Category: United Nations

MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP calls for urgent access to preposition food in Sudan as rainy season risks cutting off roads to starving
Source: World Food Programme

Photo: WFP/Abubakar Garelnabei. WFP distributes emergency assistance to people who are seeking refuge in Osma Degna School in Port Sudan after conflict spilled over into Gezira State.

Photo credit

PORT SUDAN, Sudan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is urgently calling for unimpeded access to immediately preposition food assistance across key locations in Sudan, as deliberate obstruction by parties on the ground and the approaching rainy season threaten to render vast areas of the country inaccessible by road. Without swift action, WFP warns that millions of vulnerable people could be cut off from life-saving aid, placing fragile humanitarian gains at serious risk.

Below is an update on the food security and WFP operations in Sudan.

Food SecuritySituation
- Two years of war has turned Sudan into the world’s largest hunger catastrophe and famine is spreading.
- Nearly half the population – 24.6 million people – faces acute hunger. Some 638,000 people face catastrophic hunger (IPC5) – the highest number globally.
- Famine is confirmed in 10 locations – eight in North Darfur (including Zamzam Camp) and two in the Western Nuba Mountains. It was first confirmed in Zamzam camp in August 2024.
- Another 17 areas – including areas of North, South and East Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, Khartoum, and Gezira – are at risk of famine.
- In the hardest-hit areas, one in three children are acutely malnourished, surpassing famine thresholds.
WFP Operations
- WFP is providing food and nutrition assistance to over three million people each month and is pushing to expand this to seven million people per month by mid-year.
- The organization managed to deliver food assistance in recent months to previously cut-off areas including in greater Khartoum, Gezira State, Darfur and the Kordofan regions, some of which had not received any food since the start of the war.
- WFP assistance helped to reduce the risk of famine in six areas in Central Darfur and two areas in West Darfur – where nearly 1 million people have received regular WFP food or cash aid since June 2024.
- Over 30,000 metric tons of food assistance were transported into Darfur via the reopened Adre border crossing since August 2024, but families are still facing emergency levels of hunger.
- WFP is working to pre-position food supplies, which requires more storage capacity in key locations across Darfur to reach famine or famine-risk communities faster.
Access Challenges
- Access remains the biggest challenge to humanitarian operations which are being deliberately obstructed by parties to the conflict.
- WFP is urgently calling for access to be able to preposition food assistance in locations across the country, particularly in Darfur. Many routes will become impassable during the rainy season and communities will be cut off.
- Ongoing fighting in and around El Fasher is restricting access and endangering humanitarians. In February, WFP was forced to suspend operations in Zamzam IDP Camp due to more violence. We are working with partners to resume as soon as possible.
- Bureaucratic delays, extortion, and the denial of movement for humanitarian staff continue to cripple the response.
Regional Impact
- Over a million people have fled to South Sudan since the Sudan war began. WFP provides new arrivals in South Sudan fortified biscuits or hot meals, a one-time food or cash ration, and nutrition support for children and mothers at border areas.
- Chad hosts almost one million refugees and returnees from Sudan since the start of fighting two years ago and WFP has assisted 1 million refugees, returnees, and hosts since the civil conflict in Sudan began.
Funding:
- WFP urgently needs $650 million to continue operations in Sudan for the next six months.
- The organization is asking for flexible funding, which is extremely critical in a complex and ever-changing operational environment like Sudan, so that WFP can quickly adapt to changing dynamics on the ground.
Package of photos available here.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_africa @wfp_sudan

MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message for the Opening of the G7+ Ministerial Meeting

Source: United Nations secretary general

Download the video:
https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+26+Mar+25/3355319_MSG+SG+G7+MINISTERIAL+MTG+26+MAR+25.mp4

Excellencies,

I am pleased to convey my heartfelt greetings to the g7+ Ministerial meeting as you mark your 15th anniversary in Dili – where your inspiring journey began.

This city, like many of your countries, symbolizes both the wounds of conflict and the strength and resolve it takes to overcome them – and I was deeply moved by your wonderful hospitality as we marked the 25th anniversary of the independence referendum last year.

Your people understand better than most the heavy cost of fragility – and the daily work of rebuilding lives with dignity and hope.

Your organization was born from that spirit of resilience and purpose – and the shared recognition that lasting peace is the foundation of progress.

Over the years, you have championed cooperation, solidarity, and country-led solutions.

You have also made a difference at the global level – including through your leadership in helping to secure Sustainable Development Goal 16 – on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Yet, fragilities are deepening around the world.

Protracted conflicts, widening inequalities, and a raging climate crisis are fueling displacement and instability – with your nations often bearing the heaviest burden, despite contributing least to these crises.

These plights cannot be ignored.

The world cannot let your calls go unanswered.

We need solidarity for solutions – and that is the spirit of the Pact for the Future that you helped shape.

The Pact charts a course to reform peace and security cooperation – prioritizing conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding.

It seeks to strengthen coordination, including South-South cooperation, to develop innovative approaches, and expand opportunities for women and young people.

The Pact also calls for reform of the global financial architecture through:

Bigger and bolder Multilateral Development Banks;

Effective debt relief for fragile economies;

An annual SDG Stimulus of $500 billion;

And better access to concessional finance – recognizing vulnerabilities through the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

We must push the world to deliver on those commitments – including at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in June.

And we must push for climate justice.

Many of you are on the frontlines – watching as rising seas and extreme weather threaten lives and livelihoods.

As we prepare for COP30, we need to see countries turn promises into action.

Developed countries must scale-up adaptation finance. We need meaningful contributions to the Fund for loss and damage. And we need confidence the $1.3 trillion will be delivered.

Excellencies,

Your journey over the past fifteen years shows us that solidarity is a common responsibility.

As we work to tackle global challenges and implement the Pact for the Future, your voices will be vital – to strengthen multilateralism, prevent conflict, and forge a future of dignity and sustainable development for all.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Myanmar: UN seeks additional $240 million to bolster earthquake relief

Source: United Nations 2-b

By Vibhu Mishra

10 April 2025 Humanitarian Aid

The United Nations is ramping up its response to Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, calling for increased funding and an immediate ceasefire to ensure more aid reaches those in desperate need.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake – which struck on March 28 – has claimed over 3,600 lives, injured a further 4,800 people and left 184 still missing.

The disaster has affected more than nine million people across 58 townships, with thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, reduced to rubble. Aftershocks continue to rattle the hardest-hit regions, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

In response, UN agencies are calling for an additional $241.6 million to aid those in the most affected regions, while also channelling $134 million from the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Myanmar – which was released in December 2024.

The revised plan identifies around two million newly affected people in urgent need of assistance, adding to the 4.3 million who were already in need before the quake.

Myanmar was already in crisis before the disaster, with nearly 20 million – roughly a third of the population – in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, amid a brutal civil war between the forces of the military junta which seized power in February 2021 and opposition militias.

Heartbreaking destruction

During a visit to Myanmar, UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop met with communities devastated by the quake and urged international support for both immediate relief and long-term reconstruction.

She reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire to enable humanitarian response and recovery.

“We need to continue to urge for a ceasefire, to stop the killing, stop the conflict so that the humanitarian workers, the search and rescue teams and those involved in rebuilding and reconstruction have the space to operate safely and securely,” she said.

Ms. Bishop described the destruction as “heartbreaking” and praised the resilience of survivors.

“I was particularly struck by those who have lost their homes but are determined to rebuild amid the rubble,” she said, stressing the need for global support.

“The international community has a significant role to play in supporting additional funding during this particular time of need but also using their influence to ensure…that all actors in this conflict put down their arms and focus their efforts on restoring the shattered lives of the people of Myanmar.”

Response overwhelmed

UN agencies report that Myanmar’s vital public services, already strained by conflict and instability, are now overwhelmed.

Myanmar’s remaining health facilities have critical shortages of medical supplies, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a humanitarian bulletin.

More than 193 healthcare centres and 2,311 schools have been damaged or destroyed, while ongoing infrastructure failures have led to food shortages, rising prices, and an increased risk of infectious diseases.

A cluster of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) cases has already been reported in Sagaing and Mandalay, exacerbated by the destruction of sanitation systems.

Furthermore, extreme heat – reaching 44°C (111°F) – and heavy, off-season rains have worsened conditions for survivors, many of whom remain without shelter.

Fragile infrastructure exposed

The earthquake has also reignited concerns about Myanmar’s fragile infrastructure.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) warned that rebuilding roads, bridges and key public buildings must be prioritised to prevent future disasters inflicting a similar level of damage.

“This is not optional – it is a social and economic imperative,” the commission said.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Bombardment, deprivation and displacement continue in Gaza

Source: United Nations 2

10 April 2025 Humanitarian Aid

Hostilities across the Gaza Strip continue to take a devastating toll on the population, with daily reports of Israeli strikes killing and injuring many civilians, UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Thursday.

OCHA said dozens of people, including at least eight children, were killed in Gaza City on Wednesday after an Israeli strike hit a residential building. Many others are still missing under the rubble.

The agency stressed that civilians must be protected and should never be a target.

Medical evacuations and displacement orders

Israel’s total blockade on all commercial and lifesaving relief supplies remains in place, though the World Health Organization (WHO) pointed to some good news as 18 Gazans were medically evacuated for specialized treatment abroad.

The patients along with nearly 30 companions headed for Norway, Malta, Luxembourg and Romania via the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Wednesday.

WHO noted, however, that some 12,500 patients in the enclave still need to be evacuated.

Access to healthcare facilities has been impacted by displacement orders issued by the Israeli military and the safety of healthcare workers remains at risk.

At least two medical professionals were reported killed as they left their health facility in Gaza City on Monday, according to OCHA.

Today, 12 out of 17 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are partially functional and there is only one field hospital.

Blockade’s devastating impacts

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dire health conditions in a media briefing on Thursday.

He said the blockade, which took effect on 2 March, has prevented the entry of all food and medicine. Additionally, 75 per cent of UN missions within Gaza over the past week were denied or impeded.

“This blockade is leaving families hungry, malnourished, without clean water, shelter, and adequate healthcare, and increasing the risk of disease and death,” he said, speaking from WHO Headquarters in Geneva.

He noted that during the recent “precious ceasefire” WHO was able to re-supply the Gaza health system as well as its warehouses. Stocks are now dangerously low and will run out within two to four weeks.

Healthcare under attack

Tedros said that “180,000 doses of routine childhood vaccines – enough to fully protect 60,000 children under the age of two – have not been allowed to enter, leaving newborns and young children at risk.”

Furthermore, it is estimated that since the ceasefire collapsed, almost 1,500 people have been killed, including 500 children, and almost 400,000 people have been displaced again.

“The health system is only functioning partially and is overwhelmed. Meanwhile, healthcare continues to be attacked,” Tedros said, recalling that more than 400 humanitarians have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023, following the deadly Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel.

Looting on the rise

As supplies inside the Gaza Strip near exhaustion and the situation becomes increasingly dire, there has been an increase in looting in recent days, OCHA said.

Several incidents were reported in Rafah, and Deir Al-Balah, and Al Zawaida earlier this week.

OCHA once again reiterated the urgency of re-opening crossings to allow the entry of critical supplies. 

Children going hungry

Currently, more than 60,000 children are reportedly suffering from malnutrition at a time when community kitchens are rapidly running out of fuel and supplies.   

Humanitarian partners are also warning of acute water shortages in shelters hosting displaced people.

“The loss of water – together with the lack of cleaning supplies and cohabitation with livestock – are having a dire public health impact. In March, more than one third of households in Gaza experienced lice infestations,” OCHA said.

This week, humanitarian partners also identified more than a dozen unaccompanied and separated children and are doing everything possible to reunite them with their families.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: WHO warns of severe disruptions to health services amid funding cuts
Source: United Nations 2

10 April 2025 Health

Recent funding cuts have caused “severe disruptions” to health services in almost three-quarters of all countries, according to the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Speaking on Thursday at a press conference in Geneva, Tedros said that in around 25 per cent of countries, some health facilities have had to close completely due to cuts, according to figures from more than 100 countries compiled by WHO.

Severe disruptions

Out-of-pocket payments for health services have led to disruptions to the supply of medicines and other health products, as well as rising job losses in the healthcare sector.

As a result, “countries are revising budgets, cutting costs and strengthening fundraising and partnerships,” said the UN health agency chief.

From aid dependency to self-reliance

Having to revise budgets, cut costs and strengthen partnerships and fundraising, some countries are relying on WHO’s support to transition away from aid dependency towards sustainable self-reliance.

“We are now supporting countries to accelerate that transition,” said Tedros, citing examples of countries such as South Africa and Kenya, who are successfully working towards averting the health impacts of sudden and unplanned cuts.

WHO recommendations

Tedros provided countries with several recommendations on ways to mitigate funding cuts:
- The world’s poorest populations need prioritising by limiting their exposure to out-of-pocket spending
- Resist reductions in public health spending and protect health budgets
- Channel donor funds through national budgets, rather than parallel donation systems
- Avoid cutting services or closing facilities, and absorb as much of the impact as possible through efficiency gains in health system
New revenue sources

Through short and long-term tools, WHO also encourages countries to generate new sources of revenues.

Immediate measures such as introducing or increasing taxes on products that harm public health is another effective tool to maintain spending on health, he added.

Countries such Colombia and the Gambia, who in recent years have introduced such taxes, have seen revenues increase and consumption fall, said Tedros.

In the longer term, WHO is advocating for social and community-based health insurance policies, where individuals or families can contribute a small amount to a fund which boosts health service financing.

Although not all measures will be right for every country, WHO is “working with affected countries to identify which measures are best for them, and to tailor those measures accordingly.”
MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan faces unprecedented hunger and displacement as war enters third year

Source: United Nations 2

By Vibhu Mishra

10 April 2025 Peace and Security

The conflict in Sudan has become one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, leaving millions of women, children and displaced families suffering from violence, food insecurity and the collapse of essential services.

As the war enters its third year, UN humanitarians warn that immediate action is essential.

“This is a manmade crisis, driven by conflict – not by drought or floods or earthquakes and because of the obstruction of access to humanitarian assistance by parties to the conflict,” Shaun Hugues, Regional Emergency Coordinator at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), told journalists in New York, via video link from Nairobi.

The brutal war between rival militaries – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12.4 million people, including more than 3.3 million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

“Tens of thousands more will die in Sudan during a third year of war unless we have the access and resources to reach those in need,” Mr. Hugues warned.

Half the population facing hunger

According to WFP, approximately half of Sudan’s population – 25 million people – is facing extreme levels of hunger, including about five million children and mothers suffering acute malnutrition.

The war, which started on 15 April 2023, has decimated critical infrastructure and led to widespread food shortages, making it the only place in the world currently classified as experiencing famine.

Famine has been confirmed in at least 10 locations in Sudan, including the Zamzam camp, home to 400,000 displaced persons (IDPs). Another 17 areas are at risk in the coming months.

“The scale of what is unfolding in Sudan threatens to dwarf much of what we have seen over previous decades,” Mr. Hugues said.

Women, girls at extreme risk

Women and girls face unprecedented vulnerability, with a sharp increase in maternal deaths and over 80 per cent of hospitals in conflict zones non-operational, leaving many without critical medical care.

Furthermore, cases of conflict-related sexual violence remain hugely underreported, UN Women said, warning that “evidence points to its systematic use as a weapon of war”.

“Women in Sudan are enduring the gravest forms of violence – particularly sexual violence,” said Anna Mutavati, UN Women Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

“Their strength is extraordinary, but they cannot and should not be left to navigate this crisis alone.”

Fragile gains

Despite challenges, humanitarians are making progress. WFP assistance has tripled since mid-2024, as teams access new areas.

For its part, UN Women has assisted over 15,000 women in some of the worst affected areas, providing critical services and skills trainings. It has also helped set up safe spaces where women and girls can access shelter and protection.

“But these gains are fragile, and they are still just a fraction of the needs,” Mr. Hugues said.

© WFP/Abubakar Garelnabei

A UN convoy carrying food aid travels west from Port Sudan.

Race against time

Along with fighting, physical access is a major challenge.

With rains approaching, many routes will become impassable, complicating aid delivery, he said.

“We need access. We need to be able to quickly move humanitarian assistance to where it is needed, including through front lines, across borders, within contested areas, and without lengthy bureaucratic processes.”

Mr. Hugues also highlighted the urgent need of funding, noting that WFP is already forced to reduce rations by up to half of what is needed in some places.

“Without funding, we are faced with the choice to either cut the number of people receiving assistance or to cut the amount of assistance they receive,” he said, noting that the agency needs an additional $650 million to continue its operations over the next six months.

It also needs $150 million for programmes assisting Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.

Sudan needs peace

Mr. Hugues stressed that above all, the Sudanese people need peace.

“We need a ceasefire and an end to hostilities so that they can begin to rebuild their lives,” he said.

Alongside, UN Women underscored the need to ensure women’s voices “are amplified at every peace negotiation table.”

“We urge all stakeholders – governments, donors, the international community – to act decisively. Sudanese women deserve not merely survival, but the dignity to rebuild and thrive,” Ms. Mutavati said.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Israel’s Actions ‘Threaten Syria’s Fragile Political Transition’, Senior Official Tells Security Council, Calling on All States to Respect Country’s Sovereignty

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Opportunity to Bring Syria Back to Peace, Legitimacy ‘Must Not Be Derailed as Result of Syria Regressing into Geopolitical Battlefield’, Delegate Stresses

In the wake of hundreds of reported Israeli air strikes across Syria since 8 December 2024, the Israel Defense Forces’ public confirmation that it built multiple positions in the area of separation and statements by Israeli leaders on their intent to stay in Syria for the foreseeable future, senior UN officials told the Security Council today that all parties must uphold their obligations under the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

“Such facts on the ground are not easily reversed — they do threaten Syria’s fragile political transition,” observed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. He pointed to reports of multiple Israeli air strikes across Syria on 3 April, as well as earlier indications by the authorities in Damascus on “not presenting threats to [Syria’s] neighbours and seeking peace on their borders”. He also pointed to the Israel’s Defence Minister’s 3 April statement qualifying the strikes as “a warning for the future”.

“Considering these developments”, he spotlighted the Council’s 14 March presidential statement calling on all States to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and to “refrain from any action or interference that may further destabilize Syria”. Underscoring that the Council’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “grows in importance by the day”, he urged: “Syria’s opportunity to stabilize after 14 years of conflict must be supported and protected, for Syrians and for Israelis, this is the only way regional peace and security can be realized.”

Providing additional information, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said that the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operations is characterized by significant violations of the Disengagement Agreement. Israeli forces currently occupy 10 positions in the area of separation and 2 in the area of limitation. They also continue to construct countermobility obstacles along the ceasefire line and have flown aircraft across the line and into the area of separation.

Detailing the incident on 3 April, he said that UNDOF personnel observed the movement of Israeli troops in vehicles. Such personnel later heard and observed multiple explosions, assessing them to be a result of Israeli artillery fire, likely in Nawa and Tasil. It remains critical, he emphasized, that all parties uphold their obligations under the Disengagement Agreement — including by ending all unauthorized presence in the areas of separation and limitation — and he underscored: “There should be no military forces or activities in the area of separation other than those of UNDOF.”

As the floor opened, the representative of Algeria — also speaking for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia — condemned Israel’s military operations in Syria as violations of international law. “It is crucial to highlight that Syria has neither threatened nor attacked Israel,” he added. “Upholding international law is not a matter of choice,” he underscored, stating that these escalatory actions — coupled with inflammatory statements by Israeli officials regarding the “indefinite” presence of their forces in Syria — “are contributing to instability and threatening regional peace and security”.

“In the four months since the change of power in Damascus, Israel has already carried out more than 700 strikes targeting Syria,” said the representative of the Russian Federation, adding that the geographical span of these strikes has recently expanded. He stressed: “These actions are a gross violation of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which under no circumstances need to be called into question — regardless of who holds power in Damascus.”

Similarly, the representative of Pakistan said that Israel’s recent air strikes — flagrant violations of international law — “further undermine Syria’s pursuit of political stabilization and national reconciliation”. Moreover, he pointed to a “deeply troubling pattern” of Israel’s continued, unprovoked military aggression, repeated violations of the Disengagement Agreement, illegal military presence in the area of separation and open declaration of indefinite occupation. “The Security Council cannot allow illegal military actions to set dangerous precedents,” he urged.

“The fragmentation of Syria is in no one’s interest,” said the representative of France, Council President for April, speaking in his national capacity. He therefore joined others in calling on Israel to cease its military activities in Syrian territory, respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and withdraw from the area of separation. In addition to making those calls, China’s representative said that “a smooth political transition is the key to restoring peace and stability in Syria and should be the primary goal of the joint efforts of all parties”.

Several Council members underlined the deleterious effect that instability could have on that transition. While acknowledging neighbouring countries’ interest in ensuring that events in Syria do not pose a risk to their security, Slovenia’s representative stressed: “We remain convinced that external military interventions in the fragile moment of Syrian transition do not contribute to this legitimate objective — indeed, they could have a countereffect.” The “historic opportunity” to bring Syria back to peace and legitimacy “must not be derailed as a result of Syria regressing into a geopolitical battlefield”, urged the representative of the Republic of Korea.

“Events reported by different sources cause concern for a number of reasons,” said Panama’s representative — particularly when they result in mass casualties, significant material damage and generate a climate of greater uncertainty and instability “at a particularly delicate time for the country”. He also expressed concern over the impact on civilians, underscoring the importance of guaranteeing the protection of civilians and respecting international humanitarian law “at all times”.

“After 14 years of tyranny and conflict at the hands of the Assad regime, the Syrian people still face staggering humanitarian needs,” observed the representative of the United Kingdom, noting that her country has recently pledged up to $207 million in critical humanitarian assistance. “Our focus now should be on supporting Syrians to rebuild their country,” she stressed. Similarly, the representative of Greece urged those present not to lose sight of Syria’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting the European Union’s overall commitment of some €2.5 billion for Syria’s recovery.

Stating that Council members should all agree that a stable, sovereign Syria is “critical for our collective security”, the representative of the United States stressed: “Israel has an inherent right of self-defence, including against terrorist groups operating close to its border.” She urged the Council to “recommit itself to combating terrorism in Syria, call on Iran and other external actors to stop arming and advising terrorist groups, and urge regional States to rein in the actions of proxies who threaten regional peace and security”.

Also acknowledging Israel’s legitimate security concerns, Denmark’s representative nevertheless expressed concern over its recent attacks in Syria. Expressing support for UNDOF, which “has worked to address both Israel’s and Syria’s security concerns” for decades, she urged Israel to withdraw from the area of separation. With both progress made and challenges present on Syria’s path to a new future, she stressed: “The international community — in particular this Council — has a responsibility to support the people of Syria on that path.”

Syria’s representative, for his part, noted the “positive and constructive declarations and initiatives undertaken by Member States, international organizations and political groups to support Syria and its people”. However, in parallel, Israel has challenged international efforts, threatened Syria’s territorial integrity and undermined Government efforts. Citing the Secretary-General’s latest report, he pointed to “the incursion of the Israeli occupation forces into the buffer zone, the significant alteration of the situation therein and the impact on [UNDOF’s] operations since 8 December [2024]”.

Israel is also threatening Syria’s water security, establishing military outposts for its forces and promoting tourist tours for settlers in the areas it has invaded, he stressed. “This exposes the falsity of the occupation entity’s claims that its incursion is temporary and limited — it clearly reveals its aggressive and expansionist intentions,” he added. Calling on the Council to end Israel’s ongoing aggression and compel its withdrawal from all Syrian lands, he concluded: “Attempts to impose solutions by force — and to give precedence to the law of force over the force of law — are doomed to failure.”

Meanwhile, the representative of Israel said: “We will do whatever is necessary — for however long it takes — to prevent another 7 October [2023].” Israel’s actions, he stressed, have been guided not by ambitions of expansion, but by necessity, security and prevention. Pointing, as an example, to the Israel Defense Forces’ dismantling of an underground missile factory “constructed by Iran” in central Syria, he said that “this factory of death had already begun producing precision-guided missiles, several of which were subsequently used in attacks on Israeli territory by Hizbullah”.

While underscoring that “Israel does not seek territorial gains in Syria”, he stated: “Where threat exists, we will meet it without hesitation.” For its part, Israel continues to coordinate with UNDOF under the framework of resolution 350 (1974). He emphasized, however, that peacekeeping efforts alone cannot stop the spread of sophisticated weapons, intercept Iranian missile parts, dismantle terrorist tunnels or prevent the creation of launch sites embedded in civilian terrain. While Israel is committed to deconfliction and dialogue, he stressed: “But we are also committed to the protection of our people, and that must take precedence when lives are at stake.”

For his part, the representative of Libya spoke for the Arab Group to condemn Israel’s repeated aggression against Syria as “blatant” violations of international law. “They are undoubtedly a threat to the peace and security of the entire region,” he stressed, calling on the international community — particularly the Council — to shoulder its legal and moral responsibility to pressure Israel to immediately cease its aggression and withdraw from all Syrian territory.

Türkiye’s representative, stating that eliminating terrorist organizations in Syria “remains essential for lasting peace and unity”, stressed that all armed elements must surrender their weapons to the Syrian State, that all terrorist entities must be removed from Syrian territory and that security responsibilities for detention centres and camps in the country’s north-east must be swiftly transferred to the Syrian administration. “Failure in Syria is not an option,” she said.

__________

* The 9895^th Meeting was closed.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Mauritius, Experts of the Committee against Torture Praise the Prohibition of Corporal Punishment, Ask about the Minimum Penalty for Torture and Prison Conditions

Source: United Nations – Geneva

The Committee against Torture today concluded its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Mauritius, with Committee Experts praising the prohibition of corporal punishment through the children’s act of 2020, and raising questions about the minimum penalty for torture offences, prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners.

Naoko Maeda, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the children’s act of 2020, which prohibited corporal punishment in all settings and established a special court for children. Would the State party establish a time limit for pre-trial detention of children that was in accordance with the Beijing Rules? How many children were in pre-trial detention?

Bakhtiyar Tuzmukhamedov, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the section of the Criminal Code on police brutality had been amended to increase the upper threshold of fines and prison sentences for the offence. However, it did not set lower thresholds for these punishments. Would this section apply to acts of torture and were the punishments sufficient?

Ms. Maeda expressed concern regarding reports of inadequate food and material conditions in prisons, insufficient access to medical and rehabilitation services and family visits, and the number of detainees who died in police custody. How were these issues being addressed?

She further noted with concern that the provisional charges system was still in place, under which persons could be detained on suspicion of commission of a serious offence. How did the State party ensure detainees’ rights from the moment of detention, including the right to be presented before a judge?

Introducing the report, Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover, Attorney-General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said the children’s act of 2020 prohibited the infliction of corporal or humiliating punishment on a child as a discipline measure. The act also set the age of criminal responsibility at 14 years and stressed that the detention of a juvenile suspected of having committed a criminal offence was imposed only as a measure of last resort.

On the minimum penalty for torture, the delegation said prosecutors typically called for the highest penalty in cases of torture, but judges had the ability to issue lesser penalties. The State party would address the lack of minimum penalties for torture crimes in its legislation.

Mr. Glover said Mauritius’ Constitution, the reform institutions act, and prison regulations provided for the safe and humane treatment of prisoners. The National Preventive Mechanism Division examined the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty, and police and prison officers received training on international and regional human rights standards prohibiting torture.

The delegation added that there had been some worrying reports of abuse of authority by police officers. The Independent Police Complaints Commission had taken on the burden of investigating these cases and determining accountability. The delegation cited four cases of deaths in custody for which judicial inquiries had been launched.

The police and criminal evidence bill had yet to be adopted, the delegation said, but it would likely be adopted within a year. It set a time limit for the detention of persons awaiting trial, and stated that arrests could not be carried out without sufficient evidence.

In closing remarks, Claude Heller, Committee Chair, said the Committee was encouraged by the dialogue and expressed hope that the rule of law was being strengthened in the State. The Committee hoped that its recommendations would have a positive impact on the human rights situation in Mauritius.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Glover said that the Committee’s review would help to ensure that deficiencies in Mauritius’ legal and policy framework would be addressed. The State party would ensure that the winds of change that started to blow with the election of the new Government in November 2024 would continue.

The delegation of Mauritius consisted of representatives from the Attorney-General’s Office; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; and the Permanent Mission of Mauritius to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of Mauritius at the end of its eighty-second session on 2 May. 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 convene in public on Monday, 14 April at 11 a.m. to hear the presentation of the annual report of the Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture.

Report

The Committee has before it the fifth periodic report of Mauritius (CAT/C/MUS/5).

Presentation of Report

GAVIN PATRICK CYRIL GLOVER, Attorney-General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said Mauritius had always strived to uphold its obligations under international law. This could be seen through the ratification of seven core United Nations human rights treaties and five Optional Protocols to these treaties, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. The provisions of these instruments had been incorporated in the domestic legislative framework through various legislation. The provisions of the Rome Statute had also been domesticated, thus providing national courts with universal jurisdiction over war crimes, including torture.

Last December, the Government translated the Convention into the widely spoken dialect of Kreol Morisien and published this translation online to raise awareness about its content. Police and prison officers were directed to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Convention. In addition, in order to promote the universal accession of the Convention, Mauritius had joined the Convention against Torture Initiative.

Last year’s general elections in Mauritius demonstrated the vibrancy of the State’s democracy, with a very high turnout of almost 80 per cent of voters. The new Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, had embarked on a mission to strengthen democratic principles and access to justice. The new Government would set up a Constitutional Review Commission to make recommendations for constitutional reforms that enhanced the protection of fundamental rights.

On 4 April 2025, the Cabinet agreed to the introduction of the Constitution (amendment) bill and the Criminal Code (amendment) bill into the National Assembly. The first bill aimed to repeal section 7 (2) of the Constitution to ensure the absolute prohibition of torture in all circumstances, and the second bill would bring the Criminal Code provisions on homicide, wounds and blows under lawful authority in line with the absolute ban on torture. The Cabinet had also approved an amendment to the Criminal Code that removed provisions excusing manslaughter committed on spouses found committing the act of adultery. These revisions were in line with Committee recommendations.

The police and criminal evidence bill would soon be adopted. This would become one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the criminal justice system, impacting the work of the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Additionally, the Government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy and a victim-oriented approach to domestic abuse and human trafficking. Consultations were ongoing for the introduction of a new domestic abuse bill, which would define marital rape as a specific criminal offence with appropriate penalties.

The children’s act of 2020 promoted the best interests of the child and prohibited the infliction of corporal or humiliating punishment on a child as a discipline measure. The offence carried, as penalty, a fine not exceeding 200,000 rupees and a prison term not exceeding five years. The act also set the age of criminal responsibility at 14 years and stressed that the detention of a juvenile suspected of having committed a criminal offence was imposed only as a measure of last resort. A Children’s Court had been set up and was operational. The 2020 child sex offender register act aimed to reduce and prevent the risk of sexual offences against children, as recommended by the Committee.

Mauritius had developed a National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons 2022-2026, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. Following amendments in 2023, the combatting of trafficking in persons act provided for a victim-centred approach, allowing for more rigorous identification and prosecution of cases of trafficking in persons. It established an effective institutional framework and provided additional legal powers to the police to protect victims.

The Constitution of Mauritius, the reform institutions act, the prison regulations, and the prison standing orders provided for the safe and humane treatment of prisoners in Mauritius. The Mauritius Prison Service adhered to the Nelson Mandela Rules. The National Preventive Mechanism Division examined the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty with a view to ensuring their protection against torture and made recommendations regarding the improvement of prison conditions. Officers from police and prison departments regularly received training courses on international and regional human rights standards prohibiting torture, and national and international codes of conduct for law enforcement.

Mauritius was committed to upholding its obligations towards human rights treaty bodies, including the Convention, as demonstrated by its serious endeavours to comply with the Committee’s recommendations.

Questions by Committee Experts

BAKHTIYAR TUZMUKHAMEDOV, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the State’s Constitution upheld the right to be free from “torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or other such treatment” but did not mention “cruel” treatment. Why was this? The Committee hoped that the planned amendments to the Constitution were successful. Was the right to be free from torture non-derogable and absolute, including in states of emergency? Did the Convention take precedence over domestic legislation? Were the provisions of the Convention that referenced “cruel treatment” deemed to be contrary to the Constitution?

The definition of torture in the Criminal Code made exceptions for offences committed by public officials carrying out punishments determined by law. Why was this? Did the State’s legislation address the offence of planning to commit torture? Could the Convention be invoked in domestic courts? Why was the Supreme Court reluctant to cite applicable provisions of the African Charter?

The section of the Criminal Code on police brutality had been amended to increase the upper threshold of fines and prison sentences for the offence. However, it did not set lower thresholds for these punishments. Would this section apply to acts of torture and were the punishments sufficient? The penalty for acts of corporal torture in the Code was far higher. Why was this? If police officers committed acts of torture, under what provision were they investigated?

Who appointed judges in Mauritius, how were they selected and how independent and impartial was the process? Were judges required to continue their education throughout their careers? How ethnically diverse was the judiciary and law enforcement? How were elements of traditional justice harmonised with the ordinary legal system?

The displacement of the inhabitants of the Chagos islands amounted to inhuman treatment by a foreign State. What measures were in place to support them? What were their chances of obtaining full redress and compensation, including relocation to their native islands?

What measures had the State party taken under the Prevention of Terrorism Act? How did the Government ensure that these measures complied with its obligations under international law, including the Convention? Would the State party consider acceding to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees? Mauritius was not a party to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, or to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Did Mauritius intend to complete accession to those instruments?

Did the Constitution allow for the potential reinstatement of capital punishment? What percentage of police and prison officers completed training programmes on preventing torture? Did this training address the revised Istanbul Protocol of 2022?

NAOKO MAEDA, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the National Human Rights Commission of Mauritius had “A” status under the Paris Principles. How was the State party promoting the participation of civil society in the Commission and ensuring that the appointment process for members was transparent? What resources were provided to the Commission over the reporting period?

The Committee was concerned that the police and criminal evidence bill had yet to be introduced in the National Assembly and the provisional charges system was still in place, under which persons could be detained on suspicion of commission of a serious offence. How did the State party ensure detainees’ rights from the moment of detention, including the right to be presented before a judge and the right to access a lawyer and free legal aid where applicable?

The Committee commended increases in the numbers of judges and magistrates and measures to reduce lengths of trials and pre-trial detention. However, there was still a high rate of lengthy pre-trial detention. What measures were in place to reduce the length and use of pre-trial detention, and to introduce alternatives to detention, in accordance with the Tokyo Rules?

The Committee commended the creation of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which investigated complaints against the actions of police officers. However, the three members of this body continued to be appointed by the President. What measures were in place to ensure the independence of this Commission? How did the State party ensure that the Commission’s investigations were conducted in a timely manner? There was a low rate of investigated and prosecuted cases as of 2021. How many investigations had resulting in findings of torture by the police? How did the State party ensure that complainants did not face reprisals?

The Committee welcomed training for police officers on topics such as the inadmissibility of evidence obtained under duress. How many officials had been prosecuted for extracting evidence under duress, and in how many cases had courts rejected such evidence?

The Committee was concerned by reports of inadequate food and material conditions in prisons, as well as insufficient access to medical and rehabilitation services and family visits. How were these issues being addressed? The Committee was concerned by the number of detainees who died in police custody. What measures were in place to investigate and prevent such deaths? The National Human Rights Commission had also raised concerns about remand detainees being held with convicted detainees, contrary to the Mandela Rules. What measures were in place to address this? There were 140 women in prison in Mauritius, the majority of whom were foreigners. What were foreign detainees charged with? How did the State party ensure that prison conditions for women detainees were appropriate?

The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’s report on its last visit to Mauritius had not been made public by the State party. The Committee called on the State party to do so, and to present measures taken to address the report’s recommendations.

The Committee commended the children’s act of 2020, which prohibited corporal punishment in all settings and established a special court for children. However, the Committee was concerned about the lack of progress in establishing the juvenile justice system prescribed by the Act. Would the State party establish a time limit for pre-trial detention of children that was in accordance with the Beijing Rules? How many children were in pre-trial detention? Could children be tried in the absence of their legal guardian?

There were no legal provisions banning marital rape. What steps had been taken to develop such provisions? There had reportedly been an increase in sexual and gender-based violence in the State and under-reporting of such cases by victims due to fear of stigmatisation. Had the State party taken actions to improve the mechanism for reporting violence against women? What support services were available for victims? The Criminal Code criminalised all acts related to the provision of abortions, even in cases of sexual violence. Would the State party reconsider its blanket ban?

What policy reforms were being made to protect asylum seekers from non-refoulement and create a more supportive environment for asylum seekers? The State party did not have an established procedure for dealing with statelessness. Did it plan to accede to international conventions on statelessness?

Another Committee Expert asked how asylum seekers were treated while waiting for processing of their asylum applications. Were they detained and did they have access to healthcare and education services?

One Committee Expert noted the steps taken to amend the Constitution and the Criminal Code, including to set the age of minimum criminal responsibility to 14 years. What steps had been taken to enable victims of torture to access redress and rehabilitation programmes? Could the delegation provide statistics on court cases concerning redress and alleged violations of rights under article 14 of the Convention? Had measures been taken to incorporate elements of the Convention on redress into domestic legislation?

Another Committee Expert said it was commendable that in October 2023, the Supreme Court made a historic decision to decriminalise same-sex relations between consenting adults. However, there were still reports of hate crimes against individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, and a lack of investigations into such cases. How was the State party addressing this issue?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the 2024 elections gave the Government the majority in the National Assembly needed to push through amendments to the Constitution and the Criminal Code related to torture. The State party aimed to completely overhaul its justice system to enhance access to justice. The Constitutional Review Commission would consider revising the Constitution to address acts of cruelty. The State party aimed to bring the Constitution and its legislative framework in line with the international treaties to which Mauritius was a party.

Criminal Code provisions on “conspiracy offences” specified that there was a possibility to prosecute for “wrongful” acts that did not breach specific laws. Planning to commit serious offences such as torture could be prosecuted under this provision. Prosecutors typically called for the highest penalty in cases of torture, but judges had the ability to issue lesser penalties. The State party would address the lack of minimum penalties for torture crimes in its legislation.

There was a case concerning a death in detention that was before the Supreme Court, and three other cases on deaths in custody before other courts. There had been some worrying cases of abuse of authority by police officers. The Independent Police Complaints Commission had taken on the burden of investigating these cases and determining accountability. The Public Prosecutor had opened a judicial inquiry to find out the facts in one case, responding to the recommendations of the Commission.

Judges of the Supreme Court were appointed from State Law Offices based on seniority. Judges typically had at least 20 years of experience at the time of their appointment. This system did not involve the executive; the chief judges of the Supreme Court were responsible for appointments. There were no ethnicity considerations in appointments. Continuous training on human rights was provided to members of the judiciary. The State party was considering opening a magistracy school, but this had not been achieved yet.

The death penalty was abolished in the Criminal Code in 1995, but a motion to amend the reference to the death penalty in the Constitution was rejected by the Parliament at that time. This was why the State party had not ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. All death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment after the abolition. The Constitutional Review Committee would consider amending the Constitution to remove the reference to the death penalty.

The police and criminal evidence bill had yet to be adopted, but it would likely be adopted within a year. Its name would be changed to the police and criminal justice bill. The bill would regulate police officers’ powers to investigate, arrest and detain suspects, set a time limit for the detention of persons awaiting trial, and guarantee the human rights of detainees. The bill stated that arrests could not be carried out without sufficient evidence and had provisions to govern the admissibility of confessions. The limit for pre-trial detention was set by the bill at 48 hours but could be extended to a maximum of 72 hours for serious offences.

Domestic courts had not cited recent international court cases related to the Chagos islands. Mauritius’ position was that the United Kingdom owed redress and compensation to native Chagossians and their descendants. The Government of Mauritius had developed measures to promote the integration of the Chagossian community into Mauritius, including scholarships, housing services, food distribution, and recreational activities. Negotiations related to sovereignty of the islands and resettlement were ongoing with the United Kingdom, but the Government believed that the relocation of Chagossians had to occur at some point in time.

Mauritius was previously a French and English colony, and its laws on human rights were inspired by the European Convention of Human Rights. This was why courts often referenced this Convention. However, many courts had also referred to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Current thresholds for legal aid were ridiculous; legal aid was currently only available to persons who earned less than 15,000 rupees a month, even though the minimum wage was 20,000 rupees a month. The Government was reviewing legislation to promote better access to legal aid for persons with low incomes. The Criminal Procedural Act and other legislation had also been amended to ensure that courts gave persons full credit for time spent in pre-trial detention when issuing prison sentences.

The delegation cited four cases of deaths in custody for which judicial inquiries had been launched. In one case, the inquiry found that blows to the victim were not made to extract a confession, while in another, nine police officers were being prosecuted for offences including bodily harm to the victim and the hiding of evidence. In a 2022 case, a citizen was reportedly taken to a police station and tasered while completely naked. The police officers who allegedly engaged in this act were now being prosecuted. There were several cases of victims seeking damages for alleged human rights violations by public officials that were pending before the Supreme Court. One case had been settled out of court without an admission of guilt by the State.

There were currently 18 refugees and 80 asylum seekers in Mauritius. Persons who were not lawful residents of Mauritius did not have access to public education services. However, Caritas provided private education to the children of asylum seekers. The previous Government had decided in 2023 not to implement an asylum processing system proposed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Mauritius had not ratified international conventions on statelessness or refugees, as doing so would have serious implications on the State’s limited resources. The Prime Minister had the authority to grant nationality to any stateless persons; currently, the State was not aware of any stateless persons on its territory.

The Criminal Code provided for a minimum period of three years imprisonment for unlawful arrests. The probation of offenders act was last amended 15 years ago, and there was a need to modernise it. Probation was currently rarely used in Mauritius, but courts had alternatives to detention such as community service.

There was legislation that allowed for lawful abortions when specialists determined that the pregnancy endangered the mother’s life, would result in malformation of the foetus, resulted from rape, or when the mother was aged 16 or under. The Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare conducted awareness raising campaigns on domestic violence. There were around 500 cases of domestic violence reported in the past few weeks thanks to efforts to raise awareness of reporting channels. Victims were supported by the State and non-governmental organizations to access temporary shelter, legal advice, psychosocial support, and other services. In 2024, the Government introduced a policy on workplace sexual harassment.

Children aged 14 and under who were in conflict with the law were not detained but could be placed in “places of safety” if necessary. The criminal division of the Children’s Court had exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving child offenders aged 14 to 17. If the detention of juveniles was necessary, they were detained in the youth detention centre, where juveniles under pre-trial detention were separated from those serving sentences. While there were over 50 arrests of children in 2022, there were only 12 in 2024 and thus far four in 2025. This demonstrated that the new laws were working.

A digital interview recording system was operational in eight places of deprivation of liberty in Mauritius. Interviewees had the right to refuse digital recording of statements. Thus far, courts had found evidence to be inadmissible in only a small number of cases, due to legal limitations. The police did not work within a rigid protocol and had pushed back against the police and criminal justice bill. The new police and criminal justice bill would address these issues.

Questions by Committee Experts

NAOKO MAEDA, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the involuntary hospitalisation of persons with disabilities, including children, was still allowed in Mauritius. How many cases of involuntary hospitalisation had oversight bodies reviewed and what were their outcomes? Could the national preventive mechanism conduct unannounced visits to residential care homes and hospitals? Had there been reports of ill-treatment in these institutions?

Could the delegation comment on reports of increased arbitrary arrests, threats and attacks experienced by human rights defenders, a worsening environment for human rights lawyers, and intimidation and harassment of journalists?

Despite the State party’s efforts, including through training for police officers and the 2023 amendments to the combatting in trafficking persons act, human trafficking was reportedly still prevalent, notably sex trafficking of women and children and trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation in the manufacturing and construction sectors. What measures were in place to tackle difficulties in gathering evidence of trafficking and to provide support services to all victims?

The presence of civil society from Mauritius in the reporting process was relatively low. How did the State party encourage civil society organizations to participate and disseminate the Convention and the Committee’s recommendations?

BAKHTIYAR TUZMUKHAMEDOV, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, welcomed that the State party was seemingly preparing to make constitutional amendments to address the issues raised in the dialogue. Was the minimum punishment for police brutality three years imprisonment? Persons under suspicion of an offence relating to terrorism could be detained for a period of up to 36 hours, which could amount to incommunicado detention. Was the denial of bail act still being applied?

The Committee welcomed that Mauritius was participating in the Convention against Torture Initiative. Was it taking measures to prevent the trade of equipment solely used for torture?

Another Committee Expert asked if the State party had taken initiatives such as training to better control the police.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the last 10 years in Mauritius had been very difficult for its citizens. The resounding victory of the current Government in the most recent elections was evidence that things were changing in the country. The Government was working to strengthen training for police officers on human rights and regulation of the police force. It would push for the adoption of the police and criminal justice bill as quickly as possible.

The National Human Rights Commission had the power to conduct unannounced visits of residential homes. The Government would call on the Commission to exercise this power to protect the rights of the elderly.

There were around 10 human rights lawyers in Mauritius, who had had great difficulty in accessing their clients. Some had been arrested in the exercise of their duties. The police now knew that they needed to respect the rights of these human rights defenders. Since November 2024, human rights lawyers had not complained about their treatment by police officers. Planned legislation would prevent police from obstructing human rights defenders.

The Government had a zero-tolerance policy to trafficking in persons. Much had been done to fight trafficking, underpinned by the national action plan on trafficking, which was developed in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. The Director of Public Prosecutions had set up a taskforce to investigate trafficking cases and support victims. There were 48,000 migrant workers in Mauritius, many of whom were working without permits. The Government aimed to protect these workers from trafficking and ensure that employers educated workers on their rights.

Suspects could be held under the terrorist act in incommunicado detention for up to 36 hours. There were only two drug-related cases in which suspects had been held in incommunicado detention in the last 10 years. The denial of bail act had been declared unconstitutional but was still on the law books; it needed to be removed.

Mauritius did not trade in goods for capital punishment. It imported equipment for police officers that was meant exclusively to protect police officers when they were being violently attacked. The firearms act prohibited the manufacturing or purchase of noxious liquids.

Concluding Remarks

CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chair, said that the Committee appreciated the delegation’s frank approach to the dialogue. It was encouraged by the winds of change described by the delegation and expressed hope that the rule of law was being strengthened in the State. The Committee would consider the difficulties faced by the State party in changing the mindsets of law enforcement officials. Based on the dialogue, it would select priority recommendations that the State party could implement within a year. It hoped that these recommendations would have a positive impact on the human rights situation in Mauritius.

GAVIN PATRICK CYRIL GLOVER, Attorney-General of Mauritius and head of the delegation, said the Committee’s review would help to ensure that deficiencies in the State’s legal and policy framework would be addressed. Mauritius looked forward to the Committee’s observations. The dialogue had been frank and positive. The State party would work to ensure that the winds of change that started to blow with the election of the new Government in November 2024 would continue.

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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.

CAT25.003E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Rights of Migrant Workers Congratulate Jamaica on Training Programmes for Officials, Raise Questions on Current Bilateral Agreements and the State’s Treatment of Undocumented Migrants

Source: United Nations – Geneva

The Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families today concluded its consideration of the combined initial and second periodic report of Jamaica. Committee Experts commended the State on training programmes for officials and raised questions on the current bilateral agreements in place, most notably with Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, and the treatment of undocumented migrants.

Ermal Frasheri, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said Jamaica should be congratulated on the State’s various training programmes for officials, asking questions about specific trainings pertaining to the Convention.

Prasad Kariyawasam, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked about the labour agreements in place between Jamacia and the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom; what kind of agreements were in place with these countries at this point? How did the provisions affect Jamaican migrant workers in those countries? What kind of consular diplomatic representation did Jamaica have in those countries? What were the main challenges faced and what was the State party doing to address these challenges?

Jasminka Dzumhur, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked about migrants approaching Jamaica from Cuba by boat; how were they treated when they did not have documents? How did the State return them? What happened to those who were found undocumented in Jamaica? Where were they sent? Who provided legal aid to migrants?

The delegation said Jamaica had bilateral working arrangements in place with Canada and the United States, although the agreement with the United States was not a written agreement and was more of an understanding. Many Jamaicans had travelled to the United Kingdom after World War II to work, but there was no current bilateral agreement in place with the United Kingdom. A seasonal agricultural worker’s programme was in place with Canada, which had been created in 1966 and re-signed in 1995. Each worker was required to sign an employment contract which entitled them to lodgements, meals, and payment of wages. Jamaica had appointed liaison officers in Canada, across four offices, where the largest concentrations of workers were located.

The delegation said Jamaican law considered irregular migrants as being in breach of the detention law, and when they were detained, their rights were enshrined within the Jamaican Constitution. Irregular migrants were held at local police stations, usually close to their place of entry. If a person requested to apply for refugee status, they could not be removed from Jamaica until this application was considered, regardless of their nationality or means of entering the country. The State did not seek to criminalise those in irregular migration. There was no cross-contamination of migrants with convicted men and women, even if they were housed in correctional facilities.

Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Jamaica, speaking via a video recording, said migration was an integral part of Jamaica’s national experience, and the State continued to prioritise policies that promoted safe, orderly, and regular migration, in alignment with international standards.

Jamaica had introduced several key policy initiatives and programmes aimed at ensuring the fair treatment and protection of migrant workers, particularly in the areas of labour mobility, social protection, and anti-exploitation measures. Despite this progress, challenges remained, including expanding access to social protection for all migrant workers, regardless of their status, and strengthening data collection to improve policy responses to migration trends.

In concluding remarks, Mr. Kariyawasam thanked Jamaica for the professional and constructive dialogue. It was a challenging time for migrants’ rights and this interaction was very important. Jamaica had a vibrant history and had a special role to play in setting standards in the region and the world.

Tyesha Turner, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the constructive dialogue and all those who had made the dialogue possible. Jamaica apologised for the delay in submitting the report and recognised the importance of complying with its obligations. Jamaica would continue to work to ensure that all migrant workers and members of their families enjoyed the full protection of their rights.

The delegation of Jamaica was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; the Ministry of National Security; and the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

The webcast of Committee meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Committee’s fortieth session can be found here.

The Committee will next meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 15 April, to launch its general comment no. 6 on the convergent protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families through the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Report

The Committee has before it the combined initial and second periodic report of Jamaica (CMW/C/JAM/1-2).

Presentation of Report

PEARNEL CHARLES JR, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Jamaica, speaking via a video recording, reaffirmed Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of migrant workers and their families. Migration was an integral part of Jamaica’s national experience, and the State continued to prioritise policies that promoted safe, orderly, and regular migration, in alignment with international standards.

Jamaica had introduced several key policy initiatives and programmes aimed at ensuring the fair treatment and protection of migrant workers, particularly in the areas of labour mobility, social protection, and anti-exploitation measures. The State maintained long-standing bilateral labour agreements with countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, which facilitated the annual employment of thousands of Jamaican workers, particularly in agriculture, construction and hospitality. These agreements were routinely reviewed and strengthened to improve working conditions, ensure fair wages, and secure access to social benefits.

Jamaica was home to a growing number of migrant workers, primarily from the Caribbean, who contributed significantly to sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare and tourism. The State’s labour laws provided core protections, including equal pay, non-discrimination and workplace safety, in accordance with international standards. Efforts were underway to streamline the work permit process to make it more efficient and accessible, ensuring that migrant workers were able to work legally and benefit from the protections to which they were entitled.

Jamaica maintained a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of exploitation, including trafficking in persons. The National Task Force against Trafficking in Persons continued to spearhead national efforts in prevention, prosecution and victim support. The State had strengthened monitoring systems to identify and prevent exploitative labour practices and had expanded training for immigration and law enforcement officials, to improve their capacity to identify, investigate and respond to trafficking cases, including those involving migrant workers.

Despite this progress, challenges remained, including expanding access to social protection for all migrant workers, regardless of their status, and strengthening data collection to improve policy responses to migration trends. Jamaica remained fully committed to enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation to improve labour migration frameworks, continuing efforts to prevent exploitation and trafficking in persons, and ensuring timely and effective engagement with international mechanisms, including the Committee.

TYESHA TURNER, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and head of the delegation, said the delegation appreciated the patience of the Committee on the issue of the submission of the report. It had been hoped that the report would be submitted prior to the dialogue, however, Jamaica aimed to submit the report by the time the dialogue concluded. Jamaica regretted the delay in submitting the report but hoped that the delegation’s appearance before the Committee was evidence of the State’s commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of migrant workers.

The liquidity crisis continued to impact the treaty bodies, including the Committee on the Rights of Migrant Workers, and the lack of hybrid services had an impact on small island developing States. Jamaica would consult with members of the delegation in Kingston to provide all information necessary to the Committee.

Questions by Committee Experts

JASMINKA DZUMHUR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the concluding observations of the Committee could only be based on what was discussed today. In these circumstances it was difficult to have a constructive dialogue, and it was hoped lessons would be learnt from this process. Could more information be provided on Jamaica’s national action plan on development? How did this plan relate to migrants? Could information be provided on the medium-term socio-economic policy framework? Which new strategic documents had been adopted related to the combatting of trafficking in persons?

What was the status of the ratification of International Labour Organization Conventions? How many migrants were on the territory of Jamaica? From which countries? Had there been any progress relating to the establishment of the national human rights institution? How much coordination was undertaken with civil society organizations? What was the mechanism for the protection of trafficking victims? What did the system include? What kinds of measures and activities were in place to support victims? What information was available on cases of trafficking in children? Had any perpetrators been brought to justice?

The Committee had received information that those approaching Jamaica by boat were detained in one house in poor conditions, with families separated from their children; could the delegation comment on this? Could information be provided on existing legislation related to asylum seekers and their protection? Was there any option which allowed undocumented migrants to work?

PRASAD KARIYAWASAM, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked about the labour agreements in place between Jamacia and the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom; what kind of agreements were in place with these countries at this point? How did the provisions affect Jamaican migrant workers in those countries? What kind of consular diplomatic representation did Jamaica have in those countries? What were the main challenges faced and what was the State party doing to address these challenges? Did Jamaica provide legal support, consular assistance, repatriations etc? How many Jamaicans were working abroad?

The Committee had received substantive information that people came to Jamaica from Haiti and Cuba in search of work; these were undocumented migrants who were protected under the Convention. How was the Convention invoked when dealing with these people? The Committee had heard there was detention and collective expulsions of these people, and their children were not provided with education; could the delegation comment on these allegations? What efforts was the State undertaking to provide education for children of undocumented migrant workers? What measures was Jamaica taking to prevent these workers from being exploited and to provide them with a decent wage?

ERMAL FRASHERI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked if there were any issues Jamacia had which arose from enforcing the Convention? Was there anything the State believed that the United Nations mechanisms, including the Committee, could do to help?

MAMANE OUMARIA, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the Jamaican delegation for travelling to Geneva for the dialogue. Without the report, it was difficult to ask questions. Jamaica was a country of origin of migration. The State had established an effective protection mechanism for Jamaican migrants abroad, through consular missions. Was there a protection mechanism in place for domestic workers? What difficulties did Jamaican migrant workers face when they travelled to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom? Had Jamaica established a national human rights commission? Was it operational? Did it hold A Status?

A Committee Expert asked about the Haitian population. The depth of the crisis Haiti faced had led to growing migration across the region. How was the State treating this population? Were there any initiatives from the Caribbean Community to support these people? What types of policies and measures were developed to protect Haitian migrants abroad? What were the consulates doing to assist Jamaican nationals living abroad? What support was being given to families regarding the arbitrary migration policies implemented by the United Kingdom, including in response to the Windrush scandal?

Another Committee Expert asked if Jamaica expected more deportations from the United States? What were the reasons for these deportations? What tools did the State have to counter these problems? There was a large community of Jamaicans in the United States; was this community disturbed by the behaviour of the host Government?

One Expert congratulated Jamaica on ratifying eight out of the 10 basic International Labour Organization Conventions. However, there were two which had not been ratified, including the Convention on Labour Inspection. Did the State have a labour inspection body? Did this body have effective resources to carry out its tasks? Did the country intend to ratify both Conventions? What measures had the State party taken to avoid and combat discrimination against migrants?

A Committee Expert said it was necessary to submit a written report prior to the dialogue, to ensure it could be constructive. The non-submission of a report prevailed over the presence of the State for a constructive dialogue. Without the report, the Committee had limited information. The non-submission of the report was a violation of an obligation, and also violated the rights of all citizens to know whether the State was standing by its international obligations. Had something been done to ensure irregular immigration was not criminalised? Was there a law regulating the protection of asylum seekers and refugees? What had Jamaica done to eradicate statelessness in the State party?

Another Committee Expert asked what type of services were provided by consular services to Jamaican migrants abroad? Did they extend to the elections in Jamaica? Did the consular offices provide migrant workers from Jamaica with the opportunity to participate in the elections?

An Expert commended the Jamaican delegation for being present in Geneva to submit the report. Jamaica’s Minister should be congratulated for supporting the Committee’s values and principles on migration as a driver for sustainable and economic development. Could information be provided on legal aid for unaccompanied or separated children of migrant workers who had run into trouble with the law? Were there procedures to promote the social reinsertion of these children?

What healthcare protection did children of migrant workers have? Were there specific data indicators on the children of migrant workers? Jamaica had deployed a campaign with the International Labour Organization which showed the State’s willingness to eliminate child labour and exploitation. Was there disaggregated statistical data on the economic exploitation of migrants or separated children?

A Committee Expert said not having a report was a violation of the Convention and a missed opportunity. Was the Convention and its provisions relied upon in the courts of Jamaica? Did the case law of the courts refer to the Convention or to the rights of migrant workers in general? What impact did this have on the legal order? What safeguards were available to migrant workers? What practical measures existed to ensure bilateral obligations were complied with?

What was the situation in practice when it came to implementing the bilateral agreements? What was the scope of the social protection mechanisms available to migrant workers? What kind of challenges existed? What category of migrant workers were affected by these challenges? What strategies existed for vulnerable migrant workers to access social protection? What efforts were being deployed to protect seasonal, agricultural and domestic workers?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Jamaica was a dualist State and as such did not have automatic incorporation of the Convention into law. However, Jamaica had several acts which covered the provisions of the Convention. Jamaica emphasised through public information campaigns, the Conventions which it had ratified. Jamaica had ratified Convention 189 on domestic workers and was currently working on amending the employment, termination and redundancy act and the minimum wage act, to ensure the provisions of the Convention were properly covered. The minimum wage act meant no employer could go below the minimum wage stipulated. There were labour inspectors employed across the entire island to ensure the minimum wage and other provisions were being adhered to.

Jamaica regretted that the report was not completed on time and would endeavour to ensure this was not a repeated occurrence. The creation of a national human rights institution was under review and the State was committed to pursuing the creation of this mechanism.

Jamaica had a regulated framework in place for money transfers and remittances. The Bank of Jamaica regulated these providers. Only entities licensed by the Bank of Jamaica were authorised to receive and send remittances. These providers were strategically located at approved service points.

At this point, Jamaica was not considering the decriminalisation of irregular migrants. However, everyone who entered Jamaica was afforded protection. The labour inspectorate in Jamaica currently inspected various workplaces to ensure compliance. Jamaica was currently in the process of reviewing its labour officers (powers) act, with the intention to amend that act and put forward a recommendation for the approval to ratify part two of Convention 181. Jamaica was actively in the process of completing a gap analysis with the International Labour Organization with the view to ratifying Convention 190.

The 2019 diaspora policy had been updated in 2022. The State now had a paternity leave policy, created in 2023. Jamaica faced challenges with data collection. A recruitment drive had been undertaken to appoint more judges to clear the backlog of cases, particularly when it came to migrant workers.

Jamaica had tabled its migration and development policy in 2017, which had been informed by civil society organizations. These groups played an active role in the reintegration of involuntarily returned migrants, working with Government agencies to meet with the migrants who were arriving, collecting data from the migrants, and providing them with basic social services. Civil society played a key role in settling involuntary returnees and integrating them back into the Jamaican society.

There had been public outreach regarding the Windrush situation, and the State had responded appropriately to those who came forward as a result. There was a dedicated department to provide consular services for Jamaicans abroad. Through a network of over 20 embassies, high commissions and consular generals, Jamaica made every effort to ensure that those detained overseas were supported. The consular offices notified families of the persons detained or under arrest, obtained information about the status of the cases, provided families with a list of local lawyers if available, and facilitated the transfer of funds to a detained person, among other services. Jamaica had undertaken efforts to expand the network of counsels, particularly in areas where many Jamaicans visited.

There was no collective expulsion of migrant workers from any nationality and no use of arbitrary detention of migrant workers and their families in Jamaica. All detentions of migrants of any category were pursuant to the judicial or administrative processes outlined in Jamaican law. Any deprivation of liberty must be carried out in line with due process and was subject to judicial oversight.

Jamaica had bilateral working arrangements in place with Canada and the United States, although the agreement with the United States was not a written agreement and was more of an understanding. Many Jamaicans had travelled to the United Kingdom after World War II to work, but there was no current bilateral agreement in place with the United Kingdom.

A seasonal agricultural workers programme was in place with Canada, which had been created in 1966 and re-signed in 1995. A memorandum of understanding had been established to enabled Jamaicans to travel to Canada and work. Each worker was required to sign an employment contract which entitled them to lodgements, meals, and payment of wages. The contracts of employment were available online. Jamaica had appointed liaison officers in Canada, across four offices, where the largest concentrations of workers were located. Each worker, upon departing from Jamaica, was assigned a liaison officer. They were available to assist workers on a 24-hour basis, and conducted predominantly unannounced visits to the farms to monitor working situations.

Questions by Committee Experts

JASMINKA DZUMHUR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked about migrants approaching Jamaica from Cuba by boat; how were they treated when they did not have documents? How did the State return them? What happened to those who were found undocumented in Jamaica? Where were they sent? Who provided legal aid to migrants? Were there any strategic plans for communicating with the diaspora? How were those who returned to Jamaica reintegrated back into society?

PRASAD KARIYAWASAM, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked if there were special banks established to facilitate the return of voluntary and non-voluntary migrants? Was there an institutional set up which handled the concerns of irregular migrants? Where could irregular migrants seek redress? How was birth registration handled in regard to irregular migrants?

A Committee Expert asked about the outcomes of the programme launched with the United Nations Development Programme on migration and development 10 years ago?

FATIMATA DIALLO, Committee Chair, said it would be appreciated if the State could send the report before the conclusion of the dialogue.

At the beginning of the second day of the dialogue, Ms. Diallo thanked the delegation of Jamaica for submitting the combined initial and second periodic report.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Jamaica noted the concern raised by the Committee relating to the lack of local legislation for asylum seekers. However, Jamaica maintained its treaty obligations under the national refugee policy. Migrants were screened by health officials and received treatment if necessary, and were provided with food and water, as well as a translator if needed. Jamaica had demonstrated compliance with its policy, as evidenced by 70 per cent of those who had applied for asylum and had had their applications heard.

Jamaica took note of the Committee’s concerns regarding the treatment of Haitian asylum seekers; however, Jamaica maintained a strong rights-based approach towards discrimination, and this was applied to nationals from all countries. A group of 37 Haitian nationals who had arrived in July 2023 were given immediate refugee status and were currently in Jamaica under Government care while their applications were being processed.

All children born in Jamaica were entitled to birth registration under Jamaican law. All migrant children who were arrested were given due process, including legal representation and access to medical care. All children were treated equally in Jamaica; there was no mention of race in any acts pertaining to children. The child diversion committee and act incorporated safeguards to protect children and prevented the commencement of criminal proceedings against children while they were enrolled in the programme.

Jamaica had put measures in place to facilitate the free movement and entry of skilled nationals from the Caribbean Community into its territory. The Government of Jamaica conducted routine inspections to ensure fair labour standards for all workers, including migrants. Jamaican law guaranteed equal treatment for all, and migrant workers were to be treated no differently than Jamaican nationals.

Jamaican law treated irregular migrants as being in breach of detention law, and when they were detained, their rights were enshrined within the Jamaican Constitution. Irregular migrants were held at local police stations, usually close to their place of entry. Migrants would be interviewed to determine if they could speak English and if necessary, an interpreter would be provided. If possible, the consular representative would be contacted. If a person requested to apply for refugee status, they could not be removed from Jamaica until this application was considered, regardless of their nationality or means of entering the country. The State did not seek to criminalise those in irregular migration. There was no cross-contamination of migrants with convicted men and women, even if they were housed in correctional facilities. An independent body was tasked with investigating any accusations of unlawful actions by law enforcement.

The Jamaican Government was aware that although progress had been made over the year to improve the facilities, more needed to be done. The facility at Camp Cape Clare was used to house foreign nationals, and had been repeatedly utilised by the United Kingdom’s Peace Corps. Two large rooms had been refurbished, and it was ensured that proper care was provided to the migrants residing there, in line with international standards. Food items were delivered every week and distributed daily by the manager, with food cooked each day. A private security was contracted to work on the centre, to ensure the migrants living there were safe.

Workers who participated in the seasonal workers programme were covered by a range of benefits, including maternity allowance, a retirement pension, an invalidity benefit, and a spousal allowance. Jamaica had signed social security arrangements with several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Quebec and the 12 Caribbean Community States.

It was ensured that schools were equipped to provide education to children from all backgrounds, including migrant children. International migration was mobilised to support Jamaica’s national development. It should be facilitated and managed to benefit the families. The national policy aimed to ensure that migration was a matter of choice, and to strengthen legislation around migration.

The State faced challenges in the delivery of consular services, due to a lack of resources on the ground and limited data to track Jamaican nationals overseas. In 2024, Jamaica launched the diaspora register act which enabled every Jamaican working overseas to register via their smartphones.

The aliens act did not automatically confer a suspensive action on appeal. Legal assistance was available to those who could not pay for legal representation themselves, through the Legal Aid Council. Jamaica did not pursue repatriation arbitrarily, nor was it a punitive measure, but rather an administrative procedure governed under the rule of law and in line with international human rights standards. The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency was the lead agency responsible for coordinating these procedures. Where it was possible, the Government encouraged and facilitated voluntary returns, including by offering predeparture counselling and reintegration assistance.

Jamaica’s trafficking in persons act was amended in 2021 to remove the option of fines for sentencing. The State was party to the Palermo Protocol and was now considering bilateral cooperation avenues. Hotlines were available to provide services to potential victims, and a unit had been created within the Office of the Children’s Advocate which provided a 24/7 phone line. Many ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism, had received training on how to recognise cases of human trafficking. More than 60 doctors across Jamaica had also been trained in this regard. The Jamaican legislation was premised on non-discrimination.

Questions by Committee Experts

JASMINKA DZUMHUR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, thanked the delegation for the huge efforts made to prepare responses to the Committee’s questions. What was the status of the national human rights institution? Had the State asked the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the United Nations Children’s Fund to provide technical assistance in the process of reporting? It was good that the forum for the diaspora had been established; what could returning Jamaicans expect when they returned to the country?

ERMAL FRASHERI, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, appreciated the submission of the combined initial and second report. What types of inconsistencies did Jamaica find when it reviewed State legislation against the Convention? Jamaica should be congratulated on the State’s various training programmes for officials. Were there specific training programmes on the Convention? Who provided these trainings?

PRASAD KARIYAWASAM, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, congratulated Jamaica on the submission of the report and for the State’s professional responses. It was recognised that Jamaica had an interministerial committee on human rights and a national working group on national migration and development. These were good institutions in which the State could provide and implement best practices. When employment agencies were monitored, was there a cap on what they could charge? How was this monitored? Did the Committee which monitored the human rights treaty bodies have the power to provide recommendations to the Government? Launching the app for the diaspora was a commendable act; how did this work? Was there a mechanism to monitor and respond to the app?

A Committee Expert said Jamaica had set up a law on the protection of children in 2004 and had several protection programmes, including one which assessed the living conditions of children and recommended the type of assistance to be provided to those children. How were those programmes prepared and follow-up guaranteed? Did the law on the protection of children take into account migrant, unaccompanied and separated children?

As part of its prerogatives, the Ombudsman’s office for children was obliged to submit a report to parliament which was an excellent initiative; it reflected the State’s commitment and political will to the protection of children. Was this report in line with the treaty body provisions, regarding the children of migrant workers. The age of 16 was the cut off age for sexual consent; what was the harmonisation of the law with human trafficking and sexual exploitation? Could more information be provided about the definition of illegal minors?

An Expert asked what the real accurate figures on the diaspora were?

A Committee Expert said Jamaica was one of the few countries that had ratified International Labour Organization Convention 189, and the Committee thanked them for this. What type of training was provided to the various labour inspectorates? What training or capacity building was provided to the administration which dealt with labour, force and work? What was the role of the labour inspectorate?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Jamaica was committed to pursue the development of a national human rights institution for the promotion and protection of human rights. Over 331 police officers had been trained on human trafficking topics, including victim care and identification, and the psychological impact of human trafficking, among other topics. In 2023, there were three convictions of persons involved in human trafficking, and two in 2024.

Employment agencies for persons heading overseas could only charge a maximum of 4,000 Jamaican dollars for assistance, and any more could see them brought before the courts. The International Organization for Migration had spent time with Jamaican private employment agencies to provide training regarding integrity in recruitment. Workers were sensitised on how to treat migrant related issues.

The interministerial committee on human rights was comprised of 19 ministries and agencies from the Jamaican Government. The members of the Committee served as the core contacts for human rights issues in their respective ministries and agencies. This involved sensitising and sharing information on human rights, working on developing a human rights strategy, and preparing Jamaica’s national report to the Human Rights Council and human rights treaty bodies, among others.

It was recognised that returning migrants could contribute to the country’s development. Jamaica had implemented several initiatives to facilitate the return and reintegration of voluntary and involuntary returnees. Data was collected on the returnees, which allowed for the evaluation of the cohorts regarding the types of services provide to them. Services provided included training and reskilling, career guidance workshops, skill development programmes, and job opportunities.

Efforts were currently underway to amend the minimum wage act to ensure domestic workers were provided with the protections outlined in the Convention. This remained a priority for the Government. Efforts had recently been made

to increase the number of labour officers to serve the general public.

The cabinet was required to review any amendments to laws prior to them being amended. Jamaica understood that much of the language in current legislation did not align with international obligations, and was currently reviewing acts, including the aliens act in this regard.

Closing Remarks

JASMINKA DZUMHUR, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the delegation had made an extraordinary effort to answer all questions and provide as much information as possible. It was hoped that the next periodic report would come on time. The biggest challenge was the size of the State and the many international obligations, but Jamaica was encouraged to establish strong mechanisms. Ms. Dzumhur extended best wishes to all the migrants on the territory of Jamaica.

ERMAL FRASHERI, Committee Expert and Co-Rapporteur, congratulated Jamaica on the dialogue. It was recommended that Jamaica take all steps to ensure that the Convention was implemented and enforced within the country’s legal system. The State should make use of the Committee as it was ready to provide assistance in understanding the Convention and building capacities on the ground. The Committee stood ready to continue its collaboration with Jamaica.

MAMANE OUMARIA, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, commended the Jamaican delegation for its hard work, considering that the report was not submitted within the deadline. It was hoped next time the document could be provided beforehand, as it was important for the interactive dialogue. It was important that Jamaica established the national human rights institution in the country.

PRASAD KARIYAWASAM, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, thanked Jamaica for the professional and constructive dialogue. It was a challenging time for migrants’ rights and this interaction was very important. Jamaica had a vibrant history and had a special role to play in setting standards in the region and the world. The Committee’s concluding observations would reflect the push for improvement.

FATIMATA DIALLO, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had been fruitful and commended Jamaica for the efforts undertaken. The Committee always sought for improvement, which would include receiving the report on time. This would allow the best possible concluding observations to be provided.

TYESHA TURNER, Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the constructive dialogue and all those who had made the dialogue possible. Jamaica welcomed the opportunity to rise to the challenges with the Committee. The State apologised for the delay in submitting the report and recognised the importance of complying with its obligations. Jamaica would continue to work to ensure that all migrant workers and members of their families enjoyed the full protection of their rights. Ms. Turner thanked the Jamaican team who had travelled to Geneva and those who had followed the dialogue from Jamaica.

___________

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.

CMW25.004E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA)

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

The National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA) is a federal agency in Brazil, linked to the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, and responsible for implementing the management of Brazilian water resources.

It was originally called the National Water Agency, having adopted its current name in July 2020, to reflect the new Legal Framework for Basic Sanitation in the country. The agency’s acronym remained unchanged.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC)

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

The Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) is a Chilean public agency dedicated to the study, information, forecasting, and maintenance of meteorological information. It reports to the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics. Internationally, it represents Chile before the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The mission of the DMC is to provide the basic and processed meteorological information required by aeronautics, as well as to provide meteorological and climatological services to the various socioeconomic activities necessary for Chile’s development. It also conducts meteorological research in coordination with national and international organizations and manages the National Meteorological Data Bank.

In Spanish:

La Dirección Meteorológica de Chile (DMC) es un organismo público chileno dedicado al estudio, información, previsión y mantenimiento meteorológico. Depende de la Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil. En el ámbito internacional, representa a Chile ante la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM).

La misión del DMC es proporcionar la información meteorológica básica y procesada que requiere la aeronáutica, así como prestar servicios meteorológicos y climatológicos a las diversas actividades socioeconómicas necesarias para el desarrollo de Chile. Además, realiza investigación meteorológica en coordinación con organizaciones nacionales e internacionales y gestiona el Banco Nacional de Datos Meteorológicos.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: MAP Engineers

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

Mapa Ingenieros S.A.C. is a company specialized in generating engineering solutions for disaster risk reduction in the industrial, hydrocarbon, mining, construction, sanitation, and services sectors. It is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of professionals with solid training and experience, thus guaranteeing the delivery of quality service.

In Spanish:

Mapa Ingenieros S.A.C., es una empresa especializada en generar soluciones ingenieriles para la reducción del riesgo de desastres en los sectores de industria, hidrocarburos, minería, construcción, saneamiento y servicios, conformada por un equipo multidisciplinario de profesionales con sólida formación y experiencia, garantizando así la entrega de un servicio de calidad.

DRR activities

Mapa employs specialists accredited by CENEPRED (National Commission for the Protection of Natural Hazards) to prepare the Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Report (EVARD). Mapa’s team has extensive experience and a professional track record in communities and investment projects. Clients rely on Mapa to manage and reduce risk from a multidisciplinary perspective and holistic approach.

In Spanish:

Mapa cuenta con especialistas acreditados por CENEPRED (Comisión Nacional para la Protección contra Riesgos Naturales) para elaborar el Informe de Evaluación de Riesgo de Riesgos Naturales (EVARD). El equipo de Mapa cuenta con una amplia experiencia y trayectoria profesional en comunidades y proyectos de inversión. Los clientes confían en Mapa para gestionar y reducir el riesgo desde una perspectiva multidisciplinaria y un enfoque holístico.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Inter-American Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction (IIARRD)
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

The Inter-American Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction (IIARRD) is an institution that seeks to instil in the community the importance of implementing disaster risk reduction actions, both through public policies and changes in daily habits.

Climate change adaptation must be addressed alongside civil society as a cultural shift. Therefore, we aim to work with the media, schools from an early age, and women who can share knowledge as Resilient Ambassadors.

The team is made up of experts in risk reduction, humanitarian work, communication, the environment, geology, and meteorology.

In Spanish:

El Instituto Interamericano para la Reducción de Riesgos de Desastres (IIARRD) es unainstitución que pretende instalar en la comunidad la importancia de implementar acciones para la reducción de riesgos de desastres, tanto en políticas públicas como en cambios de hábitos cotidianos.

La adaptación al cambio climático debe tratarse junto a la sociedad civil como un cambio cultural. Por ello, nos proponemos trabajar junto a medios de comunicación, escuelas desde edad inicial y mujeres que pueden retransmitir los conocimientos como Embajadores Resilientes.

El equipo está conformado por expertos en reducción de riesgos, trabajo humanitario, comunicación, medio ambiente, geología y meteorología.
DRR activities
IIARRD has participated in various projects, both in Argentina and abroad. Here are some examples:

Communication and dissemination efforts for MUJERES DRR

Evaluation of the Venezuela Master Plan 2019-2021 – IFCR

Cyan traffic light for the Province of Buenos Aires

Water Risk Website for the Province of Buenos Aires

Book project for teachers in collaboration with COPE

Risk reduction plan for Chaco and Formosa

Volunteer firefighter training

Conferences on safety at public events

In Spanish:

El IIARRD ha participado en diferentes proyectos, tanto en Argentina como en otros países. Estos son algunos ejemplos:

Tareas de comunicación y difusión de MUJERES RRD

Evaluation of the Venezuela Master Plan 2019-2021 – IFCR

Cianosemáforo de la Provincia de Buenos Aires

Web de Riesgo Hídrico de la Provincia de Buenos Aires

Proyecto de libros para docentes junto a Cope

Plan de reducción de riesgo para Chaco y Formosa

Capacitaciones a bomberos voluntarios

Conferencias sobre seguridad en eventos públicos
MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (SENAMHI)

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

SENAMHI is the governing body for meteorological, hydrological, and related activities; as a technical and scientific institution, it provides specialized services that contribute to the sustainable development of the Plurinational State of Bolivia; it offers hydrometeorological information for all information users and to environmental systems for the care of Mother Earth; nationally and internationally, it participates in global atmospheric monitoring with related entities; nationally, it assists in risk management for disaster prevention and mitigation; it is a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) with international representation in its activities.

In Spanish:

El SENAMHI es el ente rector de las actividades meteorológicas, hidrológicas y afines; como institución técnica y científica, presta servicios especializados que contribuyen al desarrollo sostenible del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia; proporciona información hidrometeorológica a todos los usuarios de la información y a los sistemas ambientales para el cuidado de la Madre Tierra; a nivel nacional e internacional, participa en el monitoreo atmosférico global con entidades afines; a nivel nacional, coadyuva en la gestión de riesgos para la prevención y mitigación de desastres; es miembro de la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM) con representación internacional en sus actividades.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMEH)

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission

The mission of the Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMEH) is to regulate and coordinate the national hydro-meteorological activity, being also the official entity in the dissemination of hydrological and meteorological information in a reliable and timely manner, in order to contribute to the preservation of lives and goods, as well as to the socioeconomic development of the country, through human talent Specialized and state-of-the-art technology.

In Spanish:

La misión del Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMEH) es regular y coordinar la actividad hidrometeorológica nacional, siendo además el ente oficial en la divulgación de información hidrológica y meteorológica de manera confiable y oportuna, a fin de contribuir tanto a la preservación de vidas y bienes, como al desarrollo socioeconómico del país, mediante talento humano especializado y tecnología de vanguardia.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Declining Fertility, Rising Child Mortality, Surge in International Migration, Urbanization Significantly Shaping Global Population Trends, Commission Hears

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Declining fertility rates, persistently high child mortality rates, international migration, and a surge in urbanization over the past several decades have significantly shaped global population trends — and will continue to do so, the Commission on Population and Development heard today.

The Commission, currently holding its week-long session at UN Headquarters in New York through 11 April under the theme “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages”, convened a panel of national experts this morning to discuss the “Programme implementation and future programme of work of the Secretariat in the field of population”.

Some speakers voiced concerns about the growing ageing population in their region, driven by below-replacement fertility rates and the outmigration of young people. In contrast, the speaker from Kenya noted the continent’s rapidly expanding youth population. Panellists noted that both demographic trends pose significant challenges — and opportunities — for labour markets, education systems, caregiving and healthcare sectors. The speaker from Albania highlighted her Government’s policy dubbed as a “baby bonus” aimed at boosting fertility rates.

John Wilmoth, Director of the Population Division at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, moderated the panel discussion and highlighted findings from a recent Division report. According to the report, the global fertility rate in 2024 stands at 2.1 births per woman over a lifetime — a significant decline from approximately 5 in the 1960s and 3.3 in 1990.

“Although the historic reduction in fertility is being experienced worldwide, its timing differs substantially across countries and regions,” he noted. Wilmoth also referenced another report produced by the Division on international migration and sustainable development, which explores the linkages between migration and the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Among other key initiatives, he highlighted the Division’s work developing a set of indicators to monitor progress on implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Africa’s Mainly Young Population ‘Eager for Change and Prosperity’

Mohamed Abdikadir Sheikh, Director General of the National Council for Population and Development of Kenya, shared his national perspective, emphasizing Africa’s predominantly youthful population, which he described as “eager for change and prosperity”. While life expectancy has increased somewhat, it still lags behind the global average of 73 years — “in Africa it is around 64 years,” he noted.

He highlighted the continent’s rapid urbanization with significant migration from rural to urban communities. Africa’s population currently stands at an estimated 1.4 billion — about 18.8 per cent of the global total — and is growing rapidly. Projections suggest it could reach 2.4 billion by 2050 and as many as 4.2 billion within the next century.

Focusing on Kenya, Mr. Sheikh reported that the country’s population has risen from 47.6 million in 2019 to an estimated 53 million today and is expected to reach 70 million by 2045. Kenya, like many other African countries, has seen a significant decline in fertility rates — from a high of 5.4 in 1993 to 3.4 in 2022. However, major regional disparities remain, with some counties reporting fertility rates as high as 8.3, he noted.

Young people under the age of 35 make up more than 75 per cent of Kenya’s population, a demographic trend that presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the areas of employment, education and healthcare. While average life expectancy across Africa is around 64.4 years, he emphasized that “the quality of life is really not that excellent”. “You may live up to 70 or 80 years, but you [will] have communicable disease like hypertension and diabetes,” he added.

He also pointed to persistent issues of high maternal and child mortality across Kenya and the broader continent, as Governments work to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. Rapid urbanization remains a pressing challenge, he said, noting that Kenya’s urban population grew from 3.9 million in 1989 to 14.8 million in 2019.

Caribbean Region Undergoing Demographic Slowdown as Fertility Rates Drop

Mareeca Brown Bailey, Director of the Population and Health, Social Policy, Planning and Research Division, Planning Institute of Jamaica, reported that the Caribbean region is undergoing a demographic slowdown. While Africa is witnessing growth in its child and youth population, “our child population is declining” and the dependent elderly group is increasing, she said. This demographic shift — seen in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean — is influenced by net migration loss, an ageing population and persistently low fertility rates.

Fertility rates are lowest in the English-speaking Caribbean, and in Jamaica they have fallen below replacement level. By 2050, the elderly population is expected to surpass the child population — this means there will be a demand for elderly healthcare services, but “we cannot leave our younger persons without the… requisite services they need,” she said.

This is why “a life-cycle approach” is needed, she said. Jamaica has also seen high rates of migration, particularly among younger women and productive persons, to countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as within the region. “The immigration of a significant percentage of highly trained and skilled professionals can lead to brain drain,” she added, noting that the migration of trained nurses particularly impacts healthcare.

The Caribbean in general, and Jamaica in particular, rely on data from the United Nations’ Population Division to create projections and policies. It is useful to check Jamaica’s internal data against the UN’s interactive, holistic and comprehensive data, she said, adding: “It helps us to make comparisons to understand where we would have gone wrong.” In particular, the UN data on migration has helped her country to create a comprehensive migration policy, she said, adding that it is crucial for Jamaica to understand “how to maximize the skills that our diaspora has”.

‘Baby Bonus’ to Encourage More Births

Anisa Omuri Muça, Director of the Social Statistics Directorate, National Institute of Statistics of Albania, said her country, like many Eastern European countries, is experiencing a sharp decline in birth rates. This has long-term implications for population ageing and workforce sustainability. The number of births per year decreased significantly from about 53,000 in 2001 to 34,000 in 2011 to about 24,000 births currently, while the number of deaths remains stable. This prompted Albania’s policymakers to launch a 2020 measure to provide a “baby bonus” which gives immediate financial assistance to parents of newborns.

Noting also that the proportion of elderly people is increasing, she said this is placing pressure on Albania’s social security, healthcare systems, and pension funds. The shrinking working-age population may also impact economic growth, she said, highlighting another set of policies her Government established to ensure social protection, inclusion and skills development for ageing adults.

Further, young and skilled Albanians continue to leave the country in search of better economic and education opportunities, primarily in Western Europe and North America. This also exacerbates labour shortages and slows development, she said. Urbanization is another demographic phenomenon in her country — this is resulting in “depopulation in remote areas” while straining infrastructure and services in major cities like Tirana.

The Population Division’s data, reports, and analytical tools have enhanced Albania’s demographic research, policy planning, and decision-making. Notably, the country has leveraged the UN’s migration datasets, which provide crucial benchmarks for analysing emigration patterns and their socioeconomic effects, particularly regarding the loss of youth and skilled labour. Additionally, by utilizing UN data, Albania can compare its demographic trends with those of other Eastern European countries, identifying best practices and policy interventions to tackle shared challenges, such as low fertility and ageing.

Video on World Population Trends

Prior to the panel, participants watched a short video on world population trends, produced by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ Population Division, showcasing the results of the 2024 edition of World Population Prospects. It examined how the wide variety of national patterns of fertility, mortality and international migration shape and impact global population trends.

During the ensuing dialogue with Member States, panellists addressed questions related to the morning’s discussions. Asked about incentives Albania is offering citizens in light of a declining fertility rate, Ms. Omuri pointed to the “baby bonus” to encourage new couples, but added that the country is grappling with a “brain drain”, as many young people seek better opportunities in Western Europe and North America. Additionally, an ageing population is creating increased demands on social protections, healthcare and other services.

Mr. Sheikh, asked about maternal mortality, acknowledged progress but said much more work is needed. He noted that Kenya is focused on enhancing quality of care and expanding universal healthcare coverage. “A concern at the moment is quality of care because women come into facilities and are still dying in the hands of the most qualified personnel, and that is doctors and nurses,” he said.

On the topic of maximizing the demographic dividend, Ms. Bailey stressed the importance of political will in creating opportunities for the working-age population, and the need to establish a work-life balance, enabling young people to pursue education while supporting their families. Broadening the conversation, Mr. Sheikh emphasized the importance of integrating population planning and educating both politicians and citizens on the significance of population issues. Africa faces unique challenges, with a growing youth population, contrasting with other regions experiencing population decline. “We don’t want to be in a position where other countries are trying to boost their population,” he said, stressing the value of learning from others and exchanging ideas.

In response to a recommendation on integrating population development into national planning, Ms. Bailey agreed, noting that this approach has allowed Jamaica to develop a long-term vision. “Population and development are fundamental to our national development agenda. It would be remiss of any country not to incorporate them into every aspect of their planning,” she emphasized.

On the issue of coordination across the UN system to avoid duplication, Mr. Wilmoth acknowledged the Division’s efforts but called for greater specificity when identifying gaps in coordination. “It’s certainly an aspiration and a goal but when we don’t achieve that… I think it may be necessary to be a little more specific about exactly what you’re seeing and where you’re seeing a lack of coordination,” he added. It is always important to encourage agencies to speak to each other and avoid duplication.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Spare developing countries from new US tariffs: UN trade chief

Source: United Nations 4

By Conor Lennon

10 April 2025 Economic Development

As governments and global markets struggle to deal with the massive upheaval unleashed by the United States’ unilateral trade tariffs, Rebeca Grynspan, the head of the UN trade agency (UNCTAD) told UN News on Thursday that the poorest countries – which have a negligible effect on the US trade deficit – should be exempt.

Ms. Grynspan was speaking in the wake of growing UN concern at the effect on-going uncertainty could have on the most vulnerable developing economies.

On Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that “trade wars are extremely negative,” and warned that the impact of tariffs could be “devastating.”

Tariffs are a tax on imports coming into a country which are usually charged to the exporter as a percentage of value – an extra cost which is normally passed on to the consumer.

In an interview with the Financial Times published on Thursday morning, the UNCTAD chief appealed for the US to reconsider its strategy, noting that the 44 Least Developed Countries contribute less than two per cent of the US’s trade deficit, and that higher tariffs would only make their existing debt crisis much worse.

Speaking to UN News, Ms. Grynspan laid out the ways that UNCTAD is supporting developing nations, and advocated for closer regional trade ties, which can strengthen their hand in international trade negotiations.

UN News: The world’s two biggest economies, the US and China, are in the process of imposing or threatening huge trade tariffs on each other. How worried do you think we should all be?

Rebeca Grynspan: When you the two main global economies impose tariffs, it will affect everybody, not only the economies engaged in the tariff war. We are already in a “new normal” of low growth and high debt, and we are worried that the global economy will slow down.

Our emphasis has been to put attention on what can happen to countries that are more vulnerable, such as the Least Developed Countries, and small island developing States. What is happening to those countries is what really worries us.

© ADB/Deng Jia

A factory in inner Mongolia, China (file)

UN News: Some experts are saying that this could be the end of the post-war international financial system. Are those fears warranted?

Rebeca Grynspan: We still don’t know where we will end up. One of the things that we are doing is trying to give the public a real account of what is actually taking place, and what is still just talk.

The most important point is the problem of the uncertainty. If we know the final position, we will adjust, we will have strategies and we can see how to live with the decisions that are being taken. But if we have a prolonged period of uncertainty, where things change all the time, this is damaging because we don’t know what to do. Investment is paralyzed because CEOs are deciding to sit and wait, which means investment will not come back at the scale the world needs.

Our first call is for rational decisions to be taken, so we can plan, strategize and adapt to change – but we still don’t know what that change will entail.

UN News: You’ve made the case for poorer countries to be spared tariff hikes imposed by the US administration. Are your concerns being heard?

Rebeca Grynspan: I haven’t seen anybody making the analysis that we have made, proving that these countries really are making no contribution to the US trade deficit. Most of the exports that they send to the US are commodities and many of these are exempt from tariffs under the new rules. These commodities don’t compete with the US, rather they help in production processes.

The point I want to make is that there are a number of countries that don’t really contribute to the deficit, are not important in terms of the revenue [that the US can collect from tariffs] and are not competition or a national security threat to the US.

So, maybe we can avoid starting new bilateral agreements and negotiations and spare them the pain of the tariffs.

ILO Asia-Pacific

Women workers at a textile factory in Viet Nam stitch puffer jackets, destined mostly for Western markets.

UN News: What advice could you give to a manufacturing worker in a developing country like Viet Nam or Madagascar?

Rebeca Grynspan: It’s difficult to say, because some countries are receiving higher tariffs than others, and so you don’t know what competitive impact this will have.

Madagascar is a good example of what we’re talking about, because the country’s main export to the US is vanilla. Their contribution to the US trade deficit is so small it doesn’t even register, so it makes no sense to penalise a country like this.

UN News: Explain the role that UNCTAD plays in supporting developing countries?

Rebeca Grynspan: As an organization, we analyse trade, investment, financing and technology from the point of view of development, which means we help countries to take advantage of the opportunities of trade.

We are not involved in trade negotiations – these take place at the World Trade Organization – but we will help developing countries to get a better deal in trade and help their economies to perform better globally.

UN News: You have advocated for developing countries to trade more within regional blocs where they can have more say in negotiations with richer countries. Would that be useful in this kind of situation?

Rebeca Grynspan: Africa has a huge opportunity with the African Free Trade Area. According to our numbers, this could add around $3 trillion to the African economy.

It’s a huge opportunity, and if they can accelerate the pace, they could take advantage of a bigger market and make economies of scale. African nations need to diversify their economies because, if they continue to be dependent on commodities, they won’t be able to provide their populations with the services and the income they deserve.

There is also a deepening of trade relationships in Southeast Asia with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and in parts of Latin America with Mercosur (the Southern Common Market).

These partnerships could be very important, particularly at this precise moment.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria’s political transition at risk due to Israeli military action, Security Council hears

Source: United Nations 2

10 April 2025 Peace and Security

Recent military actions by Israel are undermining Syria’s political transition and the chances of a new security pact between the two countries, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Thursday.

“Syria’s opportunity to stabilise after 14 years of conflict must be supported and protected, for Syrians and for Israelis,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

“This is the only way regional peace and security can be realized.”

Transition under threat

Mr. Khiari and the head of UN Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, briefed ambassadors on recent Israeli violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement with Syria.

The accord ended the Yom Kippur war and established an area of separation in the rocky plateau region known as the Golan, along the border between the two countries.

It also authorised the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) to supervise the agreement, and peacekeepers to monitor the buffer zone.

Mr. Khiari said that hundreds of reported Israeli airstrikes have taken place across Syria since the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024, namely in the southwest, the Syrian coast, northeastern Syria, Damascus, Hama, and Homs.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also publicly confirmed that it has built multiple positions in the elevated area of separation on the Golan, while Israeli officials have spoken of the country’s intentions to stay in Syria “for the foreseeable future,” he added.

“Such facts on the ground are not easily reversed. They do threaten Syria’s fragile political transition,” he warned.

Multiple airstrikes reported

Most recently, Syria informed the council of reports of multiple Israeli airstrikes on 3 April, including in Damascus, the Hama Military Airport, and the T4 military airport in Homs. Simultaneous attacks in Daraa reportedly resulted in nine civilian casualties.

The Syrian interim authorities condemned the attacks, calling them a blatant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty and an attempt to destabilize the country.

“Let me also recall earlier indications by the Damascus authorities, as had been published in numerous media outlets, of not presenting threats to its neighbours and seeking peace on their borders,” said Mr. Khiari.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister was quoted describing airstrikes as “a warning for the future”, and that Israel would “not allow Syria to become a threat” to its security interests.

Respect Syria’s sovereignty

In light of these developments, Mr. Khiari pointed to the council’s presidential statement dated 14 March which reaffirmed strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

It also called on all States to respect these principles and to refrain from any action or interference that may further destabilize the country.

“This council’s commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity grows in importance by the day,” he said.

He further recalled that UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen addressed Israeli military escalation in a statement on 3 April, saying such actions undermine efforts to build a new Syria.

“Syria is at a crossroads and deserves a chance to continue to work towards an inclusive political transition, where the Syrian people can overcome the conflict, revive their economy, realize their legitimate aspirations, and contribute to regional stability,” Mr. Khiari said.

“Furthermore, short-term and tactical security actions and gains should not derail prospects for peace agreement between the two neighbours and long-term stability at their internationally recognized border.”

Volatile security situation

Mr. Lacroix briefed the council on developments in the UNDOF area of operations, where the situation remains volatile and characterized by violations of the 1974 Agreement.

The IDF currently occupies 12 positions that they established on the Bravo side, located east of the area of separation. Ten are in the zone and the others are in the vicinity.

“They also continue to construct counter-mobility obstacles along the ceasefire line, and have flown, on several occasions, aircraft across the ceasefire line and helicopters into the area of separation,” he said.

The Israeli forces also continue to impose some restrictions of movement on UNDOF and the Observer Group Golan, comprised of military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). Local residents have also had their movements curtailed, prompting protests.

Explosions and engagement

“In recent weeks, UNDOF personnel have noted multiple explosions on the Bravo side, which they deem to be significant kinetic activity linked to the efforts of the IDF to, and I quote, ‘demilitarize the south of Syria,’” said Mr. Lacroix

In the meantime, UNDOF continues to liaise with both parties and engage on specific issues impacting its operations as well as complaints conveyed by residents in the separation zone.

“In their engagement with the UNDOF leadership, senior IDF officials have restated that their presence in the area of separation was necessary to secure it from what they describe as ‘terrorist elements’ and informed that Israel had no territorial ambitions in Syria,” he said.

“They have reiterated Israel’s expectation of the demilitarization of the area southwest of Damascus,” he added.

He reported that on the Bravo side, UNDOF is reinforcing its coordination mechanism through new liaison arrangements with Syrian authorities, which includes enhancing information sharing and regular consultative meetings.

Uphold 1974 Agreement

“It remains critical that all parties uphold their obligations under the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, including by ending all unauthorized presence in the areas of separation and limitation, as well as refraining from any action that would undermine the ceasefire and stability on the Syrian Golan,” he said.

“There should be no military forces or activities in the area of separation, other than those of UNDOF. All actions that are inconsistent with the agreement are unacceptable.”

He said the Security Council’s continued support for the Force is “needed now more than ever in is difficult time.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 News release Countries are already experiencing significant health system disruptions – WHO
Source: World Health Organisation

The World Health Organization (WHO) issues warning on health service disruptions reported in 70% of its surveyed country offices as a result of sudden suspensions and reductions in official development assistance (ODA) for health.

The findings, based on rapid WHO assessment of the fast-evolving situation, raise concern for potentially deeper and prolonged effects on health systems and services across the world, especially in vulnerable and fragile settings. This requires urgent action and international response.

The new rapid stock take conducted in March–April 2025 with 108 WHO country offices, primarily in low- and lower-middle-income countries, shows that many countries are working to increase or reallocate funding from domestic and alternative external sources to address gaps. However, up to 24% of WHO Country Office responses suggest budget cuts are already translating into increased out-of-pocket payments. The poor and vulnerable likely risk bearing the additional brunt of these impacts.

“These results paint a worrying picture about the impact of the sudden and unplanned cuts to aid on the health of millions of people,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Although these cuts are a shock, they are also driving an accelerated transition away from aid dependency to a more sustainable self-reliance, based on domestic resources. Many countries are asking for WHO’s support, and WHO is working with them to identify and tailor the most effective measures.”

The stock take reports provide an early snapshot and insights from WHO country offices that work closely with ministries of health, providing regular support on health systems policies and planning. The stock take aimed at identifying the urgent support countries need to avoid catastrophic impacts on the health of the populations and to guide monitoring of the rapidly evolving situation.

Key findings from the stock take show the following.
- The suspensions and reductions in ODA are disrupting all health system functions, with the most frequently reported impacts being on health emergency preparedness and response (70%), public health surveillance (66%), service provision (58%), humanitarian aid (56%), and the health and care workforce (54%).
- Health services are being disrupted across the board in at least one third of the responding countries, with high levels of disruptions reported in outbreak detection and response, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, family planning, and maternal and child health services.
- The nature and scale of service disruptions are comparable to those observed during the peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in some settings.
- Critical shortages in the availability of medicines and health products are leaving one third of responding countries without commodities for major service areas.
- The pause in ODA has led to job losses for health and care workers in over half of responding countries, and significant disruptions to trainings.
- Information systems are particularly impacted as key health data collection is disrupted. Over 40% of countries experienced disruptions to key information systems, including collaborative surveillance and emergency systems, health management information systems, disease-specific reporting systems, lab information systems, and household/population surveys.
- Eighty-one of the 108 WHO country offices have expressed the need for support across a broad range of health areas, including innovative funding and resource mobilization, targeted technical assistance and support.
Given the rapidly evolving context, WHO will be monitoring the situation over time and will engage the global health community, including partners and donor agencies, to inform urgent response plans to mitigate deepening country impacts and enable greater sustainability.

Note to editors:

These findings represent a snapshot of the health systems and health services situation in the context of a rapidly evolving situation. Senior WHO country office staff were surveyed over the period of 7 March to 2 April 2025 to provide inputs and observations on the impact of ODA suspensions and reductions through a structured survey. WHO country offices in low- and lower-middle-income countries across all six WHO regions were included in this survey. They do not reflect the official views of the governments in the countries, territories and areas. WHO has a global presence in 150+ locations putting central focus on countries and populations, working to protect and improve the health of everyone, everywhere. More information.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: World Court begins hearing Sudan’s ‘complicity in genocide’ case against the United Arab Emirates

Source: United Nations 2

By Vibhu Mishra

10 April 2025 Law and Crime Prevention

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday began hearing Sudan’s case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which it accuses of being complicit in acts of genocide against the Masalit community in West Darfur by backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The hearings in The Hague, focus on Sudan’s request for the court – the UN’s principal judicial organ – to impose provisional measures to prevent further alleged grave human rights violations.

Brutal civil war

Sudan’s military Government is alleging that the UAE has been directly supporting the RSF and allied militias, which have embroiled in a brutal civil war with the national army since April 2023.

The conflict has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing over 12.4 million people – more than 3.3 million as refugees in neighbouring countries.

Hunger has reached catastrophic levels, with famine declared in several regions, and disease outbreaks and the collapse of essential services have left millions, especially children at extreme risk.

The case, formally titled Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Sudan (Sudan v. United Arab Emirates), was initiated last month, when Sudan filed an application instituting proceedings against the UAE.

Sudan’s allegations

Khartoum claims the RSF and its affiliates are responsible for serious human rights violations including mass killings, rape and the forced displacement of the non-Arab Masalit people in West Darfur.

The application claims the UAE “is complicit in the genocide on the Masalit through its direction of and provision of extensive financial, political, and military support for the rebel RSF militia.”

Pending a final judgment in the case, the court is being asked to indicate provisional measures ordering the UAE to “take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts” that could contribute to genocide.

Additionally, Sudan is asking for the UAE to prevent any allied irregular armed units involved, directly or indirectly, from carrying out further alleged atrocities.

The Court has the authority under Article 36(1) of the its Statute to hear and decide on disputes under international law – including international treaties and conventions – brought by one State against another, provided both have accepted the Court’s jurisdiction.

The Convention

The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1948, in the aftermath of the atrocities of World War II. It entered into force on 12 January 1951.

It defines genocide as any act “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.

Both Sudan and the UAE are a party to the Convention, making them legally bound by its provisions.

More to come…

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Departmental update Worldwide rally for maternal and newborn health marks World Health Day 2025
Source: World Health Organisation
On the occasion of the World Health Day 2025 dedicated to the theme of Healthier beginnings, hopeful futures, over 100 global offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) have organized wide-ranging public advocacy actions in collaboration with Member States, communities, health workers, partner and donor agencies and civil society organizations.

The unprecedented global action to defend maternal and newborn health care services highlights the importance of protecting critical maternal, newborn health related services that are increasingly under threat of funding challenges affecting the global health sector.

World Health Day 2025 actions by WHO offices

African Region
- Angola launched a dynamic Facebook live event and media campaign with UNICEF and UNFPA and partners.
- Burundi orchestrated a 10-day celebration featuring refugee clinic visits, school disease screenings, and maternal health workshops.
- Central African Republic hosted a presidential-level celebration launching maternal health roadmap with nationwide media coverage.
- Chad mobilized 250 UN volunteers for the campaign, culminating in a ministerial ceremony and refugee camp celebrations.
- Republic of the Congo featured a high-profile Walk the Talk event with the Regional Director to launch a maternal death management system, among other events.
- Comoros held a joint event with the Directorate of Family Health.
- Côte d’Ivoire spotlighted reproductive health of disabled women through powerful exhibitions and data showcases.
- Eritrea conducted knowledge competitions and community visits to maternal waiting homes led by Minister of Health, among other events.
- Eswatini organized community dialogues on maternal issues with strategic media placements across multiple platforms.
- The Gambia commemorated through media engagements on national radio and TV networks.
- Guinea implemented nationwide vaccination campaigns alongside free consultations and high-level advocacy efforts.
- Lesotho engaged the Prime Minister in a community event complemented by university debates and a scientific symposium.
- Liberia held a Walk the Talk event with the Ministry of Health.
- Madagascar combined official ceremonies with free health care services, video broadcasts, among many other activities including an energetic Zumba fitness event.
- Malawi delivered a bilingual media campaign featuring the Minister of Health addressing maternal and neonatal health priorities.
- Mali showcased perinatal clinic facilities through an official ceremony and comprehensive media coverage.
- Mauritania blended cultural performances with scientific panels on reproductive health in a high-impact ceremony.
- Nigeria: WHO Nigeria, MOH and partners organized a walk to sensitize on improving maternal and newborn health, ending preventable deaths, and prioritizing women’s long-term well-being.
- South Sudan: amidst the ongoing security concerns, no public events were held but advocacy messages were disseminated.
- Republic of Sierra Leone facilitated the First Lady’s visit to a maternal hospital alongside diplomatic tours of health monitoring facilities.
- South Africa produced impact videos and coordinated joint statements with the National Department of Health across media platforms.
- Uganda published compelling human-interest stories on maternal health alongside policy dialogues and community health check-ups, among many other events (see here).
- Zambia released a presidential video message highlighting maternal health partnerships and community outreach initiatives (also see here and here).
- Tanzania: WHO joined the Ministry of Health and partners for the climax of National Health Week.
WHO Region of the Americas/Pan American Health Organization
- The Bahamas launched the SIP+ maternal health initiative through a strategic press conference and social media campaign.
- Belize hosted a media breakfast with the Ministry of Health featuring targeted video content for multiple platforms.
- Chile partnered with the Ministry of Health for a nationwide campaign launch with sustained media presence.
- Colombia showcased traditional midwifery alongside technical experts in a ministerial panel on maternal mortality reduction.
- Cuba celebrated zero maternal deaths in Villa Clara province through a festival and a multi-agency scientific symposium.
- Guatemala secured vice presidential participation for a high-profile campaign launch at the national palace.
- Guyana transformed the Rosignol Health Centre into a community hub with a health fair and live social media coverage (also see here).
- Haiti launched a National Health Week with the Prime Minister featuring themed days and nationwide health fairs.
- Suriname combined a public health fair with a technical forum on Perinatal Health Information System implementation.
- Trinidad and Tobago placed strategic advertorials in major newspapers highlighting SIP implementation success.
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region
- Bahrain coordinated joint UN-Ministry of Health events with a cross-platform media campaign, among other events (see here and here).
- Djibouti celebrated the dual milestone of World Health Day and 40 years of WHO presence with a maternal health focus.
- Jordan launched a Let’s talk about health video from the WHO country office staff to share insights and inspire change.
- Iraq designed a comprehensive Health Week with daily themes engaging youth, media, and community volunteers.
- Kuwait secured prime national TV coverage with coordinated social media messaging (see here and here).
- Oman mobilized a multi-ministry response integrating higher education institutions in maternal health initiatives.
- Pakistan engaged government officials in high-visibility events complemented by human interest stories and op-eds.
- Tunisia implemented Health Champions Week featuring centre visits and a bilingual media campaign.
WHO European Region
- Republic of Armenia combined provincial and ministerial leadership in a women’s health event with national TV coverage.
- Republic of Azerbaijan inaugurated a cutting-edge simulation laboratory at Azerbaijan Medical University with national television coverage.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina distributed ministerial certificates alongside strategic op-eds in local newspapers.
- Bulgaria honoured Bulgarian nurses through a campaign supporting a new national nursing strategy with UNICEF amplification.
- Cyprus launched the National Mental Health Strategy alongside breastfeeding advocacy initiatives.
- Czechia leveraged World Health Day to amplify a national alcohol action plan through high-profile press events.
- Estonia published influential op-eds supporting early childhood vaccination with a multi-stakeholder social media campaign.
- Hellenic Republic unveiled WHO European Quality Standards for child/youth mental health services with expert consultation.
- Hungary launched a targeted campaign on heatwave impacts during pregnancy featuring expert recommendations.
- Kazakhstan mobilized the Ministry of Health and Astana Medical University for a dynamic Walk the Talk event.
- Kyrgyz Republic engaged university students through specialized talks on maternal and newborn health priorities.
- Montenegro secured a national television interview alongside a smoking cessation initiative for pregnant women.
- North Macedonia combined a media briefing with a doctors’ association and prime-time national TV news coverage.
- Republic of Moldova produced a national TV health series complemented by school campaigns and a breastfeeding caravan.
- Romania showcased kangaroo mother care through a strategic partners exhibition and technical roundtables.
- Serbia illuminated Belgrade Tower with campaign messaging alongside prime-time media interviews.
- Türkiye lit the iconic Atakule landmark while hosting a university seminar with the Ministry of Health and UN agencies.
- Turkmenistan organized a bicycle marathon and youth dialogue with health network members.
- Republic of Uzbekistan unveiled a maternal health mural at the National Center of Mother and Child with a influencer video series.
WHO South-East Asia Region
- Bangladesh hosted a national event at Osmani Memorial Auditorium with a newspaper supplement and district-level activities.
- Bhutan combined a team-building hike with a celebration featuring video messages from the Minister of Health.
- India showcased achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality rates through a regional webinar (also see here).
- Indonesia celebrated 75 years of WHO partnership through an online talk show and targeted social media campaign.
- Nepal highlighted mortality rate reductions through ministerial messages and video testimonies.
- Sri Lanka delivered a specialized webinar series on maternal health topics with technical policy briefs.
- Thailand focused on preterm infant care through a Department of Health event featuring regional voices.
- Timor-Leste launched the Every Newborn Action Plan alongside a Ministry of Health–WHO exhibition and technical seminar.
WHO Western Pacific Region
- Cambodia connected health workers nationwide through a virtual gathering with parliamentary engagement.
- China secured ministerial leadership for a National Health Commission event featuring the Director-General’s video remarks.
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic published a joint WR/Minister of Health opinion piece with a planned UN partner MCH event.
- Mongolia simultaneously launched the Healthy Newborn Initiative and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme.
- Independent State of Papua New Guinea implemented a comprehensive activity series including regulatory workshops and violence prevention initiatives.
- South Pacific coordinated a joint release with regional partners while launching the WHO South Pacific LinkedIn platform.
- Solomon Islands celebrated maternal and child health achievements with medical workers and ministry officials.
- Socialist Republic of Viet Nam partnered with the Young Physicians Association for a Hanoi event with strategic opinion pieces in the national media.
Worldwide actions exemplified above, among many others, generate a strong response to the global call issued by UN agencies on World Health Day, raising alarm on the threat of major backsliding of maternal and newborn health.

World Health Day 2025 marks WHO’s 77th birthday and kicks off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. WHO urges governments and the health community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritize women’s longer-term health and well-being.
MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deeply Saddened by Passing of Former General Assembly President, Interim African Union Chairperson, Secretary-General Hails Amara Essy for Effective Leadership

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Amara Essy, former Interim Chairperson of the African Union Commission, former President of the forty-ninth Session of the General Assembly and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire. Mr. Essy also held several leadership positions with the United Nations.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to his family and the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire as well as to the entire African Union family.

Mr. Essy played a pivotal role in steering the African Union through the crucial transition from the former Organization of African Unity, marking a significant step in the continent’s push for regional integration. He also facilitated the peaceful resolution of several conflicts in Africa.

As President of the forty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Essy was known for his effective leadership and for being a consensus builder. In the same vein, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Essy contributed to the facilitation of the resolution of the political crisis in the region.

Mr. Essy will be remembered for his dedication to the African cause. He was a true African statesman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of future diplomats.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Donors making a difference in support of WHO’s global work for better nutrition for all

Source: World Health Organisation

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development at every stage of life. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and longevity. Healthy children learn better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger.

Today, the world faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and overweight. Undernutrition as well as obesity result in diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

WHO’s support to initiatives to tackle malnutrition is not possible without funding. For core work like this, WHO needs sustainable financing that is predictable, flexible and resilient, enabling the Organization to have the greatest impact where it is needed most.

In parallel to providing fully flexible funding, donors also invest in specific WHO activities across the globe to address malnutrition. The examples reveal a wide range of donor support, not only in emergency contexts with vulnerable or displaced populations but also as a long-term and deeply embedded concern for many countries. This support is even more vital in the face of rising conflict, poverty, food insecurity and rising food prices coupled with easy access to cheap and highly processed foods across all income levels.

Bridging gaps in health and nutrition services for internally displaced people (IDPs) and crisis-affected communities in Amhara, Ethiopia

^{Bridging gaps in health and nutrition services for IDPs and crisis-affected communities in Amhara, Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Nitsebiho Asrat}

The Amhara region of Ethiopia has faced a severe humanitarian crisis since November 2021. Nearly a million IDPs are scattered across 38 collective sites and host communities, alongside hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees.

Ongoing public health emergencies have exacerbated the already critical demand for basic essential health and nutrition services. Availability and access to services are severely limited. WHO, in collaboration with regional government authorities, deployed Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams (MHNTs) to bring essential services to the most vulnerable populations.

As needs increased, the number of MHNTs expanded to 19, comprising 132 health workers, in April 2024. This was made possible through funding from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid, the United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF), and the People and Government of Japan.

Read the full story.

Stabilisation centres are a lifeline for Sudan’s malnourished children

^{WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy at the WHO-supported nutrition stabilisation centre in Port Sudan which is providing life-saving care for many infants suffering from acute malnutrition. Photo by: WHO/Inas Hamam}

In 2024, almost a year after conflict erupted in Sudan, nearly 25 million people needed humanitarian assistance. Of these, 18 million people faced acute hunger, 5 million of them at emergency levels.

In 2024, WHO provided medical supplies and technical support to 121 state-run stabilisation centres in Sudan and supported 11 with operating costs. About 3.5 million children under 5 years – every 7th child in Sudan – experience acute malnutrition. Stabilisation centres are a lifeline to more than 100 000 children who are severely acutely malnourished and suffer from medical complications.

Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, WHO has trained 1 942 nutrition cadres and distributed over 2 300 severe acute malnutrition kits to help treat more than 28 000 children. WHO was able to do this thanks to the generous financial assistance of the Italian Development Cooperation, Japan and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. This ensured life-saving support, much more of which is needed to address the staggering numbers of Sudanese children in need.

Read the full story.

Nutrition services included in the emergency health response in Syria

^{WHO team visits a health centre in Maskaneh village in rural Aleppo, meeting with health and community workers and beneficiaries, 2024. Photo by: WHO/Farah Ramada}

WHO welcomes US$ 5.5 million funding received from UN CERF to enhance its integrated multisectoral emergency response in Syria. The funding will enable WHO to continue delivering life-saving healthcare services to the most vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions of the country.

The support aims to reduce morbidity and mortality by ensuring access to essential health care, including advanced nutrition services, and by delivering health services to people in need in north-west and north-east Syria, including sub-districts in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh, Dar’a, Deir-ez-Zor, Idleb and Lattakia.

The funding supports around 1.8 million people in prioritized areas, aiming to improve access to primary and secondary health care and to bolster emergency referral systems. The focus is on children experiencing malnutrition, providing essential supplies to nutrition stabilisation centres and hospitals, and on strengthening the capacity of local health care workers for mental health, gender-based violence, and communicable diseases.

Read the full story.

Life-saving health supplies and services to over 5 million people across drought-affected states in Somalia

^{EU ECHO-funded project helped equip 11 nutrition stabilisation centres, 2024. Photo by: WHO/Somalia I.Taxta}

WHO and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU ECHO) supported Somalia’s Federal and State Ministries of Health to provide life-saving health supplies and services to over 5 million people across drought-affected areas of Banadir, South West, Jubbaland and Galmudug states. WHO supported 63 stabilisation centres for treatment of severe acute malnutrition with medical complications, treating over 25 000 children across the country in these centres. 84% of these children survived.

The 24-month project increased access to health and nutrition services for IDPs in camps and host communities and addressed the needs of pregnant and lactating women, elderly individuals, and children under 5 in drought and conflict-affected areas.

Essential medical supplies were procured and distributed for severe acute malnutrition with medical complications in children, essential health and severe malnutrition kits, and to support detection and response to outbreaks. The project helped equip 11 nutrition stabilisation centres across target districts with severe acute malnutrition kits, with an average cure rate of 94.25% in children under 5.

Read the full story.

Benin: nutrition and health monitoring to bolster children’s health

^{WHO-supported health screenings help safeguard children’s physical and intellectual well-being in Benin’s primary schools, 2023. Photo by: WHO/D. Akomatsri}

Every day, all primary and pre-primary pupils in Benin’s state schools receive a hot meal, courtesy of the National Integrated School Feeding Programme. An associated nutritional and health monitoring campaign is carried out biannually offering a package of services, including micronutrient supplementation, deworming, and hygiene promotion in schools.

The campaign reached 60 schools in 2023, with support from WHO, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund. This helped detect and treat cases of malnutrition amongst pupils, with 13 986 children screened and 1 367 cases of malnutrition detected, including 390 severe acute cases and 975 moderate acute cases.

By linking medical care to the school feeding scheme, Benin’s Ministry of Health aims to address both the physical and intellectual health of schoolchildren. WHO, through the French Muskoka Fund, is supporting this initiative to monitor health and nutrition amongst schoolchildren in a bid to help entrench health promotion in schools.

Read the full story.

Protecting children from the harmful effect of food marketing in Malaysia

^{Policymakers, civil society organizations, academics and industry representatives participated in the consultative seminar. Photo by: WHO}

Malaysia has the highest rate of childhood overweight or obesity in ASEAN, yet children continue to be exposed to aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages. Over 30% of children aged 5-17 years old were classified as overweight or obese in 2022.

This trend is coupled with a significant portion of children growing up stunted, creating a double burden of malnutrition. Addressing the double burden of malnutrition demands collaboration across different sectors and levels of society.

In Malaysia, the Pledge on Responsible Advertising to Children was launched in 2012 and it included 15 food and beverage companies which committed to not marketing unhealthy foods to children aged 12 and below.

To identify ways to better protect children in Malaysia from the harmful effects of food marketing, WHO and the Nutrition Division, Ministry of Health convened over 60 policymakers, academics, industry and civil society representatives in September 2024. Stakeholders discussed key challenges and barriers to policy implementation, and developed strategies and recommendations while strengthening collaboration.

This works is thanks to invaluable flexible, unearmarked funding to WHO.

Read the full story.

Nine Latin American and Caribbean countries intensify efforts to curb obesity

^{Lady measuring her weight. Photo by: iStock/klvn}

The WHO Region for the Americas (PAHO/AMRO) has the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in the world, with 67.5% of adults and 37.6% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 experiencing overweight or obesity. The WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity and forthcoming Technical Package to stop obesity aims to halt rising obesity rates through a comprehensive approach combining regulatory, fiscal, and multisectoral strategies.

In the Americas, 9 countries are pioneering this initiative: Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay. Lessons learned are expected to serve as a model for future expansion across the region.

PAHO and these countries are implementing a series of measures including the application of front-of-package warning labels, regulation of marketing for unhealthy food products, promotion of breastfeeding, regulation of foods offered in schools, and adoption of fiscal policies that promote healthy diets. Along with monitoring and learning, PAHO continues to provide technical assistance, capacity-building, and intersectoral coordination.

This work is thanks to invaluable flexible, unearmarked funding to WHO.

Read the full story.

Thailand fighting obesity – changing the system to save lives

^{The Minister of Public Health, DOH Director-General and other officials, together with WHO Representative to Thailand showed strong commitment to fight against obesity. Photo by: Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand}

In recent years, Thailand is facing an escalating obesity trend that threatens the health of its future generations. In the span of just two decades, the rate of obesity in school children has surged from 5.8% to 15%. The situation amongst adults is equally alarming, with 42% falling into the obese category by 2020. Noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke now claim 400 000 lives annually and account for 74% of all deaths in Thailand.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, Thailand has taken bold and innovative steps to curb this epidemic. The Ministry of Public Health (MPOH) has rolled out a comprehensive policy that aims to drive changes in 4 systems.

The priority interventions will focus on improving the quality of school lunch programme, changing food marketing to reduce sugar, fat, and salt, strengthening health services system to provide better prevention and management of obesity-related conditions, and modifying the environment to increase physical activity. Thailand has also tightened its national definition of obesity. While WHO’s definition states that “a body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese”, in Thailand citizens with BMI greater or equal to 25 are registered as obese – which allows the health stakeholders to expand the reach and support to broader population groups.

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Promoting healthy diets and increased physical activity are key strategies which are supported by Global Regulatory and Fiscal Capacity Building Programme (RECAP), a collaborative project between the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and WHO, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the European Union. In addition, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) partners with WHO to promote healthy diets through evidence-based interventions.

Strong leadership, multi-sectoral action and development partners’ support are crucial in bending the obesity curve in the country.

Read the full story.

Fast forward: Nutrition for Growth 2025 Summit

WHO announced 13 ambitious commitments across 8 key areas at the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, hosted by the Government of France. Stakeholders pledged US$ 27,55 billion in global funding for nutrition. This moment of global solidarity showcases growing support to improve health and well-being for all through nutrition.

127 delegations, including the governments of 106 countries, together with international and civil society organizations, development banks, philanthropic organizations, research institutions, and businesses, joined forces in Paris to help put an end to the malnutrition scourge, which hinders countries’ economic and social development and traps communities in an intergenerational cycle of poverty.

A few amongst numerous examples of pledges are: €750 million in projects supported by France (between now and 2030), €6.5 billion to fight malnutrition mobilized by the European Union, of which €3.4 billion was allocated by the European Commission. Other countries, including Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala, and Bangladesh also made noteworthy political and financial commitments to tackling the burden of malnutrition in their countries. The development banks are also on board, particularly the World Bank and the African Development Bank, which pledged US$ 5 billion and US$ 9.5 billion respectively until 2030. Philanthropic organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector account for a substantial share of financial commitments. Philanthropic organizations will raise more than US$ 2 billion in the coming years to combat malnutrition. As follow up builds, participants expect more than 500 commitments to be made overall.

WHO’s eight commitments reflect our dedication to tackling malnutrition and promoting health and well-being worldwide. Read more on commitments.

Acknowledgements

WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) the African Development Bank, Bangladesh, Côte d’Ivoire, the EU ECHO, European Commission Humanitarian Aid, French Muskoka Fund, the Government of France, Guatemala, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Italian Development Cooperation, Japan, Madagascar, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), UNCERF, the USA Agency for International Development, and the World Bank.

WHO’s support to initiatives to tackle obesity and malnutrition would not have been possible without funding. To continue to support core work like this, WHO needs sustainable financing, that is, predictable, flexible, and resilient. This will allow WHO to have the greatest impact where it is needed most.

More on nutrition and obesity

Draft recommendations for the prevention and management of obesity over the life course, including potential targets

Follow-up to the political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases – Annex 12

Obesity and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists | Obesity | JAMA | JAMA Network

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Statement Statement of the forty-first meeting of the Polio IHR Emergency Committee
Source: World Health Organisation

The 41^st meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the WHO Director-General on 06 March 2024 with committee members and advisers meeting via video conference with affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat. The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Technical updates were received about the situation in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Wild poliovirus

Since the last Emergency Committee meeting, 36 new WPV1 cases were reported, three from Afghanistan and 33 from Pakistan bringing the total to 99 WPV1 cases in 2024 and three in 2025. This represents more than four-fold increase in Afghanistan and more than 12-fold increase in Pakistan in the number of WPV1 cases from 2023 to 2024. A total of 741 WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported in 2024, 113 from Afghanistan and 628 from Pakistan. In 2025, 80 WPV1-positive environmental samples have been reported, 9 from Afghanistan and 71 from Pakistan.

The upward trend in WPV1 cases and environmental detections has persisted in both endemic countries throughout 2024. In Pakistan, this increase has been evident since mid-2023, initially in environmental samples and later in paralytic polio cases, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan. In Afghanistan, the rise in WPV1 detections, both in environmental samples and cases during 2024 has been predominantly in the South Region. The Committee noted the geographic spread of WPV1 to new provinces and districts in both endemic countries in 2024 and observed that WPV1 transmission has re-established in historical reservoirs, including Kandahar (Afghanistan), Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta Block (Pakistan). Currently, the most intense WPV1 transmission is occurring in the southern cross-border epidemiological corridor, encompassing Quetta Block (Pakistan) and the South Region (Afghanistan). The Committee also noted the ongoing WPV1 transmission in the epidemiologically critical South KP and Central Pakistan blocks of Pakistan.

Review of the molecular epidemiology indicates that there has been progressive elimination of the genetic cluster ‘YB3C’ in 2022 and 2023, with its last detection in November 2023 in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. However, there has been persistent transmission of YB3A genetic cluster since May 2022, resulting in its split into two: YB3A4A and YB3A4B. During the first half of 2024, the cluster YB3A4A was mainly circulating in the northern and southern cross-border corridors. During the second half of 2024 there was distinct expansion of both these genetic clusters seen in Pakistan, more pronounced for YB3A4A. In Afghanistan, the predominantly circulating genetic cluster in YB3A4A.

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to implement an intensive and mostly synchronized campaign schedule focusing on improved vaccination coverage in the endemic zones and effective and timely response to WPV1 detections elsewhere in each country. Afghanistan implemented five sub-national vaccination rounds during the second half of 2024, targeting infected and high-risk provinces, while Pakistan implemented two nationwide and a large scale sub-national vaccination round from September through December 2024. After encouraging progress towards implementing house-to-house campaigns in all of Afghanistan during the first half of 2024, Afghanistan programme has not been able to implement house-to-house campaigns during most of the second half of 2024. All vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan since October 2024 have been implemented using alternate modalities (mostly site-to-site). The committee was concerned that site-to-site campaigns are usually not able to reach all the children, especially those of younger age and girls, which may lead to a further upsurge of WPV1 with geographical spread in Afghanistan and beyond. Afghanistan programme is taking measures to maximize the reach of site-to-site campaigns through adequate operational and social mobilization measures. The Committee noted overall high reported coverage of the vaccination campaigns in Pakistan; however, variations were observed about the quality at the sub-provincial and sub-district levels, relating to operational implementation challenges and increasing insecurity, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Nearly 200,000 and 50,000 missed children were reported from the South KP and Quetta Block (Balochistan) in Pakistan at the end of October and December 2024 campaigns.

In addition to seasonal movement patterns within and between the two endemic countries, the continued return of undocumented migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan compounds the challenges faced. The scale of the displacement increases the risk of cross-border poliovirus spread as well as spread within both the countries. This risk is being managed and mitigated in both countries through vaccination at border crossing points and the updating of micro-plans in the districts of origin and return. The programme continues to closely coordinate with IOM and UNHCR. The Committee noted ongoing coordination between the programmes of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the national and sub-national levels.

In summary, the available data indicate that globally transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to the two WPV1 endemic countries; however, there has been geographical spread and intensifying transmission within the two endemic countries in 2024.

Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV)

In 2024, there have been 280 cVDPV cases, of which 265 are cVDPV2, 11 cVDPV1 and four are cVDPV3. Additionally, 257 environmental samples were positive for cVDPV, 254 positive cVDPV2 and three cVDPV3. Of the 265 cVDPV2 cases in 2024, 94 (36%) have occurred in Nigeria. Of the 11 cVDPV1 cases in 2024, 10 were reported from DR Congo and one from Mozambique. All the four cVDPV3 cases in 2024 were reported from Guinea.

A total of 528 cases have been confirmed with cVDPV in all of 2023, of which 395 are cVDPV2 and 134 are cVDPV1 (one case co-infected with cVDPV1 and cVDPV2). Of the 528 cVDPV cases reported in 2023, 226 (43%) have occurred in the DR Congo.

Since the last meeting of the Emergency Committee, new cVDPV2 detections were reported from Finland, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and new cVDPV3 detections from Guinea.

In 2024, the total number of circulating cVDPV2 emergence groups detected to date is 26, compared to 27 in 2023, 22 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 44 in 2019. Of the 26 emergence groups circulating in 2024, eleven are newly detected in 2024, 10 derived from the novel OPV2 vaccine. There have now been 25 nOPV2 derived cVDPV2 emergences since 2021. The committee noted that the nOPV2 vaccine continues to demonstrate significantly higher genetic stability and substantially lower likelihood of reversion to neurovirulence relative to Sabin OPV2.

A total of 11 cVDPV1 cases have been reported in 2024, 10 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one in Mozambique. This compares to 134 cVDPV1 cases in all of 2023 (106 in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 in Madagascar, four in Mozambique), representing a 92% reduction in the global cVDPV1 paralytic burden from 2023. However, one new emergence has been reported from the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC-TSH-3). This is the first cVDPV1 emergence reported since September 2022. The committed noted encouraging progress in Madagascar towards interrupting local cVDPV1 transmission, with no detections for more than 16 months.

In 2024, two countries reported cVDPV3 outbreaks: French Guiana (French territory in South America) and Guinea. Both cVDPV3 outbreaks in 2024 were due to new emergences, leading to three positive environmental samples in French Guiana (May to August 2024) and four cVDPV3 cases in Guinea (July to November 2024). The committee noted that these cVDPV3 outbreaks were reported after a significant interval, with the last cVDPV3 outbreak reported in March 2022.

In 2024, DR Congo and Mozambique reported co-circulation of cVDPV1 and cVDPV2, while Guinea detected co-circulation of cVDPV2 and cVDPV3.

The Committee noted that the risk of cVDPV outbreaks is largely driven by a combination of inaccessibility, insecurity, high concentrations of zero-dose and under-immunized children, and ongoing population displacement.

Conclusion

The Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended extending the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee considered the following factors:

Ongoing risk of WPV1 international spread:

Based on the following factors, there remains the risk of international spread of WPV1:
- Intensifying WPV1 transmission with geographical spread into formerly endemic areas and core reservoirs of Afghanistan (South) and Pakistan (Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta Block) as well as other epidemiologically critical areas like Central Pakistan, and parts of Punjab province in Pakistan that were without any WPV1 detection for prolonged periods of time.
- That WPV1 transmission has been re-established in the south region of Afghanistan and Karachi, and Quetta Block of Pakistan.
- This intensifying WPV1 transmission in both endemic countries during the low transmission season indicates sizeable cohort of unimmunized and under-immunized children.
- Lack of house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan represents a major risk of further WPV1 spread and intensification of its transmission.
- Certain geographies and population pockets in the epidemiologically critical areas of Pakistan continue to have inconsistent campaign quality and substantial number of unimmunized and under-immunized children due to insecurity, operational gaps, and vaccine hesitancy.
- Ongoing population movement between the two endemic countries, including the returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan, leading to cross-border WPV1 transmission.
- Ongoing population movement from the two endemic countries to other countries, neighbouring and distant.
Ongoing risk of cVDPV international spread:

Based on the following factors, the risk of international spread of cVDPV appears to remain high:

Risk categories

The Committee provided the Director-General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of WPV1 and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:
1. States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3.
2. States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission.
3. States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months.
Criteria to assess States as no longer infected by WPV1 or cVDPV:
- Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental or other samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
- Environmental or other isolation of WPV1 or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental or other sample (such as from a healthy child) PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.
- These criteria may be varied for the endemic countries, where more rigorous assessment is needed in reference to surveillance gaps.
Once a country meets these criteria as no longer infected, the country will remain on a ‘watch list’ for a further 12 months for a period of heightened monitoring. After this period, the country will no longer be subject to Temporary Recommendations.

TEMPORARY RECOMMENDATIONS

States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread

(as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

WPV1

Afghanistan                            most recent detection 27 Jan 2025

Pakistan most recent detection 30 Jan 2025

cVDPV1

Mozambique                           most recent detection 17 May 2024

DR Congo most recent detection 19 Sep 2024

cVDPV3

French Guiana (France)       most recent detection 06 Aug 2024

Guinea most recent detection 21 Nov 2024

These countries should:
- Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency and implement all required measures to support polio eradication; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained as long as the response is required.
- Ensure that all residents and longterm visitors (> four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
- Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (within four weeks), who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers.
- Ensure that such travelers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
- Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travelers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (road, air and / or sea).
- Further enhance crossborder efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional, and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travelers crossing the border and of high risk crossborder populations. Improved coordination of crossborder efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travelers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.
- Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, including sharing coverage data, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
- Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new infections and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high-quality eradication activities in all infected and high-risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above assessment criteria for being no longer infected.
- Provide to the Director-General a regular report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel.
States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission:

(as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)
1. Algeria most recent detection 13 Jan 2025
2. Angola most recent detection 24 Aug 2024
3. Benin most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
4. Cameroon most recent detection 04 Nov 2024
5. Chad most recent detection 30 Aug 2024
6. Côte d’Ivoire most recent detection 27 Nov 2024
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo most recent detection 22 Nov 2024
8. Djibouti most recent detection 20 Oct 2024
9. Egypt most recent detection 01 Aug 2024
10. Equatorial Guinea most recent detection 26 Mar 2024
11. Ethiopia most recent detection 04 Dec 2024
12. Finland most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
13. Gambia most recent detection 15 Feb 2024
14. Germany most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
15. Ghana most recent detection 20 Aug 2024
16. Guinea most recent detection 12 Jun 2024
17. Indonesia most recent detection 27 Jun 2024
18. Kenya most recent detection 31 Jul 2024
19. Liberia most recent detection 08 Jun 2024
20. Mali most recent detection 02 Jan 2024
21. Mozambique most recent detection 05 Mar 2024
22. Niger most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
23. Nigeria most recent detection 01 Nov 2024
24. occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) most recent detection 09 Jan 2025
25. Poland most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
26. Senegal most recent detection 21 Oct 2024
27. Sierra Leone most recent detection 28 May 2024
28. Somalia most recent detection 05 Jun 2024
29. South Sudan most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
30. Spain most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
31. Sudan most recent detection 24 Jan 2024
32. The United Kingdom of Great Britain
  and Northern Ireland most recent detection 11 Dec 2024
33. Uganda most recent detection 07 May 2024
34. Yemen most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
35. Zimbabwe most recent detection 25 Jun 2024
States that have had an importation of cVDPV2 but without evidence of local transmission should:
- Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the prevention or interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency.
- Undertake urgent and intensive investigations and risk assessment to determine if there has been local transmission of the imported cVDPV2, requiring an immunization response.
- Noting the existence of a separate mechanism for responding to type 2 poliovirus infections, Members States should request vaccines from the global novel OPV2 stockpile.
- Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
- Intensify surveillance for polioviruses and strengthen regional cooperation and cross-border coordination to ensure the timely detection of poliovirus.
States with local transmission of cVDPV2, with risk of international spread, in addition to the above measures, should:
- Encourage residents and longterm visitors (> four weeks) to receive a dose of IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel.
- Ensure that travelers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status.
- Intensify regional cooperation and crossborder coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus, and vaccinate refugees, travelers and crossborder populations.
For both sub-categories:
- Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of circulation of VDPV2 in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a ‘state no longer infected’.
- At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the Director-General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.
States no longer polio infected, but previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2024)

WPV1

country last virus date

cVDPV

country last virus date
1. Botswana cVDPV2 25 Jul 2023
2. Burkina Faso cVDPV2 12 Dec 2023
3. Burundi cVDPV2 15 Jun 2023
4. Central African Republic cVDPV2 07 Oct 2023
5. Republic of Congo cVDPV2 07 Dec 2023
6. Israel cVDPV2 13 Feb 2023
7. Madagascar cVDPV1 16 Sep 2023
8. Mauritania cVDPV2 13 Dec 2023
9. United Republic of Tanzania cVDPV2 20 Nov 2023
10. Zambia cVDPV2 06 Jun 2023
These countries should:
- Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.
- Enhance surveillance quality, including considering introducing or expanding supplementary methods such as environmental surveillance, to reduce the risk of undetected WPV1 and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
- Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and crossborder populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
- Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of WPV1 and cVDPV, and vaccination of high-risk population groups.
- Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high-quality surveillance and vaccination activities.
Additional considerations

The Committee noted that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative needs to reconsider its priorities and reprogram its operations in response to the current fiscal constraints. The current financial shortfall poses a significant risk to eradication efforts. The Committee acknowledges and appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent confirmation of its $500 million commitment to global polio eradication. The committee urged donor countries and organizations to enhance their financial support, emphasizing that failure is not an option. The Committee also called on national governments to prioritize polio eradication in their domestic funding allocations to ensure sustained progress toward eradication.

The Committee expressed deep concern over the escalating and expanding WPV1 transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The persistence of WPV1 transmission despite ongoing vaccination campaigns highlights gaps in immunization quality. The Committee also noted that the current levels of WPV1 transmission during the low season could further intensify during the high transmission season if uniform, high-quality campaigns, particularly in core reservoir areas, are not ensured.

The Committee remains concerned about the continued inability to conduct house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. This challenge places infants and young children, particularly girls, at a heightened risk of missing polio vaccination. The Committee appreciates the efforts to improve women’s participation in site-to-site polio vaccination as well as for border vaccination and encourages to expand these efforts to high-risk South Region of Afghanistan.

The Committee acknowledged the strong political commitment to polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Committee emphasized that this commitment must translate into concrete operational actions to strengthen community engagement and implement high-quality vaccination campaigns. These efforts are essential to interrupt the ongoing intense WPV1 transmission and mitigate the risk of national and international spread. In Afghanistan. The Committee specifically recommended the resumption of house-to-house vaccination campaigns and the recruitment of additional female vaccinators to enhance community acceptance and improve coverage.

The Committee is encouraged by the improving cVDPV1 situation in the African Region, particularly in Madagascar, which has not reported any cases for over 16 months. The Committee emphasized the need to sustain high-quality vaccination efforts, particularly in the DR Congo and Mozambique, the only two countries that have reported cVDPV1 cases in 2024.

The Committee noted the ongoing transmission of cVDPV2 in the African Region, particularly in northern Nigeria. While there has been an overall decline in cVDPV2 cases in 2024, the Committee expressed concern over the increase in cases reported by Angola, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen compared to 2023. The Committee also noted the concerning cVDPV2 epidemiological situation in Chad and Algeria and recommended the implementation of high-quality vaccination campaigns to boost population immunity. The Committee noted the challenges in implementing high-quality immunization responses in critical areas of the African Region and northern Yemen. Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns over surveillance gaps in northern Yemen, which may further hinder early detection and response efforts.

The Committee noted the detection of cVDPV3 in Guinea and French Guiana in 2024, after more than two years with no reported detections globally and emphasized the need for a high-quality surveillance and immunization response to contain these outbreaks.

The Committee noted that several cVDPV-affected countries continue to face conflict and insecurity, which disrupts both routine immunization and polio vaccination campaigns. The Committee also noted that ongoing health emergencies and disease outbreaks in several countries further complicate the timely and effective implementation of polio vaccination campaigns. Given the diverse challenges across countries and sub-national areas, the Committee emphasized the need for context-specific, tailored interventions to ensure high-quality campaigns and ultimately stop cVDPV outbreaks. The Committee also underscored the importance of synchronized sub-regional approaches and strong cross-border coordination to address challenges related to permeable borders and shared operational constraints across affected countries.

The Committee noted some good practices in several countries, particularly in cross-border collaboration and surveillance. The Committee encourages countries to document and share these best practices and suggests that GPEI facilitates this process.

The Committee noted the ongoing cross-border spread of cVDPV2 in the African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, as well as the recent detection of cVDPV2 in five countries of the European Region. This reinforces that polio remains a global risk until it is fully eradicated. The Committee acknowledged the ongoing response efforts of Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in strengthening surveillance and addressing sub-national immunity gaps. The Committee also appreciated the inter-country coordination in the European Region, facilitated by the WHO European Regional Office, in response to the cVDPV2 detections in the region. The Committee recommended continued surveillance strengthening across the European Region, along with regular risk assessments to ensure timely identification and mitigation of emerging polio risks.

The Committee highlighted the importance of maintaining sensitive surveillance in polio-infected and high-risk countries and recommended that GPEI provide all possible support under the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan. The Committee also underscored the importance of high-income countries maintaining high-quality surveillance for polioviruses, given the ongoing risk of importation, as recently demonstrated by cVDPV detections in the European Region. Robust surveillance remains essential for early detection and timely response to importations and newly emerging outbreaks.

The Committee noted that novel OPV2 continues to demonstrate greater genetic stability compared to Sabin OPV2. However, the risk of new cVDPV2 emergences increases when the interval between outbreak response campaigns exceeds four weeks or when vaccination quality is suboptimal, underscoring the need for timely and high-quality immunization efforts.

The Committee noted that the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) through resolution WHA77.17 (2024), were notified to States Parties on 19 September 2024 and that they would come into effect on 19 September 2025 for 192 States Parties. Regarding any potential effects of these amendments on the Committee, the Secretariat informed the Committee that it would be premature to assess any such effects at this time but would brief the Committee ahead of their entry into force in September 2025, should the Committee continue to be convened under the IHR at this time.

Based on the current situation regarding WPV1 and cVDPVs, and the reports provided by affected countries, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment, and on 09 April 2025 determined that the poliovirus situation continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) with respect to WPV1 and cVDPV. The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries meeting the definition for ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread’, ‘States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread’ and for ‘States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR to reduce the risk of the international spread of poliovirus, effective, 09 April 2025.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Preventable ‘meningitis belt’ deaths targeted in health agency action plan

Source: United Nations 2

10 April 2025 Health

Millions of deaths could be avoided from meningitis if countries are able to adopt new guidelines designed to diagnose and treat the disease more effectively, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

People anywhere, at any age can be infected with meningitis, which is transmitted through respiratory secretions or droplets in close human contact. Low and middle-income nations are worst-affected.

The so-called “meningitis belt” in sub-Saharan Africa sees most cases and outbreaks. It stretches from Senegal and The Gambia in the west of the continent all the way to Ethiopia in the east.

The most dangerous form of the disease, bacterial meningitis, can kill within just 24 hours – and one in six people dies once infected.

“Every family who has had a meningitis case knows about what fear this disease can bring,” said Dr Marie-Pierre Preziosi, WHO Team Lead for Meningitis and R&D Blueprint.

Life sentence

Around 20 per cent of people who contract bacterial meningitis develop long-term complications, including disabilities with a devastating, life-long impact, WHO said in a statement.

Extra attention must be paid to vaccination coverage to avoid critical problems including impairment of brain function, warned Dr Tarun Dua, WHO Unit Head for Brain Health, speaking to journalists at the launch of the new guidelines.

Class divide

Hearing loss is just one side-effect of the disease; it is often particularly harmful for children whose education suffers. But if it can be detected quickly as per the new WHO guidelines “you can provide treatment and the child can be well included” at school and in society”, Dr. Dua explained.

A cluster of three or four cases amongst schoolchildren can be treated with antibiotics but only if vaccination levels are high, according to Dr Lorenzo Pezzoli, WHO Team Lead for Meningitis and Epidemic Bacterial Diseases.

Worth a shot

But many countries lack the means to provide vaccine protection to ensure collective immunity against many diseases, not only meningitis. In addition, they also lack the advanced technology required to diagnose the disease in the first place, which isn’t as easy as a COVID-19 swab test.

“You need to insert the needle in the spine and test the liquid that comes out,” Dr Pezzoli said, highlighting the difficulty facing many low-income countries held back by poor health facilities.

In a growing number of countries impacted by emergencies crisis or conflict, people cannot get the treatment they need as quickly as they should, creating “fertile grounds for meningitis epidemics”, said Dr Pezzoli, who added that his two-year-old son has had his jab for the disease.

The UN health agency guidelines form part of its efforts to eradicate meningitis by 2030. It works with partners including the MenAfrinet network to support countries collect and analyze high quality disease surveillance data. This enables monitoring the impact of control strategies including the Meningitis A vaccine.

Prevention is “the most important piece of the puzzle”, Dr Pezzoli insisted.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 11, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Checklist and Implementation Guideline for Inclusive Multi-Hazard Early Warning System in Timor-Leste

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

The purpose of these multi-hazard early warning system (MHEWS) guidelines is to ensure that key elements of early warning systems, such as governance, disaster risk knowledge, detection, monitoring, analysis and forecasting, dissemination, communication, and preparedness to respond in Timor-Leste are gender-responsive and disability-inclusive. The guidelines supplement the Government of Timor-Leste’s multi-hazard, end-to-end early warning standard operating procedures developed by the National Designated Authority.

This document primarily assists the Civil Protection Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics in fulfilling their legal obligations to implement early warning systems, and the Government of Timor-Leste’s priorities in line with the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan, and the National Action Plan for Gender-Based Violence 2022–2032.

The inclusive MHEWS guidances are also intended to support key stakeholders at both the national and local government levels, as well as relevant line ministries involved in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation that are part of broader ecosystem of MHEWS in the country. It should be used routinely in the implementation of DRR and response across geographical areas of Timor-Leste.

It is crucial that the guidelines are implemented and evaluated for their effectiveness in addressing the needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons and minority groups.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Staff Assistant, G-5, Bangkok
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Apply here

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

This position is based in the UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, in Bangkok. The Staff Assistant reports to the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office, under the overall authority of the Chief of the Regional Office. This position also provides partial support to a staff member with a visual disability in carrying out work-related activities ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources and leveraging technology to enhance accessibility of the environment and information.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Staff Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
- Performs, under minimal supervision, the full range of office management and administrative support functions; provides assistance to the Deputy Chief and Chief of the Regional Office.
- When and if needed, supports a staff member with a visual disability in work-related activities. This may include but is not limited to: facilitating access to visual content and creating such content (presentations, documents, etc.) and assisting with the use of IT platforms not supported by screen-reader software.
- Ensures smooth and efficient information flow within the unit; prepares and processes confidential information; assists in the development of office administrative systems and procedures.
- Researches, compiles and summarizes background materials for use in preparation of reports, briefs, speeches, etc.
- Performs a variety of administrative duties (e.g., meetings/workshops/training organization both online and in-person, procurement, coordinating with vendors, verifying receipts/bills, staff onboarding, recruitment of consultants and individual contractors etc.)
- Provides travel support for meeting participants and assist staff with visa application for official mission.
- Orients new staff to relevant administrative procedures and practices and provides general assistance to other office support staff, as required.
- Responds or drafts responses to a wide range of correspondence and other communications; uses standard word processing package to produce a wide variety of large, complex documents and reports.
- Manages, updates and further develops internal databases; updates website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases.
- Carries out quality control function for outgoing documents; proofreads and edits texts for adherence for format, grammar, punctuation and style.
- Responds to complex information requests and inquiries (e.g. answers requests requiring file search, etc.).
- Assists in the preparation of presentation materials using appropriate technology/software.
- May provide some specialized support to unit (e.g. technology support, editing, desktop publishing, etc.).
- Maintains calendar/schedules; monitors changes and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff inside and outside the immediate work unit.
- Maintains files (both paper and electronic) and databases for work unit.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Professionalism: Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Not available.

Five (5) years of experience in general office support or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Experience in working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as UMOJA/SAP is desirable.

Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations similar to UN Common System is desirable.

Experience in organizing large meetings and conferences, especially in the Asia and the Pacific is desirable.

Experience providing support to a person with a visual disability in a professional office context is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: To be considered fluent in a language, your proficiency level in all four specified areas of the application (reading, writing, speaking, understanding) must be “Fluent”. To be considered to have knowledge of a language, your proficiency level in at least two out of the four specified areas must be “Confident” or “Fluent”

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Apply here

MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 News release WHO launches first-ever guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care
Source: World Health Organisation

The World Health Organization (WHO) has today published its first-ever global guidelines for meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, aiming to speed up detection, ensure timely treatment, and improve long-term care for those affected. By bringing together the latest evidence-based recommendations, the guidelines provide a critical tool for reducing deaths and disability caused by the disease.

Despite effective treatments and vaccines against some forms of meningitis, the disease remains a significant global health threat. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form and can become fatal within 24 hours. Many pathogens can cause meningitis with an estimated 2.5 million cases reported globally in 2019. This includes 1.6 million cases of bacterial meningitis which resulted in approximately 240 000 deaths.

Around 20% of people who contract bacterial meningitis develop long-term complications, including disabilities that impact quality of life. The disease also carries heavy financial and social costs for individuals, families, and communities.

“Bacterial meningitis kills one in six of the people it strikes, and leaves many others with lasting health challenges,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems.”

Meningitis can affect anyone anywhere, and at any age, however the disease burden remains particularly high in low- and middle-income countries and in settings experiencing large-scale epidemics. The highest burden of disease is seen in a region of sub-Saharan Africa, often referred to as the ‘meningitis belt’, which is at high risk of recurrent epidemics of meningococcal meningitis.

Recommendations for the clinical management of meningitis in children and adults

Improving clinical management of meningitis is essential to reducing mortality and morbidity, minimizing long-term complications and disability, and improving quality of life for affected individuals and communities.

The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the clinical management of children over one month of age, adolescents, and adults with acute community-acquired meningitis.

They address all aspects of clinical care, including diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, adjunctive treatment, supportive care, and management of long-term effects. Given the similarities in clinical presentation, diagnosis and management approaches across different forms of acute community-acquired meningitis, the guidelines address both bacterial and viral causes.

The guidelines provide recommendations for both non-epidemic and epidemic settings, the latter superseding previous 2014 WHO guidelines, which covered meningitis outbreak response.

As resource-limited settings bear the highest burden of meningitis, these guidelines have been specifically developed to provide technical guidance suitable for implementation in low- and middle-income countries.

The guidelines are intended for use by health-care professionals in first- and second-level facilities, including emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services. Policymakers, health planners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations can also use them to inform capacity-building, education, and research efforts.

Defeating meningitis by 2030

The guidelines contribute to the broader Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Roadmap, adopted by WHO Member States in 2020, which aims to: eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70%, and reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis.

Achieving these goals requires coordinated action across five key areas:
1. Diagnosis and treatment: Faster detection and optimal clinical management.
2. Prevention and epidemic control: Developing new affordable vaccines, achieving high immunization and coverage, and improving outbreak preparedness and response.
3. Disease surveillance: Strengthening monitoring systems to guide prevention and control.
4. Care and support for those affected by meningitis: Ensuring early recognition and improved access to care and support for after-effects from meningitis.
5. Advocacy and engagement: Increasing political commitment and inclusion in country plans, better public understanding of meningitis, and increased awareness of right to prevention, care and after-care services.
With these guidelines, WHO provides countries with a critical tool to close gaps in meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, ensuring that more people receive timely treatment and long-term support.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the passing of Amara Essy, former Interim Chairperson of the African Union [scroll down for French]

Source: United Nations secretary general

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Amara Essy, former Interim Chairperson of the African Union Commission, former President of the 49th Session of the General Assembly and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire. Mr. Essy also held several leadership positions with the United Nations.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to his family and the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire as well as to the entire African Union family.

Mr. Essy played a pivotal role in steering the African Union through the crucial transition from the former Organization of African Unity, marking a significant step in the continent’s push for regional integration. He also facilitated the peaceful resolution of several conflicts in Africa.

As President of the 49th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Essy was known for his effective leadership and for being a consensus builder. In the same vein, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Essy contributed to the facilitation of the resolution of the political crisis in the region.

Mr. Essy will be remembered for his dedication to the African cause. He was a true African statesman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of future diplomats.

*************************************

Déclaration attribuable au porte-parole du Secrétaire général sur le décès d’Amara Essy, ancien Président par intérim de la Commission de l’Union africaine et ancien Président de la 49ème session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies

Le Secrétaire général a appris avec une profonde tristesse le décès de M. Amara Essy, ancien Président par intérim de la Commission de l’Union africaine, ancien Président de la 49ème session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies et ancien Ministre des Affaires étrangères de la République de Côte d’Ivoire. M. Essy a également exercé plusieurs fonctions de haut niveau au sein des Nations Unies.

Le Secrétaire général présente ses plus sincères condoléances à la famille de M. Amara Essy, au Gouvernement et au peuple ivoiriens, ainsi qu’à toute la famille de l’ Union africaine.

M. Essy a joué un rôle essentiel dans la conduite de l’Union africaine lors de sa transition cruciale de l’ancienne Organisation de l’Unité africaine, marquant une étape importante dans l’élan du continent vers la paix et la sécurité régionales. Il a également facilité la résolution pacifique de plusieurs conflits en Afrique.

En tant que Président de la 49ème session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies, il était connu pour son leadership efficace et sa capacité à créer des consensus. En tant qu’Envoyé spécial du Secrétaire général pour la République centrafricaine et la République du Congo, M. Essy a contribué à la facilitation de la résolution de la crise politique dans la région.

M. Essy restera dans les mémoires pour son dévouement à la cause africaine. Son héritage d’homme d’État africain authentique continuera d’inspirer des générations de futurs diplomates.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Remarks by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director at the PMNCH High-Level Panel – SRHR as a Catalyst for Social and Economic Rights: Advancing Health, Equity, and Development

Source: United Nations Population Fund

Your Excellencies,
Dear Rajat,
Esteemed partners and friends,
Dear young people,

My greetings are of peace – now so needed and the fervent wish of the women, girls and young people UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, serves in over 150 countries. In these times, the United Nations’ mission: peace, human rights and development, is more precious now than ever before.

Since 1994 and the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Principle 1 of the Programme of Action affirming that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. This has been underscored in the UN Charter itself.

So we thank our friends at the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) for organizing this event with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights – an intrinsic part of the right to health and development. UNFPA will continue to be your best ally on the frontlines of the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Let me go further and commend you, the stalwarts of the sexual and reproductive health and rights movement – a movement that connects us all around the world.

We must face the reality that the pushback is intensifying and that progress is slowing. Once again, it is poor marginalized women and girls being left behind – who have the least access to health services and are bearing the greatest burden of ill health and preventable deaths.

Who is listening to them? Because they are being denied their fundamental rights and choices every day.

Right now, the world over, human rights are being threatened. Let me tell you, there are two areas in particular that have me up at night:

1) Population crusaders

Some are currently taking the view that you should have 10- or 20 children because it’s what’s best for society. The right to bodily autonomy asserts that no woman anywhere should ever be told how many children to have, to be denied contraception of her choosing, or to be coerced into sterilization. It is women without a social safety net who fall victim to unsafe abortion and will be particularly harmed by these types of ideas.

The right to bodily autonomy should not be up for debate. It should not be a toxic, third rail issue. Yet even in parts of Europe, women face difficulties accessing contraception and young women are being encouraged to pursue motherhood only, not a career.

2) Online violence

Online violence is terrorizing women, girls, and people of diverse sexual identities. If we do not act, if we do not listen, the average 10-year-old girl will not be able to go online without being bullied or shamed.

The increasing prevalence of shocking disrespect and technology-facilitated gender-based violence threatens the safety and wellbeing of women and girls. Two in five women say they have experienced online violence. It’s even higher for women at the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination, including racism.

Every day, UNFPA valiantly serves women and girls who have experienced life-altering violence; and women and girls who lack access to the essential sexual and reproductive health care that is their right.

Let me remind us that a woman living in a country with a fragile health system is 135 times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than one in a country with accessible emergency care. This disparity is further compounded for women of African descent and Indigenous women, who face alarmingly high mortality rates due to inadequate care.

Women and girls caught up in a humanitarian crisis have to contend with even more dire conditions.

In Myanmar, where the earthquake recently struck, it didn’t just shake the ground; it shook the very foundations of women’s access to life-saving care. In Gaza, pregnant women are giving birth amid chaos and without the essential maternal health care and medicines they desperately need.

And in conflicts everywhere, women and girls are singled out for abuse. Rape and assault as a tactic of war aims to terrorize and displace populations. I can imagine no worse violation of the dignity and rights of a human being.

People who have been victimized tell us that justice is very important to them – it is part of the healing that they seek. But again, is anyone listening?

I can assure you that UNFPA, PMNCH and all of us in this room are listening and are determined to speak up for her. I am certainly determined to defend the rights and choices of women, girls and young people everywhere.

It is not something that goes in and out of fashion. It is not something that any one Member State can dictate. These are values that must not be compromised.

The enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights generates a multitude of socioeconomic benefits, ranging from reductions in maternal and child mortality to higher education levels and greater productivity — building blocks for stronger, healthier communities.

It is one of the best investments possible.

I learned this week about a study in South Africa that has shown that at the age of 14-16 years, something dramatic happens in the life of an adolescent girl. Prior to that age, boys and girls enjoy the same freedoms when it comes to accessing social and economic opportunities. But with the onset on puberty, the girl diverges from the boy, her potential curtailed.

Meeting the needs of young people has to be a priority, and solutions have to be co-created with them.

I hope we will take inspiration from CPD week and be humble enough to explain our positions, which are based on data and evidence, but also be adamant about our values proposition, as proclaimed in Principle 3 of the ICPD Programme of Action:

The right to development is a universal and inalienable right and an integral part of fundamental human rights, and the human person is the central subject of development.

Thank you again. I encourage and urge you to continue to be vocal and to be visible, not just here in New York during this time, but everywhere where you sit. As you go back home, know that we wish the best for you as defenders of the rights and choices women and girls.

Please continue to wave the flag of the ICPD up high.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 10, 2025