reintegration measures to be tailored to the specific needs of the migrants. In collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, IOM also provided psychological and health-care support to migrants in need.

    Mme. Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM Togo Chief of Mission, expressed gratitude to IOM Libya, which, through emergency funding, enabled the smooth facilitation of the profiling and reintegration process for migrants returning voluntarily to Togo. She emphasized that protection and assistance activities for migrants, such as voluntary return assistance provided by IOM, ensure vulnerable, stranded migrants a safe and dignified journey home if they choose, allowing them to reunite with their families. She also thanked the Togolese Government for its ongoing collaboration in organizing the voluntary return of Togolese migrants.

    IOM and its partners will continue to support returnees by developing comprehensive reintegration plans that address economic, social, and psychosocial needs. These plans will include initiatives such as identifying income-generating activities, housing, education, vocational training for small business development, and strengthening professional skills acquired before and during the migration journey.

    Quote from Mr. Lare Nadijoua (Returning Migrant):

    “Returning home is a tremendous relief. When the plane landed, you could hear everyone’s shouts of joy. Words truly fail to describe my happiness. Now, I have the opportunity to rebuild my life and reunite with my family. I thank the Togolese Government and IOM.”

    ***

    For more information, please contact:

    Mr. Etienne Banga, Head of IOM Togo Office, ebanga@iom.int

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Displacement in Sudan Crosses 11 Million as Devastating Crisis Reaches New Heights: IOM Chief 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Port Sudan, 29 October – Good morning, I am glad to be able to speak with you this morning live from Port Sudan.  

    I arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit, into a deteriorating security situation with alarming reports of new atrocities. I have heard distressing detail from our teams on the ground of the conditions faced by ordinary Sudanese people whose lives have been thrown into turmoil by this conflict. 

    The situation here in Sudan is catastrophic. There is simply no other way to put it. Hunger, disease and sexual violence are rampant. For the people of Sudan, this is a living nightmare.  

    This is an underreported conflict situation, and we must pay it more attention. Millions are suffering, and there is now the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shone the spotlight on this suffering, calling it an ‘utter humanitarian catastrophe’. 

    Eighteen months have passed since fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Outside forces are now ‘fueling the fire’ which is intensifying the conflict. 

    The suffering is growing by the day, with the Secretary-General reporting yesterday that almost 25 million people are now requiring assistance. 

    In recent days, we have heard utterly shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Al Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    Throughout this year, Sudan has been world’s largest displacement crisis.  

    Today I can share that we will release new figures this week showing the displacement number has hit 11 million. That’s up 200,000 just since September.  

    Another 3.1 million people have traveled across borders to flee the fighting. In total, nearly 30 per cent of Sudan’s population has been displaced.  

    More than half of those displaced are women, and more than a quarter of them are children under the age of five. Think about that for a moment, that is a huge number of extremely vulnerable women and children on the move. 

    Many have been forced to flee repeatedly, with little to no access to shelter, much less to their livelihoods and the ability to get basic necessities.   

    The scale of this displacement – and the corresponding humanitarian needs – grows every day. Half the country’s population needs help. They don’t have access to shelter, to clean drinking water, to health care. Disease is spreading fast. 

    One in every two Sudanese is struggling to get even the minimal amount of food to survive. Famine conditions have taken hold in North Darfur, and millions struggle to feed themselves every day. 

    I saw some of that suffering yesterday, in a visit to the Arbaat dam area about 40 kilometers from Port Sudan.  

    After heavy rains in August, a spillway collapsed. The resulting flood killed at least 148 people and devastated homes, livestock, and infrastructure.  

    This devastation would be bad enough if it weren’t coming on top of a conflict that continues to rage and is becoming worse by the day – and one that has dramatically impacted the delivery of humanitarian assistance.  

    The safety of aid workers is often threatened. Access restrictions and bureaucratic impediments continue to be imposed.  

    People are dying because of this.  

    The parties to this conflict must do what they have pledged to do – and what international humanitarian law requires – protect civilians, and ensure safe, swift and unimpeded access to life-saving assistance.    

    What we also need, most desperately, is the help of the international community.  

    Sudan is easily the most neglected crisis in the world today. The collective failure to act means the devastation risks spilling over into neighboring countries.  

    At a conference in Paris this past April, the international community made generous pledges. But that appeal is only 52 per cent funded. And though IOM has been able to help nearly 3 million people since the war started, our part of the response plan is only 20% funded.  

    With the proper amount of funding, there is much we can do to alleviate the suffering, to help people get shelter and proper sanitation, to feed them and protect them.  

    But our progress will always be limited as long as war continues to be waged.  

    All wars are brutal, but the toll of this one is particularly horrifying, and the recent killings and appalling human rights violations in Aj Jazirah state were yet another example. Since last year, reports of rape, torture and ethnically motivated violence have been far too common. Indiscriminate attacks are killing civilians, including young children.    

    Some of the areas of most severe need remain cut off entirely, with no access to humanitarian aid. 

    The potential long-term impact of this catastrophic crisis is simply staggering. Education will be set back decades. The health and well-being of children will be stunted. Livelihoods will be permanently ruined. A generation will live in the shadow of trauma. 

    And the immense tragedy about it all is that a peaceful Sudan has the capacity to take care of itself. Its people are resilient, and their natural resources are immense.  

    So while I’m here today to raise awareness of the needs and to highlight the cost of this displacement crisis, what IOM really wants – what every person in the world should want – is for the guns in Sudan to fall silent.  

    The humanitarian response must be scaled up, and we call on the donor community to support this effort. 

    I echo the Secretary General in calling for: 

    An end to hostilities; 

    Protection for civilians; 

    and access for humanitarian agencies so that aid can flow.  

    We will not allow Sudan to be forgotten. But its people need peace, now.  

    ***

    For more information please contact: 

    In Port Sudan: Lisa George, lgeorge@iom.int       
    In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int  
    In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Sudan [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

    Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

    The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

    The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

    They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

    A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

    A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.

    A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

    And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.  

    Madam President,

    We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

    But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

    Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

    We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

    But we need action on the ground.

    The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

    Allow me to outline three key priorities. 

    First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

    Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

    At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

    He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

    And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.  

    I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones. 

    And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

    Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

    We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

    I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

    And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

    The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must have space for documenting what is happening on the ground.

    Civil society and journalists must be able to do their jobs safely, without fear of persecution and attacks.

    The direct or indirect flow of weapons and ammunitions into Sudan, which continue to fuel this conflict, must cease immediately.

    Diverse Sudanese voices, human rights organizations and others have called for stepped up measures — including some form of impartial force — to protect civilians.

    These calls are a reflection of the gravity and urgency of the situation facing civilians in the country.

    At present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a United Nations force to protect civilians in Sudan.

    The Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.

    This may require new approaches that are adapted to the challenging circumstances of the conflict.

    Troisièmement, l’aide humanitaire doit pouvoir être acheminée.

    Malgré les difficultés persistantes en matière d’accès et de financement, l’ONU et ses partenaires ont apporté une aide humanitaire à près de 12 millions de personnes entre janvier et septembre de cette année.

    Cela va de l’eau potable, des systèmes d’assainissement et des abris, aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en passant par la nutrition d’urgence. 

    Mais c’est loin d’être suffisant.

    Une grande partie des personnes assistées n’ont pu recevoir de l’aide qu’une seule fois.

    Plusieurs régions où les besoins sont les plus urgents restent totalement inaccessibles.
    Il est impératif de garantir un accès humanitaire rapide, sûr et sans entrave par toutes les voies nécessaires – au-delà des frontières et à travers les lignes de conflit.

    La réouverture du poste frontière d’Adré représente une étape importante – et ce poste doit rester ouvert.

    J’exhorte les parties à faire en sorte que davantage d’aide vitale puisse être acheminée vers les zones les plus démunies et par les voies les plus efficaces.

    Nous avons besoin que le personnel humanitaire puisse se déplacer dans tout le pays rapidement et en toute sécurité.

    Et nous avons besoin de fonds.

    Notre appel de fonds pour l’aide humanitaire — à hauteur de 2,7 milliards de dollars — n’est financé qu’à 56 pour cent, et le niveau de financement du Plan régional d’intervention en faveur des réfugiés est encore plus insuffisant.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à accroître leurs contributions et assurer un financement souple.

    Dans le même temps, je rends hommage à l’héroïsme des nombreuses initiatives soudanaises visant à fournir une aide vitale et salvatrice sur le terrain.

    Les plus de 700 salles d’intervention d’urgence au Soudan sont un exemple admirable d’action humanitaire de proximité.

    Par leur engagement, ces femmes et ces hommes nous montrent une autre facette du Soudan – le meilleur de l’humanité, dans un pays qui endure aujourd’hui le pire.

    Leur mobilisation devrait être une source d’inspiration pour nous tous.

    Madame la Présidente,

    Comme je l’ai souligné dans le rapport présenté à ce Conseil, il est temps d’agir – d’agir avec détermination – en faveur de la paix pour le peuple soudanais.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Madam President, Excellencies,

    I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

    Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

    The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

    The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

    They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

    A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

    A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.
    A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

    And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.  

    Madam President,

    We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

    But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

    Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

    We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

    But we need action on the ground.

    The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

    Allow me to outline three key priorities. 

    First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

    Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

    At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

    He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

    And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.  

    I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones. 

    And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

    Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

    We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

    I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

    And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

    The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms must have space for documenting what is happening on the ground.

    Civil society and journalists must be able to do their jobs safely, without fear of persecution and attacks.

    The direct or indirect flow of weapons and ammunitions into Sudan, which continue to fuel this conflict, must cease immediately.

    Diverse Sudanese voices, human rights organizations and others have called for stepped up measures — including some form of impartial force — to protect civilians.

    These calls are a reflection of the gravity and urgency of the situation facing civilians in the country.

    At present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a United Nations force to protect civilians in Sudan.

    The Secretariat stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.

    This may require new approaches that are adapted to the challenging circumstances of the conflict.

    Third — humanitarian aid must flow.

    Despite continued access and funding challenges, the United Nations and our partners reached about 12 million people with humanitarian assistance between January and September of this year.

    From water, sanitation and shelter — to health care, education and emergency nutrition.

    But huge gaps remain.

    Many of those reached have been assisted just once.

    Some of the areas of most severe needs remain cut off entirely.

    Rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured through all necessary cross-border and cross line routes.

    The re-opening of the border crossing at Adre was an important step — and it must remain open.

    I urge the parties to allow more life-saving aid to flow into areas of greatest need through the most efficient routes. 

    We need humanitarian workers moving around the country rapidly and safely.

    And we need funding.

    Our humanitarian funding appeal of $2.7 billion is only about 56 per cent funded, and coverage of the Regional Refugee Response Plan is even lower.

    I urge donors to step up with additional flexible funding.

    At the same time, I pay tribute to the heroism of the leaders of the many Sudanese-led initiatives providing vital and lifesaving assistance on the ground.

    Sudan’s over 700 Emergency Response Rooms are an inspiring example of grassroots humanitarian action.

    Through their work, they are showing us another side of Sudan — the best of humanity in a country enduring the worst of it.

    We can all draw inspiration from their example.

    Madam President,

    As outlined in my report to this Council, it is time for action — decisive action — for peace for the people of Sudan.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Madame la Présidente, Excellences,

    Je remercie le Conseil de me donner l’occasion d’évoquer ici la catastrophe humanitaire majeure qui frappe le Soudan.

    Dix-huit mois se sont écoulés depuis que de violents affrontements ont éclaté entre les Forces armées soudanaises et les Forces d’appui rapide.

    Les souffrances s’aggravent de jour en jour, et près de 25 millions de personnes ont aujourd’hui besoin d’aide.

    La population du Soudan est plongée dans le cauchemar de la violence : des milliers de civils ont été tués, et un nombre incalculable d’autres personnes sont victimes d’atrocités sans nom, notamment de viols et d’agressions sexuelles à grande échelle.

    Ces derniers jours, nous avons entendu des informations choquantes faisant état de massacres et de violences sexuelles dans des villages de l’État d’Aj Jazirah, dans l’est du pays. 

    Elle est aussi plongée dans le cauchemar de la faim : plus de 750 000 personnes sont en proie à une insécurité alimentaire catastrophique, et la famine s’installe dans les sites de déplacés du Darfour septentrional, tandis que des millions de personnes luttent chaque jour pour trouver de quoi s’alimenter.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar de la maladie : choléra, paludisme, dengue, rougeole et rubéole se propagent rapidement.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar de l’effondrement des infrastructures : les systèmes de santé essentiels, les réseaux de transport, les systèmes d’assainissement et d’approvisionnement en eau, les filières de ravitaillement et la production agricole sont à l’arrêt.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar des déplacements : nous assistons aujourd’hui à la plus grande crise de déplacement de population au monde, puisque plus de 11 millions de personnes ont fui depuis avril de l’année dernière, dont près de 3 millions ont gagné les pays voisins.

    Elle est plongée dans le cauchemar des conditions météorologiques extrêmes : cet été, près de 600 000 personnes ont été touchées par des pluies torrentielles et des inondations.
    Et une fois encore, le Soudan est en passe de sombrer dans le cauchemar des violences ethniques de masse, notamment dans le contexte de l’escalade tragique des combats à El-Fasher. 

    Madame la Présidente,

    Nous avons appelé maintes fois les deux parties à mettre fin aux hostilités et à s’asseoir à la table des négociations en vue d’apaiser les tensions.

    À l’heure où nous parlons, nous assistons au contraire à une escalade de l’action militaire.

    Dans le même temps, des puissances extérieures jettent de l’huile sur le feu.

    Ce conflit risque fortement de déstabiliser l’ensemble de la région, du Sahel à la mer Rouge en passant par la Corne de l’Afrique. 

    La résolution 2736, adoptée en début d’année, a envoyé un signal fort.

    Il est toutefois nécessaire d’agir sur le terrain.

    Dans cette résolution, le Conseil m’a demandé de formuler des recommandations en faveur de la protection des civils au Soudan, recommandations que je lui ai présentées la semaine dernière.

    Permettez-moi de souligner trois priorités essentielles. 

    Premièrement, les deux parties doivent immédiatement s’entendre sur une cessation des hostilités.

    L’accord qui en résulterait devrait se traduire par des cessez-le-feu locaux et des pauses humanitaires, qui permettraient d’ouvrir de nouvelles pistes de dialogue et de jeter les bases d’un cessez-le-feu global.

    Dans le même temps, les efforts diplomatiques doivent être intensifiés pour, enfin, mettre un terme au conflit – notamment en soutenant la mise en œuvre des engagements pris dans la déclaration de Djeddah.

    Mon Envoyé personnel, Ramtane Lamamra, travaille sans relâche à cette fin.

    Il a réuni les parties à Genève en vue de trouver des moyens d’améliorer l’accès humanitaire et de renforcer la protection des civils au Soudan.

    Il a également participé à la coordination des initiatives de médiation, en collaboration avec les partenaires régionaux, en particulier le Groupe de haut niveau de l’Union africaine. 

    Je demande instamment au Conseil de continuer d’appuyer les travaux de mon Envoyé spécial et d’encourager l’établissement d’un dialogue efficace avec des partenaires régionaux tels que l’Union africaine, l’Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement, la Ligue des États arabes et d’autres acteurs clés. 

    Je salue l’action menée par l’Union africaine et l’IGAD en vue d’instaurer un dialogue politique ouvert à toutes les parties au Soudan, qui offrirait aux populations civiles – y compris aux femmes – une tribune importante pour plaider en faveur de la fin de la guerre et faire entendre leur voix pour un avenir pacifique et démocratique.

    Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point : les civils doivent être protégés.

    Nous avons besoin du soutien de ce Conseil pour protéger les civils, dans le respect des droits humains et du droit international humanitaire et conformément aux engagements que les parties elles-mêmes ont pris dans la Déclaration de Djedda.

    Il incombe au premier chef aux parties au conflit de garantir la protection des civils et de s’asseoir à la table des négociations.

    Je suis horrifié par la poursuite des attaques perpétrées par les Forces d’appui rapide contre des civils à El-Fasher et dans les zones environnantes, où se trouvent des sites de déplacés qui connaissent aujourd’hui une situation de famine.

    Je suis également horrifié par les informations faisant état d’attaques contre les populations civiles commises par des forces affiliées aux Forces armées soudanaises à Khartoum et par les pertes civiles considérables que des frappes aériennes menées semble-t-il sans discrimination continuent de provoquer dans des zones peuplées.

    Les auteurs de violations graves du droit international humanitaire doivent être amenés à répondre de leurs actes.

    Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains doivent disposer de l’espace nécessaire pour documenter ce qui se passe sur le terrain.

    La société civile et les journalistes doivent pouvoir faire leur travail en toute sécurité, sans craindre de subir des persécutions ou d’être la cible d’attaques.

    Le flux direct ou indirect d’armes et de munitions vers le Soudan, qui continue d’alimenter ce conflit, doit cesser immédiatement.

    Diverses voix soudanaises, des organisations de défense des droits humains et d’autres acteurs ont appelé à un renforcement des mesures — y compris sous une certaine forme de force impartiale — pour protéger les civils.

    Ces appels reflètent la gravité et l’urgence de la situation à laquelle sont confrontés les civils dans le pays.

    À l’heure actuelle, les conditions ne sont pas réunies pour permettre le déploiement d’une force des Nations unies chargée de protéger les civils au Soudan.

    Le Secrétariat est prêt à engager le dialogue avec le Conseil et d’autres parties sur l’ensemble des modalités opérationnelles qui peuvent contribuer de manière significative à la réduction de la violence et à la protection des civils.

    Cela pourrait nécessiter de nouvelles approches adaptées aux circonstances difficiles du conflit.

    Troisièmement, l’aide humanitaire doit pouvoir être acheminée.

    Malgré les difficultés persistantes en matière d’accès et de financement, l’ONU et ses partenaires ont apporté une aide humanitaire à près de 12 millions de personnes entre janvier et septembre de cette année.

    Cela va de l’eau potable, des systèmes d’assainissement et des abris, aux soins de santé et à l’éducation, en passant par la nutrition d’urgence. 

    Mais c’est loin d’être suffisant.

    Une grande partie des personnes assistées n’ont pu recevoir de l’aide qu’une seule fois.

    Plusieurs régions où les besoins sont les plus urgents restent totalement inaccessibles.

    Il est impératif de garantir un accès humanitaire rapide, sûr et sans entrave par toutes les voies nécessaires – au-delà des frontières et à travers les lignes de conflit.
     
    La réouverture du poste frontière d’Adré représente une étape importante – et ce poste doit rester ouvert.

    J’exhorte les parties à faire en sorte que davantage d’aide vitale puisse être acheminée vers les zones les plus démunies et par les voies les plus efficaces.

    Nous avons besoin que le personnel humanitaire puisse se déplacer dans tout le pays rapidement et en toute sécurité.

    Et nous avons besoin de fonds.

    Notre appel de fonds pour l’aide humanitaire — à hauteur de 2,7 milliards de dollars — n’est financé qu’à 56 pour cent, et le niveau de financement du Plan régional d’intervention en faveur des réfugiés est encore plus insuffisant.

    J’exhorte les donateurs à accroître leurs contributions et assurer un financement souple.

    Dans le même temps, je rends hommage à l’héroïsme des nombreuses initiatives soudanaises visant à fournir une aide vitale et salvatrice sur le terrain.
    Les plus de 700 salles d’intervention d’urgence au Soudan sont un exemple admirable d’action humanitaire de proximité.

    Par leur engagement, ces femmes et ces hommes nous montrent une autre facette du Soudan – le meilleur de l’humanité, dans un pays qui endure aujourd’hui le pire.

    Leur mobilisation devrait être une source d’inspiration pour nous tous.
     
    Madame la Présidente,

    Comme je l’ai souligné dans le rapport présenté à ce Conseil, il est temps d’agir – d’agir avec détermination – en faveur de la paix pour le peuple soudanais.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am honoured to address this distinguished gathering in the beautiful city of Manila for this pivotal International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security. I thank the government of the Philippines, UN Women, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy for organizing this event.

    Let me take a few moments to express my deepest condolences for the victims of the recent tropical storm that hit the Philippines and a speedy recovery for everyone affected. As we prepare for the next storm, it is now clear that climate change is real with more frequent and intense events.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    We are at a critical juncture in our shared pursuit of peace, security and sustainable development. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, and though we may not know how to tackle them all, there is one thing we know for certain: it is imperative that women are at the core of our solutions.

    Peace and security decision-making is overwhelmingly dominated by men today. 

    And ending impunity for atrocities against women and girls is still but a distant goal.

    The past year has been especially difficult. 

    From Gaza to Sudan, from Lebanon to Ukraine, the toll on women and girls in conflict zones is devastating. Thousands have been killed, injured, and displaced as they endure extreme suffering.

    In Afghanistan, the stark regression of women’s rights underscores the profound impact of their exclusion from governance and society at large.

    Current pushback on gender equality and women’s empowerment is real and in too many spaces. The weaponization of misogyny for political gain exacts a cost that will reverberate for generations—resulting in more conflicts, prolonged conflicts, and more destructive conflicts.

    Just days ago, I had the honor of speaking at the United Nations Security Council in New York during the annual debate on Women, Peace and Security, where over 100 speakers joined in reiterating their calls for women’s increased participation and for stronger measures to protect them from all forms of violence. Yet, the true measure of our efforts unfolds in places far from the halls of the United Nations, in the lived realities of women in conflict zones across the world.   

    The Philippines offers profound insights as the first Asian nation to adopt a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. And as you adapt and expand the Plan to meet the moment and the evolving challenges that come with it, you are demonstrating commendable leadership.

    This leadership is not a step in a new direction for the Philippines, in fact it is set against the backdrop of a dedicated and rich history of women’s leadership at local and national levels, including the election of multiple women as presidents. I ask you to take a moment to consider how remarkable an achievement that is in a world where more than 100 countries have yet to see a woman in their highest office.

    Likewise, the Philippines’ appointment of the world’s first woman chief negotiator for a major peace agreement stands as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive peace processes: achieving a peace agreement in which half of its articles mentioned mechanisms to engage with women in governance and development, protect them against violence, setting an example by ensuring that one third of the people at the peace table were women, which is the minimum target we have set at the United Nations for all peace processes.

    Yet despite these advancements, the global landscape has not caught up.  In 2023, women constituted less than 10 percent of participants in peace negotiations globally. Let’s call this what it is: a significant barrier to achieving lasting peace and equity in the world.

    Where peace is in short supply, there is an outsize impact on the lives of women and girls the world over. Globally, over 170 conflicts were recorded last year impacting 612 million women and girls – a staggering 50 percent increase from a decade ago.

    The implications are dire: the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts has doubled; conflict-related sexual violence has risen by 50 percent, and the number of women and girls forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, and violence has surged by 70 percent since 2018. Meanwhile, every day, 500 women die from pregnancy and birth complications.

    As military spending continues to increase, funding for gender equality continues to go down, with dire implications, not just for women and girls, but for everyone across our societies.    

    Now is the time to reinforce the urgency of our mission. We must pivot our focus from military investments to empowering women peacebuilders, expanding spaces for civil society, and bolstering the roles of women human rights defenders. Our collective action and cooperation must foster a more inclusive, equitable world.  

    Our UN family, whether in peacekeeping or humanitarian operations, or working to find political solutions, advance sustainable development, or protect human rights, will continue to fight for gender equality, peace and security.

    Last week, the Secretary-General launched a Common Pledge calling on governments, regional organizations, mediation actors to commit to join the United Nations in taking concrete steps on women’s participation in all peace processes they are involved in – from appointing women as lead mediators, to ensuring conflict parties advocate for concrete targets and measures that promotes women’s participation. We are deeply thankful for the Philippine’s support to this Common Pledge.

    The UN family is also actively working with governments, civil society, academia, and various other stakeholders to advance women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making through training, advocacy, policy and fundraising to promote gender equality.

    Over the next few days, let us channel our discussions into concrete actions that lead to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, and let us build a world that is not just peaceful for all but for future generations to come.

    Let me end with a quote by a woman who has dedicated her life to advancing the cause of women and girls the world over – Malala Yousafzai – who said; “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women”. End quote.

    To all of you here today, thank you for embodying the spirit of these words. And for your dedicated partnership and commitment to the Women, Peace and Security.

    Let’s get to work.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Hungary Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Zsófia Havasi, the new Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to her appointment to Geneva, Ms. Havasi had been serving as an Advisor in the Office of the seventy-eighth President of the United Nations General Assembly for General Assembly affairs, the budget and the United Nations reform team.  She also served as an Advisor in the Office of the seventy-seventh President of the General Assembly for political affairs, peace and the security team at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    Ms. Havasi was posted at the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Brussels from 2018 to 2022. Before that, she served as head of the secretariat of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary from 2017 to 2018.  She was Cabinet Secretary of the Hungarian National Assembly from 2014 to 2016.  At the beginning of her career, she also held posts in the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Defence of Hungary. 

    Ms. Havasi studied from 2004 to 2009, security and defence policy expert at Zrínyi Miklós National Defense University, Budapest, and from 2009 to 2012, international affairs and studies expert at Kodolányi János University of Applied Sciences, Budapest.  She was born on 31 October 1984. 

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CR24.040E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Launches General Recommendation 40 on the Equal and Inclusive Representation of Women in Decision-Making Systems

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women this morning launched its general recommendation no. 40 on the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems. 

    In opening remarks, Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, congratulated everyone involved in the general recommendation.  The outdated patriarchal system was at the root of many problems faced today.  The power to suppress and silence, to wage war and wreak havoc, was too often wielded by angry egotistical short-sighted men.  Women remained starkly underrepresented in decision-making systems.  General recommendation 40 put forward immediate, concrete recommendations across the board to make gender parity a reality by 2030.  Gender parity could not be partial; it needed to be 50/50. 

    Presenting the general recommendation, Nicole Ameline, Committee Expert, said general recommendation 40 offered an operational, concrete roadmap accessible to all States and would be accompanied by tools, mechanisms and new solutions.  The Committee was counting on States, especially parliaments, civil society and the United Nations system, to build together this necessary transition, without delay. 

    Tania María Abdo Rocholl, Chair of the Human Rights Committee; Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, United Nations Women; and Martin Chungong, Secretary-General, Inter-Parliamentary Union, also gave statements.  Countries and civil society then took to the floor to reiterate their support for general recommendation 40.

    Speaking in the discussion were France, China, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Ireland, Luxembourg, Burkina Faso, Spain, Chile, Italy, Slovenia, Bolivia, Russian Federation, Egypt, Mexico, Norway, Belgium, Benin, Azerbaijan, Cabo Verde, Nepal, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, South Africa, Algeria, Mauritius, Venezuela, Gambia and Colombia.

    Also speaking were: GQUAL Campaign, Women@the table, International Disability Alliance and FUNDACIÓN LEGĀTUM.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s eighty-ninth session is being held from 7 October to 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 5.pm. on Friday, 25 October to close its eighty-ninth session. 

    Introductory Statements

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chairperson, said today would go down in history.  Today there would be roadmap to begin securing the principle of parity as a universal principle to manage and lead the world. 

    VOLKER TÜRK, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, congratulated everyone involved in the general recommendation.  The conflict, deepening inequality, and the destruction of the planet begged the question of how to build a more peaceful tomorrow when today was violent and full of turmoil.  The outdated patriarchal system was at the root of many problems faced today.  The power to suppress and silence, to wage war and wreak havoc, was too often wielded by angry egotistical short-sighted men.  Women remained starkly underrepresented in decision-making systems.  This was a grave paradox and so this important general comment needed to be a milestone. 

    While there had been some progress in gender parity, it came at a very slow pace.  Gender parity was a human right.  The rights of women in all their diversity were non-negotiable.  Gender parity was transformative and unlocked capacities to innovate and be creative.  Women were agents of peace.  Their full participation in society helped to prevent conflict.  It was beyond time for women to take their rightful place at all the important tables.  Gender equality needed to be built into the algorithms which ruled today’s digital lives.  General recommendation 40 put forward immediate, concrete recommendations across the board to make gender parity a reality by 2030.  Gender parity could not be partial; it needed to be 50/50.  Achieving true gender parity meant the deeply entrenched patriarchal structures needed to be dismantled.  This could involve Constitutional amendments, legal reforms, national action plans, and temporary special measures.  Regimes which amounted to gender apartheid needed to be denounced. 

    NICOLE AMELINE, Committee Expert, said general recommendation 40 was designed by the Committee within the framework of its mandate, and was part of the urgency of our time, characterised by disruptive developments that were changing systems, and which needed to lead to a radical revision of decision-making systems.  Only a systemic, comprehensive and inclusive approach based on 50/50 parity as a principle of governance could ensure the respect of this fundamental right and the progress of societies.  At a time when the escalation of conflicts, crises and tensions were severely impacting women’s rights, when the digital transition was reinventing organizational systems, when the climate transition was affecting living conditions, the only response to these challenges was in collective intelligence and parity that associated women at all levels and in an inclusive way in the decision-making system. 

    Only a global movement could ensure the necessary paradigm shift.  General recommendation 40 offered an operational, concrete roadmap accessible to all States and would be accompanied by tools, mechanisms and new solutions. The Committee was counting on States, especially parliaments, civil society and the United Nations system to build together this necessary transition, without delay.  Ms. Ameline thanked all those who had been involved in the launch. 

    TANIA MARÍA ABDO ROCHOLL, Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, underscored the importance of a cross-cutting approach when it came to the general recommendation.  General recommendation 40 was a specific call to action to ensure equal access and power in decision-making.  The recommendation was a gift that the Committee had given to all women in the world. 

    NYARADZAYI GUMBONZVANDA, Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, United Nations Women, congratulated the Committee for the recommendation.  United Nations Women had supported the drafting process during the five regional consultation meetings.  General recommendation 40 was a visionary parity roadmap envisaging steps that States needed to take to reach parity at all levels.  This should inspire everyone to push forward and commit to making gender equality a reality. 

    MARTIN CHUNGONG, Secretary-General, Inter-Parliamentary Union, said the launch of general recommendation 40 was a milestone which marked the beginning of a new chapter for women’s leadership.  The adoption of the new recommendation came at a time of political polarisation and multiple crises.  Women’s representation in parliaments had steadily improved, reaching 27 per cent, but there was still much work to do.  Violence against women in politics was an abhorrent phenomenon.  As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence reshaped decision-making, it was important that women had a place at the table. 

    Discussion

    In the discussion, speakers among other things said today was a truly historic day and congratulated the Committee for the adoption of the general recommendation.  The recommendation came at a time when the world was facing challenges which called for equal representation of women and men.  Speakers reiterated their support to the recommendation.  Parity and a participatory approach were vital in decision-making.  Many speakers reaffirmed their commitment to equality in all its forms and to parity in parliaments, including increasing funding to women-led organizations. 

    In the face of the many global challenges that the world was confronting today, it was clear that current governance systems needed to be revised to ensure that women’s voices were at the forefront of decision-making processes at every level.  Many speakers emphasised that they fully shared the Committee’s recommendation on the importance of ensuring the equal participation of women and girls in decision-making on emerging issues, such as new digital technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as on climate action.  Ensuring all women and girls’ full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making processes was necessary to develop climate policies that were inclusive, fair and sustainable.  Women needed to be equal users of technology and equal architects of the networks which shaped the future.  To achieve and sustain a well-functioning democracy, women’s political participation was a prerequisite.

    While the world had come a long way in the last century, progress remained slow.  At the outset, decision-making spheres were unfortunately influenced by traditional rules built around the patriarchal system, as well as by the almost instinctive precedence of men over women.  The major challenges in terms of equality and inclusion in decision-making faced by many countries remained that of the fight against harmful traditional practices and the neutrality of the legal framework. 

    Despite being powerful agents of change, women were underrepresented in decision-making at all levels, especially those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.

    States were urged to take bold, concrete steps to close gender gaps, both nationally and within the United Nations system.  This included advocating for initiatives like appointing the first-ever female Secretary-General of the United Nations, and ensuring gender parity in leadership positions, such as the Presidency of the General Assembly.  These were vital steps to create an inclusive global governance framework that delivered for all.

    One speaker noted that 50/50 parity was counterproductive.  What was done in such countries where women were more than 50 per cent in parliament? If countries were just working with figures, they would not achieve the necessary results.  The general recommendation was the view of experts and did not impose additional obligations on States.

    Another speaker said the adoption of the general recommendation was on the eve of the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.  This provided an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the significant challenges which remained when addressing gender equality.  Special temporary measures were still needed to achieve equality in economic sectors and in decision making.

    Speakers underscored that ensuring equal and inclusive representation of women was not only essential for progress but also a moral imperative and an international obligation.  The systemic exclusion of women from decision-making processes robbed the world of the potential of half its population.  General recommendation 40 provided critical guidance for States to address this imbalance and ensured equal representation in both the public and private sectors.

    Concluding Remarks 

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chairperson, thanked everyone who had contributed to the launch of general recommendation 40.  She encouraged everyone to spread the word and assist the Committee and States in its implementation.  Ms. Peláez Narváez thanked Committee Expert Nicole Ameline for her contributions and important legacy. 

    ________

    CEDAW.24.033E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

    English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Holds Informal Meeting with States Parties

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women this morning held an informal meeting with States parties.

    Committee Experts briefed States parties on the Committee’s work on individual communications; gender-based violence against women; the women, peace and security agenda; and the strengthening and harmonisation of working methods. 

    The Russian Federation, Finland, Chile, China and Spain took the floor to make comments and ask questions. 

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s eighty-ninth session is being held from 7 October to 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 25 October to launch its general recommendation 40 on the equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems. 

    Statements by Committee Experts

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chairperson, said the meeting today aimed to provide Member States with information about the work that the Committee had carried out over the past two years, and work for the future.  Over the past two years, the Committee had held constructive dialogues with around 25 States every year.  There were currently 37 States pending review.  Regrettably, due to the liquidity crisis, one of the pre-sessional meetings of the Committee was cancelled, which meant some delays.  Thirteen States had chosen not to abide by the simplified reporting procedure. 

    The Committee had pursued its work in considering all the communications submitted to the working group on communications.  In 2023, the Committee registered 19 cases, adopting 12 decisions and determining rights violations in six of those cases.  The Committee had approved a confidential inquiry on the right to abortion, which was published this year.  Last year, the Committee paid a confidential visit to a State party regarding the kidnapping of girls by armed groups. 

    It was regretful that the meetings of the working groups had been reduced due to the liquidity crisis.  Today, the Committee would launch a general recommendation which guaranteed parity in participation. During the next session, the Committee would hold a half day debate with States parties to address the upcoming general recommendation.  Ms. Peláez Narváez appealed to Member States for additional funding to carry out the Committee’s work, particularly in the case of general recommendation 41. 

    The Committee co-chaired the Platform of Independent Expert Mechanisms on Discrimination and Violence against Women which coordinated mechanisms relating to violence against women.  A document would be developed and made available to Member States.  Despite setbacks, the Committee continued to carry out its work.  Member States were urged to support the use of a predictable review calendar, with a view to strengthening the treaty body system.  The Committee was requesting resources to implement these proposals. 

    MARION BETHEL, Committee Vice Chair, said the working group on gender-based violence was formed in 2021.  The work of the working group focused on using the Convention framework jurisprudence, based on the Committee’s concluding observations, communications, views and inquiry findings, as a tool to address norms that influenced legislation, policies and programmes around gender-based violence.  The working group held States parties responsible for preventing, investigating and prosecuting cases of gender-based violence.  During dialogues, States were urged to implement the necessary political will to address gender-based violence. 

    The Working Group had also produced a paper which underscored the adequacy of the Convention framework as the mechanism for addressing gender-based violence against women, which highlighted the pressing need for better implementation of the existing framework of the Convention.  Through the general recommendation 40, the Committee stressed that gender-based violence against women was the result of an unequal and discriminatory system, based on the structural domination and exclusion of women.  The Committee urged States parties to adopt a comprehensive approach and implement all rights under the Convention, including institutionalising parity, as the key safeguard against gender-based violence. 

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN, Committee Expert, said emerging technologies made cyberspace a place for committing different forms of violence.  Instruments to deal with cyber violence were currently limited, including the Budapest Convention 2004, among others.  Currently, around 80 per cent of United Nations Member States had an international law discussing cybercrime.  However, there was no universally accepted definition for online violence which specifically targeted women and recognised their vulnerability.  Therefore, the Committee’s work focused on legal governance, including the new global convention which failed to address certain components of the Convention.  The Committee was engaging in activities which would address cybercrime and violence.   

    BANDANA RANA, Committee Expert, said the Committee continued to be deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, where the denial to women and girls of education, employment, restrictions on movement, and presence in public spaces constituted grave violations of the Convention.  In January 2022 the Committee requested information from the de facto authorities on measures for the prevention of gender-based violence and the curtailment of rights in all sectors.  In their response, the de facto authorities claimed substantial improvements in the status and rights of women, which starkly contradicted with the increase in the abuses reported on the ground. 

    In discussions with Afghan civil society, organizations urged the Committee to continue engagement using the full potential of the Convention mechanism for advancing accountability.  In this regard, the Committee had initiated discussion and preparation for considering the fourth periodic report of Afghanistan.  The Committee called on all stakeholders to engage in the process for safeguarding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan as enshrined in the Convention.

    RANGITA DE SILVA DE ALWIS, Committee Expert, said the Committee was concerned that women’s voices were still missing from key security forums. The women, peace and security agenda had transformed, as had the Committee’s ways of implementing it. Women’s minds were battlegrounds for power and control, especially in the context of an institutionalised ban of women’s education under the Taliban.  The Committee had also raised the alarm on food insecurity in Gaza. The next 25 years would range new challenges, where women were required to lead urgent responses to crisis prevention. 

    HIROKO AKIZUKI, Committee Expert, said in 2022, the Committee made a significant decision to endorse the proposal of the annual meeting of the Chairpersons of the human rights treaty bodies to implement a predictable 8-year reporting calendar once operationalised, which would include follow-up reviews in between.  In October 2023, the Committee amended its rules of procedure to introduce a new rule, allowing for the examination of State party reports in the absence of their representatives.  To promote more effective and constructive dialogues, the Committee decided to identify five to 10 priority themes for discussion, which were communicated to the State party two days in advance of the dialogue.  In May 2024, the Committee accepted an invitation from the South Pacific Community to organise a technical cooperation event in Fiji in 2025, during which the Committee planned to engage with three States parties from the region. The concluding observations would be adopted at the subsequent formal session of the Committee in Geneva.  

    Questions and Comments by States Parties

    Russian Federation took note of the work of the Committee to consider individual reports to parties of the Convention.  The problem of violence against women was a topical issue.  The Committee was called on to use clearer wording in this regard.  The item on the agenda of the Security Council on women, peace and security had nothing to do with the Convention.  There was a disproportionate use of time within the Committee’s sessions.  The consideration of individual communications led to delays in considering States parties reports.  Considering reports in the absence of a delegation was counterproductive.

    Finland said the treaty bodies contributed to the scope of human rights law. The Committee’s work on gender-based violence was important, as was the women, peace and security agenda.  Had any measures been taken to establish a more structured follow-up procedure to individual communications? 

    Chile said it was aware of the Convention’s importance and reiterated strong support to the Convention and its principles, including the Optional Protocol.  The Committee had made significant progress in combatting gender-based violence.  Violence against women and girls was one of the most flagrant violations of human rights, rooted in gender stereotypes.  Chile had developed a policy to combat gender-based violence, which took the Committee’s recommendations into account.  Chile was seriously concerned by the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.  The State would work tirelessly to implement the principles of the Convention. 

    China said it would continue to support the Committee’s critical role in strengthening human rights globally.  Nearly 30 years ago, the fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing.  Over the past three decades, the spirit of the Beijing Declaration had been upheld and the social status of women had been significantly enhanced.  At the recent conclusion of the Human Rights Council’s fifty-seventh session, China and other countries sponsored a resolution to mark the Declaration’s thirtieth anniversary, which was unanimously adopted.  Treaty bodies should hold extensive consultation with States parties regarding their working methods.   

    Spain said it supported streamlining and coordinating procedures and was concerned at the impact of the liquidity crisis on the Committee’s work. 

    Responses by the Committee Experts

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Expert, said there was no structured follow-up procedure as such for communications.  There was an inter-committee focused on this issue.  It was hoped this issue would be resolved shortly.  The issue of the financial crisis had greatly impacted the Committee’s work. 

    HIROKO AKIZUKI, Committee Expert, said the participation of State party representatives in person was very important and effective for the dialogue.  Once the eight-year cycle was operational, the country list would be published.  Countries should be ready to come to Geneva to speak with the Committee. 

    BANDANA RANA, Committee Expert, said the Committee’s general recommendation 30 on women in conflict situations and peacebuilding provided a mechanism to assess and recommend stronger measures for addressing the rights of women in conflict and post conflict. 

    RANGITA DE SILVA DE ALWIS, Committee Expert, said the women, peace and security agenda was built on four pillars.  Unfortunately, the pillar on prevention of conflict had not been given the same emphasis as the protection of women during the aftermath of conflict.  The women, peace and security agenda’s main goal was to create a geopolitical situation to address the ways that women’s leadership could strengthen the agenda and general recommendation 30. 

    MARION BETHEL, Vice Chair, said a paper had been published on the Committee’s website which illustrated the adequacy of the Convention in addressing gender-based violence as a form of gender discrimination.  It was important to implement legislation, policies and programmes to prevent gender-based violence, as well as carry out investigations into cases and provide reparations for victims.  The document served as a guidance tool for States parties to incorporate into their legislation. 

    In concluding remarks, ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chairperson, thanked everyone for their participation in the dialogue.  The meeting had been important to address concerns raised by Members States. 

    ___________

    CEDAW.24.032E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

    English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PM defends Fiji’s UN ‘ambush’ vote – challenged by human rights advocate

    Pacific Media Watch

    Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has “cleared the air” with the Fijian diaspora in Samoa over Fiji’s vote against the United Nations resolution on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People.

    He denied that Fiji — the only country to vote against the resolution — had “pressed the wrong button”.

    And he described last week’s vote as an “ambush resolution”, claiming it was not the one they had agreed on during the voting of the UN Special Committee of Decolonisation, reports The Fiji Times.

    However, a prominent Fiji civil society and human rights advocate condemned his statement and also Fiji’s UN voting.

    Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) coordinator Shamima Ali said she was “ashamed” of Fiji’s stance over genocide in Palestine, its vote against ceasefire and “not wanting decolonisation”.

    In Apia, Rabuka, who leaves for Kanaky New Caledonia on Sunday to take part in the Pacific Islands Forum’s “Troika Plus” talks on the French Pacific’s territory amid indigenous demands for independence, told The Fiji Times:

    “We will not tell them we pressed the wrong button. We will tell them that the resolution was an ambush resolution, it is not something that we have been talking about.”

    ‘Serious student of colonisation’
    The Prime Minister said he had been a “serious student of colonisation and decolonisation”.

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka . . . “We will not tell them we pressed the wrong button.” Image: Fiji Times

    “They started with the C-12, but now it’s C-24 members of the [UN] committee that talks about decolonisation.

    “I was wondering if anyone would complain about my going [to Kanaky New Caledonia] next week because C-24 met last week and there was a vote on decolonisation.”

    According to an RNZ Pacific interview, Rabuka had told the Kanak independence movement:”Don’t slap the hand that has fed you.”

    Fiji was the only country that voted against the UN resolution while 99 voted for the resolution and 61 countries, including colonisers such as France, United Kingdom and the United States, abstained.

    Another coloniser, Indonesia (West Papua), voted for it.

    “I thought the [indigenous] people of the Kanaky of New Caledonia would object to my coming, so far we have not heard anything from them.

    “So, I am hoping that no one will bring that up, but if they do bring it up, we have a perfect answer.”

    Fiji human rights advocate Shamima Ali . . . “We are ashamed of having a government that supports an occupation.” Image: FWCC/FB

    Human rights advocate Shamima Ali said in a statement on social media it was “unbelievable” that Prime Minister Rabuka claimed to be “a serious student of colonisation and decolonisation” while leading a government that had been “blatantly complicit in the genocide of innocent Palestinians”.

    “No amount of public statements and explanations will save this Coalition government from the mess it has created on the international stage, especially at the United Nations.

    “We are ashamed of having a government that supports an occupation, votes against a ceasefire and does not want decolonisation in the world.

    “Trust between the Fijian people and their government is being eroded, especially on matters of global significance that reflect on the entire nation.”

    According to the government, Fiji is one of two Pacific countries which are members of the Special Committee on Decolonisation or C-24 and have been a consistent voice in addressing the issue of decolonisation.

    Through the C-24 and the Fourth Committee, Fiji aligns with the positions undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), in its support for the annual resolution on decolonisation entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”.

    Government reiterated its support of the regional position of the Forum, and the MSG on decolonisation and self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

    The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York, led by Filipo Tarakinikini, is working with the Forum Secretariat to clarify the matter within its process.

    Rabuka is currently in Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is being held in the Pacific for the first time.

    The UN decolonisation declaration vote on 17 October 2024 . . . Fiji was the only country that voted against it. Image: UN

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    On the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, the Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

    The Secretary-General reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. He further underlined United Nations support for peace, in line with the remarks he delivered at the BRICS summit. **

    The Secretary-General expressed his belief that establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is of paramount importance for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and for the world’s food and energy security. He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard and expresses his deep appreciation for the work being done by Türkiye. 
     
    The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the situation in the Middle East, in particular the absolute need for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the need to avoid a further regional escalation.

    The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the questions of development and the international financial system.

    ** From the Secretary-General’s BRICS remarks: “A just peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.”
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Prabowo takes power as Indonesian military set up new battalions – what now for West Papuans?

    ANALYSIS: By Ali Mirin

    In the lead up to the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto last Sunday, Indonesia established five “Vulnerable Area Buffer Infantry Battalions” in key regions across West Papua — a move described by Indonesian Army Chief-of-Staff Maruli Simanjuntak as a “strategic initiative” by the new leader.

    The battalions are based in the Keerom, Sarmi, Boven Digoel, Merauke and Sorong regencies, and their aim is to “enhance security” in Papua, and also to strengthen Indonesia’s military presence in response to long-standing unrest and conflict, partly related to independence movements and local resistance.

    According to Armed Forces chief General Agus Subiyanto, “the main goal of the new battalions is to assist the government in accelerating development and improving the prosperity of the Papuan people”.

    However, this raises concerns about further militarisation and repression of a region already plagued by long-running violence and human rights abuses in the context of the movement for a free and independent West Papua.

    Thousands of Indonesian soldiers have been stationed in areas impacted by violence, including Star Mountain, Nduga, Yahukimo, Maybrat, Intan Jaya, Puncak and Puncak Jaya.

    As a result, the situation in West Papua is becoming increasingly difficult for indigenous people.

    Extrajudicial killings in Papua go unreported or are only vaguely known about internationally. Those who are aware of these either disregard them or accept them as an “unavoidable consequence” of civil unrest in what Indonesia refers to as its most eastern provinces — the “troubled regions”.

    Why do the United Nations, Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the international community stay silent?

    While the Indonesian government frames this move as a strategy to enhance security and promote development, it risks exacerbating long-standing tensions in a region with deep-seated conflicts over autonomy and independence and the impacts of extractive industries and agribusiness on West Papuan people and their environment.

    Exploitative land theft
    The Centre for Climate Crime and Climate Justice, in collaboration with various international and Indonesian human and environmental rights organisations, presented testimony at the public hearings of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) at Queen Mary University of London, in June.

    The tribunal heard testimonies relating to a range of violations by Indonesia. A key issue, highlighted was the theft of indigenous Papuan land by the Indonesian government and foreign corporations in connection to extractive industries such as mining, logging and palm oil plantations.

    The appropriation of traditional lands without the consent of the Papuan people violates their right to land and self-determination, leading to environmental degradation, loss of livelihood, and displacement of Indigenous communities.

    The tribunal’s judgment underscores how the influx of non-Papuan settlers and the Indonesian government’s policies have led to the marginalisation of Papuan culture and identity. The demographic shift due to transmigration programmes has significantly reduced the proportion of Indigenous Papuans in their own land.

    Moreover, a rise in militarisation in West Papua has often led to heightened repression, with potential human rights violations, forced displacement and further marginalisation of the indigenous communities.

    The decision to station additional military forces in West Papua, especially in conflict-prone areas like Nduga, Yahukimo and Intan Jaya, reflects a continuation of Indonesia’s militarised approach to governance in the region.

    Indonesian security forces . . . “the main goal of the new battalions is to assist the government in accelerating development and improving the prosperity of the Papuan people,” says Armed Forces chief General Agus Subiyanto. Image: Antara

    Security pact
    The Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) was signed by the two countries in 2010 but only came into effect this year after the PNG Parliament ratified it in late February.

    Indonesia ratified the pact in 2012.

    As reported by Asia Pacific Report, PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and Indonesia’s ambassador to PNG, Andriana Supandy, said the DCA enabled an enhancement of military operations between the two countries, with a specific focus on strengthening patrols along the PNG-West Papua border.

    This will have a significant impact on civilian communities in the areas of conflict and along the border. Indigenous people in particular, are facing the threat of military takeovers of their lands and traditional border lines.

    Under the DCA, the joint militaries plan to employ technology, including military drones, to monitor and manage local residents’ every move along the border.

    Human rights
    Prabowo, Defence Minister prior to being elected President, has a controversial track record on human rights — especially in the 1990s, during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor.

    His involvement in military operations in West Papua adds to fears that the new battalions may be used for oppressive measures, including crackdowns on dissent and pro-independence movements.

    As indigenous communities continue to be marginalised, their calls for self-determination and independence may grow louder, risking further conflict in the region.

    Without substantial changes in the Indonesian government’s approach to West Papua, including addressing human rights abuses and engaging in meaningful dialogue with indigenous leaders, the future of West Papuans remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.

    With ongoing military operations often accused of targeting indigenous populations, the likelihood of further human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and forced displacement, remains high.

    Displacement
    Military operations in West Papua frequently result in the displacement of indigenous Papuans, as they flee conflict zones.

    The presence of more battalions could drive more communities from their homes, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region. Indigenous peoples, who rely on their land for survival, face disruption of their traditional livelihoods and rising poverty.

    The Indonesian government launched the Damai Cartenz military operation on April 5, 2018, and it is still in place in the conflict zones of Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga and Intan Jaya.

    Since then, according to a September 24 Human Rights Monitor update, more than 79,867 West Papuans remain internally displaced.

    The displacement, killings, shootings, abuses, tortures and deaths are merely the tip of the iceberg of what truly occurs within the tightly-controlled military operational zones across West Papua, according to Benny Wenda, a UK-based leader of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP).

    The international community, particularly the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum have been criticised for remaining largely silent on the matter. Responding to the August 31 PIF communique reaffirming its 2019 call for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua, Wenda said:

    “[N]ow is the time for Indonesia to finally let the world see what is happening in our land. They cannot hide their dirty secret any longer.”

    Increased global attention and intervention is crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis, preventing further escalations and supporting the rights and well-being of the West Papuans.

    Without meaningful dialogue, the long-term consequences for the indigenous population may be severe, risking further violence and unrest in the region.

    As Prabowo was sworn in, Wenda restated the ULMWP’s demand for an internationally-mediated referendum on independence, saying: “The continued violation of our self-determination is the root cause of the West Papua conflict.”

    Ali Mirin is a West Papuan academic from the Kimyal tribe of the highlands bordering the Star Mountain region of Papua New Guinea. He is a contributor to Asia Pacific Report and Green Left in Australia.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –