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Category: United Nations

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nature Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Humanities & Social Sciences Communications is a fully open-access, online journal publishing peer-reviewed research from across—and between—all areas of the humanities, behavioral and social sciences.

    The scope of the journal is inclusive and is open to theoretical, methodological, quantitative and qualitative scholarship that makes a contribution to the literature. The journal particularly welcomes research that speaks to emerging areas of thinking, agenda-setting issues, or grand societal challenge—irrespective of the field of study.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Autonomous University of Baja California Sur is a Mexican public university based in the state of Baja California Sur.

    Its library holds over 42,000 volumes. The university was created by Ángel César Mendoza Arámburo, the Governor of Baja California Sur, whose bill was published into law on 31 December 1975.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Center for Research in Integrated Risk Management of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (CIGIR-UABCS)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The “Centro de Investigación en Gestión Integral del Riesgo de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (CIGIR-UABCS)” (Center for Research in Integrated Risk Management) arises from a need to have a multidisciplinary group of researchers focused on the detailed study of the disturbing phenomena that impact the state of Baja California Sur and the Northwest of Mexico, as well as the research and proposal of strategies to reduce vulnerability and exposure and therefore reduce and manage the risks that endanger communities.

    CIGIR is attached to the Academic Department of Fisheries Engineering of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Rapid expansion’ of synthetic drugs reshaping illicit markets, UN anti-narcotics body warns

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Law and Crime Prevention

    Synthetic drugs are rapidly transforming the global drug trade, fuelling an escalating public health crisis, according to the UN administered International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

    In its 2024 Annual Report, released on Tuesday, the INCB explains that unlike plant-based drugs, these substances can be made anywhere, without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them easier and cheaper for traffickers to produce and distribute.

    The rise of powerful opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes – potent enough to cause overdoses in tiny doses – has worsened the crisis, driving record-high deaths.

    “The rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry represents a major global public health threat with potentially disastrous consequences for humankind,” said INCB President Jallal Toufiq.

    “We need to work together to take stronger action against this deadly problem which is causing hundreds of deaths and untold harm to communities,” he continued.

    Traffickers stay ahead of regulations

    Criminal groups are constantly adapting to evade law enforcement.

    By exploiting legal loopholes, they develop new synthetic compounds and use artificial intelligence to find alternative chemicals for drug production.

    New smuggling methods – including drones and postal deliveries – make these drugs harder to detect.

    As a result, seizures of synthetic substances are now outpacing those of traditional plant-based drugs like heroin and cocaine.

    Patchwork response

    Despite efforts to curb synthetic drugs, responses remain fragmented, allowing traffickers to stay ahead.

    The INCB is calling for stronger global cooperation, including partnerships between governments, private companies and international organizations, to disrupt supply chains and prevent harm.

    Medication out of reach

    While synthetic drugs flood illegal markets, millions of people in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to essential pain relief medication.

    The report highlights that opioid painkillers such as morphine, remain unavailable in regions like Africa, South Asia and Central America – not due to supply shortages, but because of barriers in distribution and regulation.

    The INCB is urging opioid-producing nations to increase production and affordability to improve palliative care and pain management.

    Regional hotspots concerns

    The report identifies several regions where synthetic drug trafficking is expanding.

    In Europe, the looming heroin deficit following Afghanistan’s 2022 opium ban could push more users toward synthetic alternatives while in North America, despite efforts to curb the crisis, synthetic opioid-related deaths remain at record highs.

    The manufacture, trafficking and use of amphetamine-type stimulants are increasing across the Middle East and Africa, where treatment and rehabilitation services are often inadequate.

    Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, methamphetamine and ketamine trafficking continues to grow, particularly in the Golden Triangle.

    Call for urgent action

    The INCB is urging governments to strengthen international collaboration, improve data-sharing and expand drug prevention and treatment services.

    Without decisive action, the synthetic drug trade will continue to evolve, putting more lives at risk.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Release 04 March 2025 Report: How climate insights drive a more reliable renewable energy transition

    Source: World Meteorological Organization

    Highlights

    Renewable Energy Generation & Demand in 2023 (expressed as a percentage change from the 1991-2020 baseline)

    Figure: Global annual deviations for the four energy indicators – wind, solar, hydropower and energy demand – as presented in the report. Deviations are expressed as percentages for 2023 relative to the 1991-2020 reference period average and are aggregated by region. Hatching is used to highlight negative values for easier identification. 

    Note: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by WMO, the United Nations, IRENA or the European Union. 

    Key energy indicators – wind, solar, hydropower and energy demand – exhibited significant geographic variability in 2023 compared to the long-term climate average (1991-2020). Driven by drier and warmer El Niño conditions, South America experienced a 3.9% increase in solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity factor (CF), leading to an estimated 3.5 TWh/year of additional generation from the region’s 50 GW installed capacity. Similarly, East Asia saw a 4.1% positive anomaly in wind power, generating an estimated 45 TWh from its 420 GW of installed onshore capacity, with 95% of this in China.

    Climate informed energy planning: The report illustrates the potential applications of seasonal forecasts as a valuable tool for energy planning and management.  Seasonal climate forecasts empower stakeholders to anticipate supply–demand fluctuations, optimize grid operations and enhance energy system resilience. They also enable better preparation for extreme weather events, ensuring energy security and minimizing disruptions.

    Policy implications for achieving 2030 targets: Diversified energy portfolios, combining wind, solar and hydropower with emerging technologies such as geothermal and storage, are essential to mitigate the impact of climate variability and change on renewable power generation and management. 

    Regional collaboration and localized solutions will also play a key role in balancing supply–demand dynamics, optimizing cross-border energy flows and building resilient energy infrastructures.

    Comprehensive energy data collection and sharing are vital for advancing the understanding of climate variability’s impacts on energy supply and demand.

    Adopting a climate-informed, collaborative approach will accelerate progress toward a sustainable, net-zero future, says the report.

    It also recommends the creation of new market structures to account for the flexibility of new and clean power systems.

    Despite abundant renewable energy resources, Africa accounts for only 2% of global installed capacity. By integrating resource potential with climate information, countries can effectively develop renewable energy infrastructure to support industrialization and economic growth, accelerating sustainable development across the continent.

    Achieving the 1.5 °C climate target necessitates substantial increases in renewable energy capacities by 2030 and 2050.

    Wind power installed capacity surpassed 1 000 GW in 2023, a 13% increase compared with 2022). Solar power has been growing considerably faster than wind power, with an installed capacity reaching 1 420 GW in 2023, a 32% increase compared with 2022. Hydropower has grown slightly, with an installed capacity of about 1 410 GW in 2023, an increase of 1% compared with 2022.

    Wind power capacity is projected to reach approximately 3 000 GW by 2030 and 8 000 GW by 2050, solar power capacity is expected to expand to about 5 400 GW by 2030 and 18 000 GW by 2050, and hydropower capacity is anticipated to grow to 1 500 GW by 2030 and 2 500 GW by 2050.

    These figures are consistent with the targets established in the UAE Consensus during COP28 in 2023, which emphasized the need to triple RE capacity by 2030.

    Additionally, IRENA reported significant cost reductions in Renewable Energy technologies between 2010 and 2023, with solar energy costs decreasing by approximately 90% and wind energy costs by about 68%.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science and meteorology.

    WMO monitors weather, climate, and water resources and provides support to its Members in forecasting and disaster mitigation. The organization is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public safety and well-being through its work.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Extends Al-Shabaab Sanctions Regime, Renews Panel of Experts in Resolution 2776 (2025)

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Security Council today extended its authorization for Member States to intercept vessels transporting banned items to and from Somalia, including illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, until 13 December 2025, also renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime until 13 January 2026.

    Unanimously adopting resolution 2776 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2776(2025)), the 15-member Council — acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations — decided that “all States shall, for the purposes of preventing Al-Shabaab and other actors intent on undermining peace and security in Somalia and the region from obtaining weapons and ammunition, take the necessary measures to prevent all deliveries of weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Somalia.” 

    It further decided that these measures shall not apply to deliveries or supplies to the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, the Somali National Police Force and the Somali Custodial Corps.

    Several Council members spoke after the vote.  The representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said they supported the Council’s decision “because we continue to ascribe importance to these elements in the fight against Al-Shabaab”.  However, such regime should be assessed to determine its fitness to support the Government’s efforts to combat the group.

    In that regard, she welcomed the mandate given to the Secretary-General to assess the relevant arms embargo and report to the Council on this by 1 November 2025.  She also welcomed the Council’s intention to review the propriety of the sanctions regime once that report is received.  She added: “We urge the Council’s continued support and attention to the priorities identified by the [Government] during that review.”

    “This resolution retains a powerful package of sanctions designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, strengthen international collaboration, and support Somalia in building its own capabilities,” observed the United Kingdom’s delegate.  The adopted resolution also recognizes the particular concern posed by flows of weapons from Yemen to Somalia. Al-Shabaab’s links to the Houthis are part of a wider pattern of Houthi destabilising activity beyond Yemen’s borders, she said, adding that the 2713 and 2140 sanctions committees “should coordinate closely to monitor and counter this trend”. 

    Other speakers also expressed concern for the flow of arms from Yemen to Somalia, with France’s saying the movement violates the relevant arms embargo.  “It is vital to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing and exploiting ties with groups under sanctions in the region — including the Houthis,” he stressed.

    Echoing a similar sentiment, the representative from the United States expressed concern about growing ties between Al-Shabaab and the Houthis.  He encouraged dialogue between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions panels and countries in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula “to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab”.  If fully implemented by Member States, the measures in this resolution will curb Al-Shabaab’s and other non-State actors’ access to funds and weapons needed to carry out attacks.  “We urge our fellow Council members to support additional designations, including those of Al-Shabaab operatives,” he added.

    However, the representative of the Russian Federation countered that “the Yemen issue needs to be considered separately”.  The draft contains elements that meet the aspirations of the Somalian side regarding the upcoming review of the sanctions regime, which has been in effect since 1992, she said, welcoming the restriction on access to weapons acquisition by non-State bodies.  She further stated:  “The Council should pay greater attention to the positions expressed by African States, especially when parameters are being determined for the sanctions regime used against the terrorists which are active on their territories.”

    “Al-Shabaab’s ability to radicalize, recruit, raise funds via extortion and piracy and procure weapons must be disrupted,” stressed Pakistan’s delegate.  Continued humanitarian assistance and support for economic development of Somalia is vital to addressing the root causes of terrorism.  “Fighting the scourge of terrorism would require a united regional and global effort,” he emphasized.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for March

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Security Council’s programme of work for March will feature a signature event on increasing the adaptability of peace operations, while also leaving space for additional meetings on new developments, its President for the month said at a Headquarters press conference today.

    Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark), who holds the 15-member organ’s rotating presidency for this month, said the open debate on ensuring that peace operations adapt and respond to new realities, to be held on 24 March, will be chaired by her country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.  The aim is to “simply to have an honest look” at peacekeeping, she said.

    Denmark will preside over the European Union’s annual briefing to the Council, under the agenda item on cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations, to be delivered by the newly-appointed European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.  Stressing that European security architecture is key to the stability of the continent and the wider neighbourhood, she noted that the Union is not only a strategic partner to the United Nations but also a humanitarian and development partner.

    The monthly programme for March focuses on the mandated meetings “because it’s already a very packed agenda”, she said.  “By not stuffing the programme, we are leaving, of course, slots open for the Council to consider new developments as they may arise,” she said, noting that Denmark will also prioritize themes such a women, peace and security and climate, peace and security.

    Her country is returning to the presidency of the Council after 20 years — it will strive “to be constructive, creative and consistent”, she said.  Denmark will bring its strong faith in international law and the Charter of the United Nations into the country-specific files.  “We’ll first and foremost try to be an honest broker” in this difficult and challenging time, she said.

    The quarterly briefing on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is scheduled on the first day of the Commission on Status of Women, she pointed out, adding that this is not completely a coincidence.  “We do want to have a special focus during the meeting on the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan,” she said.  

    Noting several mandated meetings concerning the Middle East, from Gaza to Yemen to Syria to Lebanon, she said that the Council on 27 March will hold a briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, it will monitor that and other crises, and if there are developments that warrant holding a meeting sooner, it will do so.  “We’ve learned that the hard way,” she added.

    She also responded to several questions posed by media correspondents, many of which concerned Ukraine.  While there is hope for “some kind of breakthrough” at the moment, she highlighted the need to ensure “the right terms”.  It is crucial to not reward the aggressor and punish the victim, she added, reaffirming the need to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  There is no doubt about who the threat is, she said, stressing that there must be consequences for invading a neighbouring country.

    As to whether the United Nations has been sidelined on this issue, she pointed to the General Assembly debate last week which aired many concerns.  The resolution that was adopted provides a framework for the many conversations that are happening currently, she said, adding that the United States delegation has clearly articulated a vision to try to move the needle and change the current stalemate.  But Ukraine has to be present when Ukraine is being discussed, and Europe should be participating when its security is being discussed, she said, noting the European amendments to the United States draft text.

    Europe must ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position when negotiations happen, she said.  In per capita terms, Denmark is the biggest contributor of military support to Ukraine right now and will continue to support it, she affirmed.

    Responding to a question about the provision in Chapter VI of the Charter, which would bar a party to the conflict that is the subject of a Council resolution from participating in a vote concerning that text, she pointed out that for this to work, “everybody would have to agree on that”.  It is difficult to see the Permanent Five members of the Council agreeing to such a solution because that would have to be applied to other situations as well.  When the correspondent followed up that answer by noting that it is a procedural issue and therefore would only require a majority vote, she replied:  “in principle, yes, I think you’re right, but I don’t think anybody thinks this is really realistic.”

    Regarding United States President Donald J. Trump’s demand that the Denmark Government give Greenland to his country, she said it is indeed necessary to strengthen security around the Arctic and the High North.  But Greenland belongs to Greenlanders and its future is for them to decide.  Noting that Greenland is an integrated part of Denmark, she said independence is possible, if Greenlanders decide so.

    Several correspondents posed questions concerning Gaza, Israel’s violations and the viability of the two-State solution.  Ms. Lassen noted several meetings concerning the Middle East on the Council’s agenda in March as well as the Arab League Summit on 4 March.  Many positive things have come out of the ceasefire agreement, she said, expressing concern that Hamas is rejecting the extension of its first phase, while Israel is blocking humanitarian aid.  Both parties must continue to negotiate phase 2 of the agreement and eventually make the ceasefire permanent.

    As to why Denmark has not recognized Palestine, she said that “it is not just us”.  This recognition should happen as part of a larger negotiation, she said, adding:  “We need to use that chip when it really, really matters.”

    For the full programme of work, please see:  www.un.org/securitycouncil/events/calendar.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Dangerous nuclear rhetoric and threats’ trigger stark wake-up call: UN chief

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    Dramatically evolving geopolitical tensions amid “dangerous nuclear rhetoric and threats” are a stark wake-up call for States to take action to support the legally binding atomic weapon ban treaty, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday.

    “Critical disarmament instruments are being eroded,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, who spoke on behalf of the UN chief at the opening of the third meeting of States parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which takes place at UN Headquarters in New York from 3 to 7 March.

    She remained concerned that the current unpredictable situations may exacerbate the public’s fear and would increase belief in the “false narrative” that nuclear weapons are “the ultimate provider of security”.

    Cause for hope

    However, there are reasons for hope in the face of this challenging outlook, the UN disarmament chief said.

    For one, there is growing global recognition of the devastating impact of those weapons, she said, pointing to the landmark Pact of the Future’s focus on a nuclear-weapon-free world and the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese non-governmental organization Nihon Hidankyo, which aims to achieve total elimination.

    More hope comes from the nuclear weapon ban treaty’s growing membership, a continuation of broad engagement with civil society and its newly established scientific network whose experts are providing evidence-based information, Ms. Nakamitsu said.

    To date, 73 States have ratified or acceded to the treaty and 94 have signed it.

    UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

    Disarmament Week in 2011 honoured testimony and activism of Japanese atomic bomb survivors. (file)

    Step towards nuclear-weapon-free world

    This week, governments, international organizations and civil society are gathering at the third Meeting of States, with an agenda centred on preparing for the treaty’s first review conference and the next phase of the convention’s existence.

    Panel discussions and debates will focus on thematic issues, including risks for humanity of nuclear conflict and its devastating humanitarian consequences, security concerns, victim assistance and environmental remediation.

    Delegates are also expected to adopt a political declaration before the meeting concludes on Friday.

    UN Photo/Kim Haughton

    Signing ceremony for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at UN Headquarters in New York on 20 September 2017. (file)

    What’s in the treaty?

    The legally binding Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is the first multilateral nuclear disarmament convention to be negotiated in more than two decades when it was adopted on 7 July 2017 and entered into force on 22 January 2021.

    At the time, the UN chief called it “an important step towards the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and a strong demonstration of support for multilateral approaches to nuclear disarmament”.

    The treaty contains a comprehensive set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon-related activities. This includes undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons.

    It also prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons on national territory as well as the provision of assistance to any State in the conduct of prohibited activities and requires States parties to assist individuals under their jurisdiction affected by the use or testing of nuclear weapons as well as to take environmental remediation measures in areas under their jurisdiction or control that have been contaminated due to the testing or use of nuclear weapons.

    Read the full Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza Ceasefire Must Hold, Secretary-General Urges at Launch of Berlin Initiative

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the launch of The Berlin Initiative today:

    I commend the launch of The Berlin Initiative and its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    Since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza. Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank is fueling further instability and suffering.

    The ceasefire in Gaza must hold and be implemented in full.  All hostages must be released immediately, unconditionally, and in a dignified manner. And humanitarian aid must be maintained, funded, protected, and reach people in dire need without restrictions. 

    But beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace — one that ensures security for Israel, dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and stability for the entire region. 

    That requires a clear political framework for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.  It requires immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution — with Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unified under a legitimate Palestinian authority, accepted and supported by the Palestinian people.  And it requires putting an end to occupation, settlement expansion and threats of annexation.

    Efforts like The Berlin Initiative help forge a diplomatic path.  I urge everyone to seize this moment to build a future where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security, in line with international law and UN resolutions.  It is the only way. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Food prices soar as Israel blocks aid into Gaza

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    Israel’s move to prevent all aid from entering the Gaza Strip after Hamas reportedly refused to accept a plan to continue with phase one of the fragile ceasefire has had an immediate impact, including a 100-fold increase in the price of flour and vegetables.

    That’s according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, which said on Monday that the Kerem Shalom, Erez and Zikim crossing closures means that vital humanitarian assistance, including thousands of tents, can’t be delivered to civilians in need.

    Phase one of the ceasefire mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US expired on Saturday, with Hamas calling on Israel to move on to the next agreed phase – but Israel is calling instead for a continuation of phase one through the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan in line with a proposal from the top US envoy to the region.

    January’s ceasefire deal has seen the release of 33 Israeli hostages who’ve been held captive since the 7 October terror attacks, with around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners exchanged.

    “The ceasefire has provided the opportunity to distribute food, to distribute water, as well as shelter assistance and medical aid, allowing nearly everyone in Gaza to receive food parcels,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

    “Our humanitarian partners tell us that following the closure of the crossings into Gaza yesterday, flour and vegetable prices increased more than 100-fold. Partners are currently assessing the stocks that are currently available,” he added.

    Ceasefire, ‘a critical lifeline’: UNICEF    

    The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, warned that the stoppage of aid deliveries into Gaza will quickly lead to devastating consequences for children and families who are simply struggling to survive.

    “The aid restrictions announced yesterday will severely compromise lifesaving operations for civilians,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East. “It is imperative that the ceasefire – a critical lifeline for children – remains in place, and that aid is allowed to flow freely so we can continue to scale up the humanitarian response.”

    The agency said that between 19 January and last Friday, almost 1,000 UNICEF trucks had crossed into the enclave carrying clean water, medical supplies, vaccines, therapeutic food and other materials.

    Since the start of the ceasefire on 19 January, UNICEF and partners have provided warm clothing to 150,000 children in Gaza and increased daily water distribution for nearly half a million people living in more remote areas, Mr. Dujarric said.

    Nearly 250,000 children and thousands of pregnant and breast-feeding mothers have received nutritional supplements since the ceasefire took effect.

    Over the past two weeks, in Rafah, Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, aid partners have distributed vegetable seed kits for gardening to try and encourage more diverse diets.

    Around 1,500 water distribution points are now operating across Gaza – double the number operational at the start of the ceasefire. “However, partners tell us that pipes and spare parts for maintenance are urgently needed,” said Mr. Dujarric.

    Classrooms open

    Across Gaza, more than 100 public schools have reopened, allowing around 100,000 students back into the classroom.

    In Gaza City and North Gaza, UN partners will use tents to ensure children can continue learning, with some wood pallets recycled into school furniture.

    OCHA teams visited a displacement site in Khan Younis on Monday where around 1,200 people are staying. These communities have not been allowed to return to their homes, which are located in the buffer zone.

    OCHA is working to mobilise assistance to meet their needs.

    Meanwhile in the occupied West Bank, OCHA reports that ongoing operation by Israeli forces continues to drive humanitarian needs in northern areas. Humanitarian partners continue to face movement restrictions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Opens Thirty-Second Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Six New Committee Members Make Solemn Declaration

    The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities today opened its thirty-second session, during which it will review the reports of Canada, Dominican Republic, European Union, Palau, Tuvalu and Viet Nam. 

    Andrea Ori, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, extended a warm welcome to six new members of the Committee, namely: Magino Corporán Lorenzo (Dominican Republic); Mara Cristina Gabrilli (Brazil); Natalia Guala Beathyate (Uruguay); Christopher Nwanoro (Nigeria); Inmaculada Placencia Porrero (European Union); and Hiroshi Tamon (Japan). 

    He also congratulated the re-elected members of the Committee, namely: Gerel Dondovdorj (Mongolia); Abdelmajid Makni (Morocco); and Floyd Morris (Jamaica).

    Mr. Ori said that as a result of the election, the composition of the Committee had changed this year to 10 women and eight men.  It was one of the largest female representations in a treaty body.  The 192 ratifications to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities showed the commitment of the international community to an inclusive and accessible world.  Since the last session, Eritrea had ratified the Convention. In addition, Ireland had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention, bringing the States parties to that instrument to 107. 

    The six new members made their solemn declaration to the Committee.

    The Committee then adopted the programme of work for the session.

    Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, outgoing Committee Chairperson, said this morning, the Committee would elect a Chair, three Vice-Chairs and a Rapporteur in a private meeting.  Ms. Fefoame then provided an overview of her activities undertaken since the last session.  She was filled with profound gratitude to have chaired the Committee for the past two years.  In times of crisis, persons with disabilities were too often left behind and this was not acceptable.  Ms. Fefoame thanked everyone who had supported her during her time as Chairperson. 

    Floyd Morris, Committee Expert, expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the Committee to Ms. Fefoame for her leadership. 

    Speaking at the opening of the session were representatives from the Committee on Victim Assistance; United Nations Women; World Intellectual Property Organization; Implementation Support Unit of the Convention on Cluster Munitions; International Disability Alliance; World Federation of the Deaf; Peace Inclusion Peace; Universal Rights Group; and United for Global Mental Health

    Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.  The programme of work of the Committee’s thirty-second session and other documents related to the session can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 4 March to consider the initial report of Tuvalu (CRPD/C/TUV/1).

    Opening Statement

    ANDREA ORI, Chief of the Groups in Focus Section, Human Rights Treaties Branch, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, extended a warm welcome to the six new members of the Committee: Magino Corporán Lorenzo (Dominican Republic); Mara Cristina Gabrilli (Brazil); Natalia Guala Beathyate (Uruguay); Christopher Nwanoro (Nigeria); Inmaculada Placencia Porrero (European Union); and Hiroshi Tamon (Japan).

    He also congratulated the re-elected members of the Committee: Gerel Dondovdorj (Mongolia); Abdelmajid Makni (Morocco); and Floyd Morris (Jamaica). 

    As a result of the election, the composition of the Committee had changed this year to 10 women and eight men among their members.  It was one of the largest female representations in a treaty body.  The 192 ratifications to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities showed the commitment of the international community to an inclusive and accessible world.  Since the last session, Eritrea had ratified the Convention. In addition, Ireland had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention, bringing the States parties to that instrument to 107. 

    Mr. Ori then briefed the Committee on important events and developments related to disability rights at the international level since the Committee’s previous session, including the adoption of the Pact of the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations in September 2024 by the General Assembly, which contained several relevant commitments for persons with disabilities. 

    Additionally, on 17 December 2024, the General Assembly adopted resolution 79/149, on “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities”, while the Human Rights Council, during its fifty-seventh session, held from 9 September to 11 October 2024, adopted several resolutions relevant to the rights of persons with disabilities. 

    In January 2025, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights published a report on the rights of persons with disabilities and digital technologies and devices, including assistive technologies.  In February, the Office published a report on the human rights dimension of care and support. Mr. Ori said there were several important upcoming events related to disability rights, including the Global Disability Summit, being held on 3 and 4 April in Berlin; the seventeenth session of the Conference of States parties in New York from 11 to 13 June 2025; and during the current fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council, where, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities would introduce her report.

    The Office of the High Commissioner continued its work to support the strengthening of the treaty bodies, with last year being particularly challenging.  In addition to the chronic resource constraints, the liquidity crisis hampered the planning and implementation of work.  Mr. Ori assured the Committee that the Office was doing its utmost to ensure that the Committee and other treaty bodies could implement their mandates.  However, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future. 

    The treaty body strengthening process remained active and reached a key moment, with the adoption last December of the biennial resolution on the treaty body system by the General Assembly. On Human Rights Day last year, an informal meeting was organised of the Chairs and focal points on working methods. The meeting explored the latest developments on the treaty body system and sought to identify possible ways forward to improve the harmonisation of procedures.  The Office of the High Commissioner would continue to work alongside the Chairs and all the treaty body experts to strengthen the system.

    Mr. Ori said during this session, the Committee would hold dialogues with six parties to the Convention: Canada, Dominican Republic, European Union, Palau, Tuvalu, and Viet Nam, and would also review individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  The Committee would hold a day of general discussion on 20 March 2025 on the right of persons with disabilities to participation in political and public life, aimed to help it to elaborate a general comment on article 29 of the Convention.  Mr. Ori expressed appreciation for the Committee’s work and wished it a successful and productive session.

    Discussion

    In the discussion, some speakers, among other things, sincerely appreciated the efforts of the Committee to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.  They congratulated the new members who had been elected to the Committee. It was clear to see the improvement in gender and regional diversity, which spoke to the Committee’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.  The Committee should be congratulated for its work to advance and monitor the Convention. The general comment on article 29 was key to advancing disability inclusion.  The work done so far on the general comment on article 11 was welcomed. It was crucial to ensure that persons with disabilities were not left behind in any form of conflicts, including in the occupied Palestinian territory. 

    One speaker said 164 States were party to the Ottowa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines and were required to provide assistance to survivors, families and communities who were victims of mines.  This Convention was the first disarmament convention which acknowledged the rights of those affected by an indiscriminate weapon, setting a positive precedent in the area of humanitarian disarmament.  Most survivors of mines had a disability, meaning the Convention on anti-personnel mines intersected with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

    A new five-year action plan, the Siam-Reap action plan, had been adopted in 2024 and included 10 actions linked to assistance to victims, and to the work of the Committee.  Some of the reports to be examined by the Committee were from States parties that had obligations to assist victims under the Convention on anti-personnel mines. The Committee was invited to include questions pertaining to mine survivors to these States. 

    Another speaker said the Convention on Cluster Munitions stood as a landmark humanitarian disarmament treaty, addressing the unacceptable consequences of the use of cluster munitions, and prohibiting the use, transfer and stockpiling of these weapons.  It also established a framework for cooperation ensuring victim assistance, care and rehabilitation for survivors and clearance of contaminated areas. 

    A speaker said disability, gender and discrimination were closely interlinked, with one in five women experiencing a gender-related exclusion.  Work was being done with women and girls with disabilities, including by supporting initiatives and policy work.  Programmes had been launched on mainstreaming disability within the humanitarian response to Ukrainian refugees. 

    The Marrakech Treaty allowed for the production of accessible books across national boundaries for people who were print disabled; 125 countries had joined the treaty since 2013 and Colombia had ratified the treaty last week.  One million titles were now available for cross-border exchange under the treaty.  While many countries had ratified the treaty, its provisions needed to be implemented into national law to allow people who were print disabled to fully benefit from it. Member States that wished to ratify or implement the treaty would be provided with support.

    One speaker said the potential lack of sign language interpretation was a concern; this would break 14 years of ensuring full inclusion of all Committee members and persons with disabilities, which was unacceptable.  Without access to sign language, deaf individuals were denied human rights and were excluded.  It was regretful that the Committee was meeting under circumstances where one of the new members, who was deaf, could not fully participate.  By continuing its thirty-second session, where a member did not have full access, the Committee was complicit in preventing the member from carrying out their full mandate.  It was hoped sign language interpretation would continue this session. The United Nations must ensure the accessibility of their events and meetings for deaf individuals to enable them to participate on an equal footing to other individuals. 

    One speaker said a new organization had been developed to support an inclusive society for all and in every field, including education, labour, welfare and the economy.  In 10 years, the organization had the ambitious goal of 100 billion dollars’ worth of new business creation.  Another speaker said a project was underway to analyse the recommendations on the rights of persons with disabilities extended by the treaty bodies, the Universal Periodic Review, and the Special Procedures to see what degree of United Nations support was being extended to the implementing States. Around 12,108 recommendations had been identified as relating to the rights of persons with disabilities.  The Committee had issued the majority of the recommendations.  On initial analysis, it seemed that implementation of the Convention was falling behind, and a key part of the project would be to understand why. 

    Another speaker said many persons with disabilities were locked in institutions; approximately 8.4 million people were in-patients in mental hospitals every year.  One in 10 people in institutions had been there for over 25 years, according to a study.  In 60 out of 100 countries, people were still being shackled for psychosocial disabilities. During its thirty-second session, the Committee was asked to commit to ending all forms of institutionalisation and to strengthen primary, secondary and community-based mental health care. 

     

    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.

     

     

    CRPD25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Call for Proposals: Shaping Resilience: Women’s Role in the Private Sector

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    UNDRR is the United Nations’ focal point for the coordination of disaster risk reduction, working with countries and a broad range of partners and stakeholders to support the implementation, monitoring and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in coherence with the 2030 Agenda and other instruments, for the multi-hazard management of disaster risk in development and the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses.

    UNDRR issues grants, in line with UN Financial Regulations and Rules, to apolitical and not profit-making organizations to facilitate, implement, or carry out activities related to UNDRR’s and the partner’s mandates and work programmes.

    To this end, UNDRR invites non-profit organizations with more than 10 years of operation, with demonstrable experience in disaster risk reduction or sustainable development teams and that have developed projects in gender and private sector teams in Honduras, Guatemala or El Salvador to submit grant proposals that focus on the project described below.

    A. Rationale

    This project addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the private sector, particularly in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action in Central America. Despite progress in gender equality, only 37.3% of managerial roles in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are occupied by women, limiting their influence in shaping resilience strategies.

    The private sector plays a pivotal role in DRR efforts; however, gender considerations are often overlooked in policies and actions. By focusing on Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, this initiative aims to empower women leaders by providing them with essential knowledge, tools, and networks necessary for integrating gender-responsive DRR strategies into private sector operations. Women bring significant value to enhancing resilience within the private sector through their leadership skills, strategic decision-making capabilities, and adaptability. Their contributions are vital for fostering a resilient and equitable business environment. Therefore, supporting and empowering women in leadership roles is crucial.

    To maximize impact and scalability, this project leverages existing leadership within the ARISE network-where nearly 70% of regional networks are led by women-positioning it as a catalyst for change that can effectively promote gender equity while enhancing business resilience across Central America.

    B. Purpose

    This project aims to empower women to take on leadership roles in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate actions within the private sector. It focuses on documenting best practices, strengthening women’s leadership capacities, and fostering regional collaboration to address gender disparities. Through participatory workshops, research, and knowledge-sharing activities across Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the initiative promotes inclusive resilience strategies that prioritize women’s roles within businesses. By aligning with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth for all and building upon the Paris Agreement’s commitment to integrate gender equality into climate action; this project seeks to have a significant social impact by supporting women in protecting productive assets from disasters while promoting employment generation and enhancing the social function of businesses.

    C. Outcome

    • Enhanced the leadership skills of women in strategic decision-making for business continuity planning and disaster risk reduction.
    • Increased visibility and documentation of gender-responsive DRR practices.
    • Enhanced regional collaboration on DRR through shared learning and cross-sector dialogue.
    • Development of actionable recommendations for integrating gender considerations into private sector DRR strategies.
    • Integrating gender considerations into business operations to contribute to sustainable development goals at the enterprise level.

    D. Output

    • Three documented case studies highlighting women’s contributions to disaster resilience and business continuity.
    • Survey analysis report capturing key insights from at least 80 respondents on challenges and opportunities for women in DRR leadership.
    • Capacity-building workshop training at least 15 women leaders in DRR strategies and business continuity planning.
    • High-level knowledge exchange event with at least 40 participants fostering collaboration on gender and DRR.
    • Comprehensive learning resource guide for private sector stakeholders, distributed to at least 50 key actors.
    • Widespread dissemination of materials reaching at least 200 stakeholders through digital platforms and ARISE networks.

    E. Suggested activities

    The following activities must involve the participation and collection of information, from at least the three primary countries in the project: Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

    1. Good Practices Documentation: Conduct field research and stakeholder consultations to identify and document gender responsive DRR practices, ensuring that at least two documented practices are collected for each primary country involved in the project. It is necessary to gather information on the organizations involved, including investment in the practice, location, timeline, scope, key stakeholders, multimedia materials, challenges and setbacks, barriers, implemented activities, impact and results, and lessons learned.
    2. Survey Analysis: Conduct a regional survey with at least 80 respondents to assess perceptions, challenges, and opportunities in gender and DRR leadership.
    3. Capacity-Building Workshop: Organize a tailored leadership workshop to enhance women’s skills in DRR, climate resilience, and business continuity.
    4. Knowledge Exchange Event: Support the organization of a high-level roundtable at the ARISE Americas and Caribbean Forum in May 2025 featuring of a representative from the National Government of Honduras to discuss project findings and best practices.
    5. Development of Learning Resources: Produce a comprehensive guide outlining gender-responsive DRR strategies and disseminate among regional stakeholders.
    6. Creation of Dissemination Materials: Develop communication materials, policy briefs, and outreach materials for broad stakeholder engagement.

    F. Resources

    The project requires USD 70,000 from UNDRR to successfully implement its activities, which include the activities described in section E.

    The Selected NGO is expected to contribute key resources essential for the project’s success, including the allocation of workspaces for the project team, back-office support, and access to meeting facilities for coordination and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the provision of relevant reports, studies, and data from previous projects-particularly those related to gender and capacity-building efforts-will be crucial for informed decision-making. The Selected NGO’s institutional influence will also play a vital role in strengthening the project’s impact by facilitating connections with key stakeholders. These contributions will serve as in-kind co-financing, enhancing the project’s implementation capacity and alignment with existing initiatives.

    G. Elements specific to the project that the grantee should know

    All International and national non-governmental organizations that wish to be considered for partnership opportunities with UNDRR will need to register and create a profile on the United Nations Partner Portal (UNPP). Following verification of the profile information, partners will be eligible to apply to partnership opportunities with UNDRR as well as the UN Secretariat and all other participating UN Organizations.

    We encourage you to start the registration as soon as possible to avoid delays. Only registered organizations whose profile has been successfully verified will be considered eligible partners to apply for grant opportunities with UNDRR. For more details on registration procedures please visit the UN Section of UNPP.

    Furthermore, the United Nations system requires all partners to be assessed regarding their capacity to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. UNDRR encourages implementing partners to use the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) module in the UNPP. For more information please see the PSEA Module User Guide.

    H. Budget and administrative-related aspects

    The duration of the proposed project cannot exceed 10 months. The maximum amount requested from UNDRR for the implementation of this project cannot exceed USD 70,000. The project proposal must not exceed 10 pages (attachments such as scanned copies of entity’s registration, CVs of staff etc. do not count). For this purpose, please fill in duly all the sections of the application form, include the required documents (scanned copy of NGO/IGO’s registration certificate, CVs of staff etc.) and budget excel sheets, and send the complete application package (application form, budget excel sheets, entity registration certificate, CVs of staff, etc.) to the following email address: [email protected] cc: [email protected], [email protected].

    Deadline for applications: 10 March 2025, midnight New York, USA EST (Eastern Standard Time). Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. 

    Projects’ activities can include, amongst others, the following: seminars, workshops, trainings; capacity building activities; institutional strengthening activities; and advocacy. 

    The following types of activity will not be covered: capital expenditure, e.g. land, buildings, equipment and vehicles; individual scholarships for studies or training courses; supporting political parties; and sub-contracting. 

    Due to the number of applications, only short-listed applicants will be notified. 

    Please note that the grant payment schedule will be determined with the selected grantee when finalizing the agreement. UNDRR standard practice is not to exceed 40% of the requested amount upon signature of the grant agreement; remaining payments made based on a schedule of payments linked to production of project milestones and the final payment, 20%, will be paid after the end of the project, once final documents have been received, verified and approved by UNDRR. 

    Refund of grants: UNDRR may request organizations to refund, either in part or in whole any amounts paid in respect of a grant when: the project was not implemented in full or in part; the grant was spent for ineligible expenditures other than those mentioned in the budget proposal submitted to, and approved by UNDRR; no narrative, financial or audit report was submitted within the deadline established by the grant agreement; a narrative report and/or a financial report submitted was determined to be unsatisfactory; a negative evaluation of the project by UNDRR; any other valid reason provided by the UNDRR.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Institute of Geological Sciences (IGS) – NAS RA

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Institute of Geological Sciences (IGS) ‘s basic scientific research lines are general and regional geology, seismic tectonics, seismic hazard assessment, geodynamics, phanerozoic biostratigraphy, lithogenesis of sedimentary and volcanic-sedimentary formations, geology and petrology of magmatic and metamorphic formations, volcanology, geology of mineral resource deposits, metallogeny, geochemistry and mineralogy of hydrothermal ore formations, geological informatics, engineering geology and hydrogeology, efficient use and protection of geological environment, mapping and assessment of natural landscape geosystems.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Right Committee Opens One Hundred and Forty-Third Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Committee Elects New Chairperson and Bureau, Five New Members Make Solemn Declaration

    The Human Right Committee this morning opened its one hundred and forty-third session, during which it will examine the reports of Albania, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe on their implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  The Committee elected a new Chairperson and Bureau, and five new members made their solemn declaration. 

    In her opening remarks, Wan-Hea Lee, Chief of the Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said despite the liquidity situation currently facing the United Nations, the first sessions of all the treaty bodies this year had or were going to take place, thereby allowing the important work undertaken by Committees, including this one, to proceed. 

    The Office of the High Commissioner and the United Nations had and would continue to do their utmost to ensure that the Committee’s work could proceed to the maximum extent possible.

    Ms. Lee said they were living in exceptional times, marked by profound global challenges that tested the resilience of the international legal order.  The international system was going through a tectonic shift, and the human rights edifice that had been built up so painstakingly over decades had never been under so much strain.  The United Nations system, including the Committee, bore a shared responsibility to safeguard and reinforce these hard-fought achievements. Now, more than ever, collective action was necessary to defend the universality of human rights, preserve the integrity of international law, and ensure that it remained a robust shield against further regression.

    In its current session, Ms. Lee said, the Human Rights Council would hold interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion or belief, on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, and on the situation of human rights defenders. Last Tuesday, the Council held its biannual high-level panel discussion on the question of the death penalty, which focused on the contribution of the judiciary towards the abolition of the death penalty.  As of today, 113 countries had abolished the death penalty completely, and the global South was now leading the abolition movement. 

    Next Wednesday morning, 5 March, the Council would hold a panel discussion on early warning and genocide prevention.  The Council encouraged States to intensify conflict risk analysis to assess the risks of the perpetration of genocide and to identify situations where preventive measures might be necessary.  Ms. Lee said the work of the Committee needed to be considered a vital component of such risk assessment.

    Last year was particularly challenging, Ms. Lee stated.  In addition to chronic resource constraints, the liquidity crisis continued to hamper the planning and implementation of the Committee’s work – a point that the Chairs communicated forcefully during their meetings with Member States and other interlocutors in New York.  The Office of the High Commissioner was doing its utmost to ensure that the treaty bodies could implement their mandates, including by highlighting the direct impact that resource limitations had on human rights protection on the ground.  Nevertheless, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future.

    Ms. Lee said the treaty body strengthening process remained active.  It reached a key moment with the adoption last December of the biennial resolution on the treaty body system by the General Assembly. The resolution invited the treaty bodies and the Office of the High Commissioner to continue to work on coordination and predictability in the reporting process with the aim of achieving a regularised schedule for reporting, and to increase efforts to further use digital technologies.  However, the biennial resolution did not endorse certain detailed proposals, such as the one for an eight-year predictable schedule of reviews.

    On Human Rights Day last year, Ms. Lee said, the Geneva Human Rights Platform organised an informal meeting of the Chairs and focal points on working methods, which explored the latest developments in the treaty body system and sought to improve the harmonisation of procedures.  The Chairs and focal points also had the opportunity to interact with the Coordination Committee of Special Procedures Mandate Holders, discussing independence and actual or potential conflict of interest of experts, and an “all mechanisms” approach to the many challenges the human rights mechanisms were facing.  The High Commissioner’s Office would continue to work alongside the Chairs and all treaty body experts to strengthen the system.

    Ms. Lee said that the Committee had a busy agenda ahead of it, including six States party reviews, the consideration and adoption of eight lists of issues and lists of issues prior to reporting, as well as several individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  It would also hold briefings with various stakeholders.  She closed by wishing the Committee a successful and productive session.

    During the meeting, Changrok Soh (Republic of Korea) was elected as Chair of the Committee, and Wafaa Ashraf Moharram Bassim (Egypt), Hernán Quezada Cabrera (Chile), and Hélène Tigroudja (France) were elected as Vice-Chairs.  The election of a Committee Rapporteur was deferred.  Committee members expressed their support for the newly elected Chair and Bureau members and to the outgoing members.

    Mr. Soh expressed thanks for the Committee’s support and commended the work of former Chair Tania María Abdo Rocholl (Paraguay).  He said human rights were at the heart of his work, and he took on his duties with a strong sense of dedication.  The evolving global landscape and increasing financial pressures on the treaty body system called for increased collaboration.  The treaty bodies needed to leverage new methodologies and technologies to address their challenges.  Mr. Soh said he would do his utmost to deliver on the Committee’s mandate. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, he would work to ensure that the Committee could uphold the civil and political rights of persons worldwide.

    Ms. Abdo Rocholl took the floor to congratulate Mr. Soh and all elected bureau measures, who she expected would take the Committee far in difficult times.  During her tenure, she said, the Committee had held 41 dialogues with States parties, issued 12 lists of issues and 19 lists of issues prior to reporting, analysed five reports on implementation of concluding observations, adopted 610 decisions on individual communications, and delivered three follow-up reports on communications.  It had also implemented changes to finalise lists of issues at an earlier stage and improve the communications review procedure, time management in State party reviews, and document production.  The Committee had worked in a collaborative, harmonious environment, which allowed for the improvement of its work.  Ms. Abdo Rocholl expressed thanks to all who supported her throughout her two-year tenure as Chair.

    The Committee then adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session.

    Laurence R. Helfer, Committee Expert and Chair of the Working Group on individual communications, presented the report on the Working Group’s activities for the one hundred and forty-third session.  He said the Working Group had a very busy session and had extremely rich and interesting discussions.  The cases examined were submitted between 2016 and 2023 and covered 13 States parties from different regions, as well as different themes ranging from arbitrary deprivation of the right to life to forced pregnancy and forced maternity, non-refoulement, voting rights, forced displacement of indigenous communities, arbitrary detention, right to freedom of religion and belief, and right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  Regarding the 20 drafts examined and 44 communications covered, the Working Group submitted to the plenary for its consideration four inadmissibility proposals, one proposal of no violation; 36 proposals of violations; and two proposals with two options.  The report was adopted.

    New members elected to the Committee made their solemn declaration.  They are Carlos Ramón Fernández Liesa (Spain), Konstantin Korkelia (Georgia), Dalia Leinarte (Lithuania), Akmal Kholmatovich Saidov (Uzbekistan), and Ivan Šimonovic (Croatia).  Ms. Abdo Rocholl, Mr. Soh and Ms. Bassim, as well as Mahjoub El Haiba (Morocco) and Imeru Tamerat Yigezu (Ethiopia), were re-elected to the Committee.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-third session is being held from 3 to 28 March 2025.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 4 March, to begin its consideration of the second periodic report of Montenegro (CCPR/C/MNE/2).

     

    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.

     

    CCPR25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New round of polio vaccinations begins in Gaza

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Health

    The latest round of a large-scale polio vaccination campaign in Gaza targeting nearly 600,000 young children got underway on Saturday.

    It follows a campaign last year that reached hundreds of thousands of young children under the age of 10.  Polio virus was recently detected in wastewater samples in Gaza, indicating that circulation is ongoing, thus putting young lives at risk.

    The campaign is being led by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and implemented with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA and other partners.

    UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote in post on the social media platform X that 1,700 team members are taking part across the agency’s health centres and mobile points.

    Separately, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “teams are on the ground providing support to ensure a quality campaign.”

    UNRWA health teams constitute a third of the response, comprising 555 out of the total 1,660 teams involved.

    They will be issuing vaccinations in 10 of its health centres: one in Rafah, three each in Khan Younis and the Middle Area, and one in Gaza City in the north.  Around 60 UNRWA mobile medical points will also carry out vaccinations.

    The campaign is set to run through 26 February.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Urges All Efforts to Prevent Renewed Hostilities as Gaza Ceasefire’s First Phase Ends

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

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

    The Secretary-General is closely following developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory as the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal reaches its conclusion.  The past six weeks have provided a fragile but vital reprieve, offering a measure of relief to both Palestinians and Israelis. Thousands of trucks carrying life-saving assistance entered Gaza, with aid having reached nearly every person in the Strip.  It is imperative that all efforts be made to prevent a return to hostilities, which would be catastrophic.

    The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and find a way forward on the next phase.  A permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages are essential to preventing escalation and averting more devastating consequences for civilians.  The Secretary-General continues to call for the dignified, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.  The parties must ensure humane treatment for all those held under their power.  Humanitarian aid must continue to flow, without impediment, be adequately funded, and occur in an environment ensuring the safety and security of civilians and other protected persons, including humanitarian workers.

    The Secretary-General also calls for an urgent de-escalation of the alarming situation in the occupied West Bank.

    As Ramadan — a time of peace and reflection — begins, the Secretary-General calls on all sides to spare no efforts to end all violence.  The United Nations stands ready to support all such endeavours.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on the launch of the Berlin Initiative “For a Diplomatic Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    I commend the launch of The Berlin Initiative and its commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    Since the horrific terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza.  Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank is fueling further instability and suffering.

    The ceasefire in Gaza must hold and be implemented in full.  All hostages must be released immediately, unconditionally, and in a dignified manner.  And humanitarian aid must be maintained, funded, protected, and reach people in dire need without restrictions.

    But beyond ending this terrible war, we must lay the foundations for lasting peace – one that ensures security for Israel, dignity and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and stability for the entire region.

    That requires a clear political framework for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.  It requires immediate and irreversible steps towards a two-State solution – with Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, unified under a legitimate Palestinian authority, accepted and supported by the Palestinian people.  And it requires putting an end to occupation, settlement expansion and threats of annexation.

    Efforts like The Berlin Initiative help forge a diplomatic path.  I urge everyone to seize this moment to build a future where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and security, in line with international law and UN resolutions.  It is the only way.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nuclear energy watchdog chief raises ‘serious’ safety concerns over sites in Ukraine and Iran

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    In his latest address to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Monday, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned of the escalating nuclear safety risks in Ukraine as the conflict grinds on.

    Reaffirming the UN-backed IAEA’s commitment to monitoring facilities such as the Khmelnitsky, Rivne and South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), he described how facilities were performing under extreme conditions.

    “The electrical grid’s ability to provide a reliable off-site power supply to Ukrainian NPPs was reduced by damage sustained following military attacks in November and December 2024,” Mr. Grossi stated, underscoring the ongoing strain on national energy infrastructure, in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.

    © IAEA

    A team of IAEA experts visits Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine in June 2024.

    Direct attacks on staff

    Direct attacks have complicated the agency’s work. The Director General described a drone strike that severely damaged an IAEA vehicle during a routine rotation.

    “Staff survived this unacceptable attack unharmed, but the rear of the vehicle was destroyed,” he said, noting the continuous risks faced by staff working in these volatile conditions.

    Particularly concerning is the situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), where six reactor units remain in cold shutdown. The facility’s off-site power supply continues to be vulnerable.

    Mr. Grossi highlighted a recent incident in which ZNPP relied on a single off-site power line after losing its remaining backup, further underscoring the fragility of the plant.

    Meanwhile, an attack on the Chernobyl site nearly three weeks ago, which caused significant damage to the protective structure of the 1986 reactor, was also addressed.

    While no radioactive release occurred, Mr. Grossi stressed that the attack “underlines the persistent risk to nuclear safety during this military conflict.”

    © IAEA

    Fire on the New Safe Confinement (NSC) at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant site following a drone attack on 14 February 2025.

    Support for safety efforts

    Despite the challenges, Mr. Grossi reaffirmed the IAEA’s ongoing support for Ukraine.

    Since November 2024, the Agency has delivered 31 shipments of nuclear safety, security and medical equipment, totalling over €15.6 million in value.

    “We are grateful to all 30 donor states and the European Union for their extrabudgetary contributions,” Mr. Grossi added, urging continued support for the comprehensive assistance programme.

    Concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme

    Mr. Grossi also reported fresh concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, especially its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 per cent.

    Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon State enriching uranium to this level, raising significant concerns over potential weapons development.

    “Iran says it has declared all nuclear material, activities and locations required under its NPT Safeguards Agreement. However, this statement is inconsistent with the Agency’s findings of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at undeclared locations in Iran,” Mr. Grossi explained.

    The Director General emphasised the need for greater transparency, stressing that unresolved safeguards issues must be addressed for Iran’s nuclear activities to be deemed peaceful.

    He called on Iran to urgently implement the Joint Statement of March 2023 and engage in serious dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues.

    Global safety initiatives

    Mr. Grossi also outlined the IAEA’s broader initiatives, including his recent visit to Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, where he oversaw the collection of water samples related to the ongoing release of ALPS-treated contaminated water – in the wake of the major 2011 meltdown.

    “The IAEA has maintained its independent monitoring and analysis efforts, confirming that tritium concentrations in the discharged batches remain far below operational limits,” he noted.

    Looking ahead, the Director General highlighted key upcoming initiatives, such as the launch of the Atomic Technology Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) and the IAEA’s first International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy, which will take place in December 2025.

    A growing role in energy solutions

    With the global demand for energy rising, Mr. Grossi pointed to the growing role of nuclear power in addressing energy needs.

    “In the IAEA’s high case scenario, global nuclear electricity generating capacity is seen increasing two and a half times by 2050,” he said.

    However, the Director General stressed that such growth must be accompanied by public support and a continued commitment to safety.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Oceans of opportunity squeezed dry by unsustainable use

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    The booming ocean economy sustains hundreds of millions of people, but it is being squeezed dry by overfishing, pollution, climate change and waste, UN economists warned on Monday, in a call for smarter, more concerted action to protect the world’s vast marine spaces for future generations.

    In the run-up to the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in June, the UN trade and development agency, UNCTAD, emphasised that oceans are essential to all life, by sustaining biodiversity, regulating the climate and generating oxygen.

    Oceans also have massive untapped economic potential that is capable of delivering food security, creating jobs and driving global trade.

    “The amount of exports of ocean goods and services reached $2.2 trillion in 2023, so it’s growing very fast,” said David Vivas, UNCTAD Chief for Trade, Environment and the Sustainable Development Branch, on the sidelines of the 5th UN Ocean Forum in Geneva.

    According to the UN agency, the world’s ocean economies have grown 250 per cent since 1995, far outpacing the global economy, which grew by 190 per cent over the same period.

    Soundcloud

    Rising tide of potential

    Behind this growth is growing South-South trade, where fresh fish exports have increased by 43 per cent; processed fish exports have risen by a staggering 89 per cent from 2021 to 2023.

    Today, 600 million people are sustained by and therefore dependent on the fishing industry alone, most of them in developing countries.

    According to UNCTAD, two thirds of species living in the ocean have yet to be identified, offering the potential for the discovery of new antibiotics, low-carbon foods and other bio-based materials such as plastic substitutes, which provide a $10.8 billion market opportunity alone.

    In 2025, the marine biotechnology market is set to grow by more than 50 per cent this year, compared to 2023.

    © Unsplash/Benjamin L. Jones

    Seagrass, which evolved over 70 million years ago from terrestrial grass, is one of the most diverse and valuable marine ecosystems on the planet.

    Looming dangers

    However, despite this potential, the ocean economy faces imminent threats from poor governance, underinvestment and climate shocks.

    These include our already warming oceans, rising sea levels and extreme weather hazards which endanger marine ecosystems, fish populations, coastal infrastructure and shipping routes, particularly for coastal communities.

    And while most national climate plans do not take into account the ocean economy, UNCTAD’s Mr. Vivas underscored its importance in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement as an estimated 11 per cent of all emissions worldwide are caused by ocean-based activities.

    Drop in the ocean

    Beyond climate-related impacts, woeful underfunding for ocean preservation and harmful practices further threaten the industry.

    “While oceans represent 70 per cent of the biosphere, less than one per cent of the global development assistance is invested into its conservation and sustainable use,” Mr. Vivas told journalists in Geneva.

    Achieving the universally agreed Sustainable Development Goal 14 of protecting life below water requires $175 billion annually, yet only $4 billion has been contributed from national funds, philanthropists and private investment, making it the most underfunded sustainability goal (SDG).

    The sum “is nothing less than peanuts; basically, politicians are not putting their money where their mouth is,” Mr. Vivas said. “This huge part of the planet is totally invisible in terms of sustainable-use conservation for future generations.”

    This stands in stark contrast to $22 billion invested in harmful subsidies in the global fishing industry, which contributes to overfishing.

    Further obstacles limiting the potential of the marine economy involve extraordinarily high tariffs among developing countries. While high-income countries apply 3.2 per cent tariffs on fish products, developing countries on average apply 14 per cent tariffs among themselves, curbing trade heavily.

    © FAO/Evandro Semedo

    The Fazenda de Camarão shrimp farm in Calhau, Cabo Verde, aligns with goals of promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries.

    Buoyed by innovation

    Among the UN agencies calling for action, UNCTAD recommends:

    • integrating ocean-based sectors into national climate and biodiversity plans
    • reducing trade barriers
    • expanding data collection on ocean-related emissions, trade and investment
    • ending harmful subsidies
    • finalising legally binding treaties on plastic pollution

    To drive urgently needed progress, the UN agency’s Ocean Forum will launch initiatives that include a renewed Ocean Trade Database to help analyse the fast-evolving sector, a proposal for a UN task force on seaweed development and a project on evidence-based ocean climate action.

    The latter, involving UNCTAD and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data innovations to support Caribbean small island developing States in particular.

    The UN Ocean Conference 2025 takes place in the French Riviera city of Nice from 9 to 13 June.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: First Person: Voices of the forgotten in Haiti, ‘crying out in the silence of distress’

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    Humanitarian Aid

    Gang violence, political instability and economic turmoil have displaced over 700,000 people in Haiti, forcing families from their homes with nothing but what they can carry; some 5.5 million people – half of Haiti’s population – rely on humanitarian aid to survive.

    Armed groups now control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, including key roads leading in and out of the city, making it nearly impossible for people to find safety.

    For the past 14 years, Rose, a humanitarian worker with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has been on the ground, helping the most vulnerable and has witnessed the toll of the crisis firsthand.

    “Whenever I think back to a workday in the field, the first image that comes to mind is the suffering of families, the degree of vulnerability of these disadvantaged people living in inhumane conditions.

    © IOM/Antoine Lemonnier

    An IOM staff member greets displaced people at an aid distribution site.

    It breaks my heart to see children, infants, mothers and elderly fathers arriving at displacement sites after fleeing different places due to gang conflicts. Their struggle to feed their families and the precarious conditions in which they sleep deeply affect me.

    What pains me most as a humanitarian worker is sometimes realising that we are unable to fully meet the needs of these vulnerable people who rely entirely on humanitarian aid. Unfortunately, funding and resources are limited.

    As a humanitarian worker I’m looking for a balance between the amount I invest emotionally in my work and the need to step back to protect my mental health.

    I take care of myself by engaging in activities like music, sports, meditation, or any other pastime that relaxes me.

    One smile at a time

    Since my teenage years, I have always had a passion for working in the humanitarian field.

    © UNOCHA/Giles Clarke

    A displaced mother tends for her baby in a former school in downtown Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

    IOM has helped many displaced children and youth gain access to education, giving them learning opportunities and supporting their personal development.

    I firmly believe in the possibility of positive change, even in the most desperate situations.

    Every small improvement in people’s situation, every smile I see reinforces my conviction that what I do is meaningful.

    For example, many people have been able to access safe and secure housing through IOM’s assistance, improving their living conditions and providing a more stable environment for their families.

    I met a mother who told me that leaving the displacement site brought her immense joy.

    For her, it was not just about having a roof over her head – it was about reclaiming her dignity.

    © UNOCHA/Giles Clarke

    Cité Soleil in downtown Port-au-Prince is one of the most dangerous places in the Haitian capital.

    Raising her children, especially her young daughters, who had almost no privacy when they were sleeping and showering had been her biggest daily struggle.

    Her story deeply moved me and reinforced my commitment to working tirelessly to support these families who are in such great need of our assistance.

    ‘Listen to the voices of the forgotten’

    Haiti, this land of resilience and courage, is today facing overwhelming challenges and unimaginable suffering. Our children cry, families struggle and I see the broken hearts of people who face the indifference of the world around them.

    I implore you, the world, to open your eyes to Haiti’s reality. Look beyond the numbers and statistics. Listen to the voices of the forgotten, crying out in the silence of distress. Haiti needs your solidarity, your compassion.

    Together, let us make the echo of hope resonate across Haiti’s valleys and mountains.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Clean water ‘a lifeline’ for around 364,000 children a day in Goma

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Humanitarian Aid

    The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and partners in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are providing lifesaving clean water supplies to 700,000 people a day – around 364,000 of them children – in the regional capital Goma after breaks in the water supply due to the uptick in fighting.

    The intense conflict at the end of January, which saw the city overrun by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, left many of the city’s two million residents without access to clean water, sanitation or power. A third of them have only recently been displaced.

    The humanitarian crisis sparked by the fighting between Congolese Government forces, M23 and other armed factions – who have fuelled instability in the restive east for decades – has raised two pressing needs, says UNICEF.

    Hundreds of thousands of people are now moving from previous displacement sites around Goma to areas of return with only limited water and sanitation services.

    “Clean water is a lifeline. With ongoing cholera and mpox epidemics in eastern DRC, children and families need safe water now more than ever to protect themselves and prevent a deeper health crisis,” said Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF‘s acting Representative in DRC.

    Deadlier risk than violence

    “Around the world, children in protracted conflicts are three times more likely to die from water-related diseases than violence. Re-establishing essential services needs to be prioritised, or we risk even more lives.”

    Despite the deteriorating security situation, UNICEF responded immediately by trucking water to three health facilities, including the Virunga General Referral Hospital, which treated around 3,000 injured patients.

    Medical kits to treat 50,000 people were also distributed to health centres overwhelmed with patients.

    Around 700,000 people now have daily access to water through the REGIDESO water utility company after UNICEF and the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, provided 77,000 litres of fuel, enabling the five main pumping stations to restart after they had shut down due to powerline cuts.

    On the east side of Goma, an additional 33,000 people are receiving water through a UNICEF-constructed water network in the Bushara-Kayarutshiyna area.

    Cholera cases tick up

    However, many still rely on untreated supplies directly from Lake Kivu. UNICEF and partners have set up more than 50 chlorine sites along the coast to treat lake water, supplying 56,000 people daily in a bid to limit the spread of cholera.

    “We are already seeing worrying signs of a rise in cholera cases, closely tied to increased displacement and people relying on unclean water. While gathering data is difficult in these challenging circumstances, with the main rainy season approaching, we’re extremely worried about an explosion in cases,” said Mr. Basse.

    Over the last decade, cholera has killed over 5,500 people in the DRC, where only 43 per cent of the population has access to at least a basic water service, and only 15 per cent has access to basic sanitation.

    In Goma, the conflict has made a dire situation worse. Even before the current escalation, approximately 700,000 displaced people lived in camps with dangerously inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene, exposing children to diseases and increasing risks of gender-based violence for women and girls collecting water and firewood.

    In line with the Geneva List of Principles on the Protection of Water Infrastructure, UNICEF is calling on all parties to the conflict to safeguard water supplies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Fifth meeting of the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition: Integrating Urban Trees into Policy and Plans

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Since its launch at COP28 in Dubai, the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition has been advancing its Action Plan, focusing on key priorities for implementation. Building on discussions at COP16 in Riyadh, particularly on policy and finance, this meeting will:

    • Discuss the technical guide on integrating urban forestry into national planning frameworks and its practical application to link local and national policy.
    • Assess progress on the Action Plan and explore next steps for policy alignment and implementation.
    • Provide a briefing on the finance stream, summarizing key takeaways from the dedicated webinar.

    The Fifth Meeting of the Coalition will serve as a checkpoint for implementation progress and provide a space for open discussion on key actions for 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Fifth Trees in Dry Cities Coalition Meeting and Consultation on Guidance on Integrating Urban Trees into Policy and Plans

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Since its launch at COP28 in Dubai, the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition has been advancing its Action Plan, focusing on key priorities for implementation. Building on discussions at COP16 in Riyadh, particularly on policy and finance, this meeting will:

    • Discuss the technical guide on integrating urban forestry into national planning frameworks and its practical application to link local and national policy.
    • Assess progress on the Action Plan and explore next steps for policy alignment and implementation.
    • Provide a briefing on the finance stream, summarizing key takeaways from the dedicated webinar.

    The Fifth Meeting of the Coalition will serve as a checkpoint for implementation progress and provide a space for open discussion on key actions for 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: At a time of war, nations must stop global order from crumbling: UN rights chief

    Source: United Nations 2

    “Our world is going through a period of turbulence and unpredictability, reflected in growing conflict and divided societies,” Türk told the Human Rights Council.

    “We cannot allow the fundamental global consensus around international norms and institutions, built painstakingly over decades, to crumble before our eyes.”

    The weapons of war

    Presenting his global update covering more than 30 countries, the High Commissioner described as “outrageous” the fact that legal safeguards for non-combatants were being repeatedly ignored.

    “Civilians are deliberately attacked. Sexual violence and famine are used as weapons of war,” Mr. Türk said. “Humanitarian access is denied, while weapons flow across borders and circumvent international sanctions. And humanitarian workers are targeted. In 2024, a record 356 humanitarian workers were killed while providing aid to people in some of the world’s most appalling crises.”

    Unbearable price

    In Sudan, the High Commissioner once again condemned devastating bomb attacks launched in heavily built-up areas with total impunity, by the parties to the conflict.

    All the while, the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe deepens, threatening regional stability, he maintained: “Civilians are paying an unbearable price, in a naked struggle for power and resources. All countries must use their influence to apply pressure on the parties and their allies, to stop the war, embark on an inclusive dialogue, and transition to a civilian-led Government.”

    Ukraine’s people need peace

    Turning to Ukraine, whose future material support from the United States appeared unclear following televised disagreements between Presidents Trump and Zelensky at a White House meeting on Friday, Mr. Türk opposed any peace deal that excluded Ukraine.

    “Three years since the full-scale Russian invasion, people continue to suffer appallingly…Any discussions about ending the war must include Ukrainians and fully respect their human rights. Sustainable peace must be based on the United Nations Charter and international law.”

    Civilian casualties in Ukraine rose by 30 per cent between 2023 and 2024, the High Commissioner continued, as he accused Russia’s armed forces of systematically targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with coordinated strikes, causing widespread disruptions to essential services.

    “Relentless attacks with aerial glide bombs, long-range missiles and drones have placed civilians in a state of constant insecurity and fear,” Mr. Türk noted.

    Ukrainian prisoners also continue to face summary executions and “widespread and systematic torture” by Russian forces, he continued.

    Gaza ceasefire focus

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the UN rights chief insisted that the fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza “and becomes the basis for peace”.

    He also insisted that aid deliveries into Gaza should resume immediately, just as Israel announced a halt to aid flowing into the shattered enclave, having proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire which ended at the weekend and which would allow Israeli troops to stay in Gaza.

    UN aid chief Tom Fletcher responded with alarm to the Israeli decision, insisting that the ceasefire “must hold”.

    In an online appeal, he added: “International humanitarian law is clear: We must be allowed access to deliver vital lifesaving aid. We can’t roll back the progress of the past 42 days. We need to get aid in and the hostages out.”

    Back in the Council, Mr. Türk explained that the Gaza had been “razed” by constant Israeli bombardment in response to the “horrific” Hamas-led attacks on Israel that sparked the war in October 2023. “Any solution to the cycles of violence must be rooted in human rights, including the right to self-determination, the rule of law and accountability. All hostages must be freed; all those detained arbitrarily must be released; and humanitarian aid into Gaza must resume immediately.”

    West Bank alert

    Reflecting deep concerns by humanitarians and the human rights community about Israeli military raids on Palestinian settlements in the West Bank, the UN High Commissioner insisted that Israel’s “unilateral actions and threats of annexation in the West Bank, in violation of international law, must stop”.

    Mr. Türk also condemned the use of “military weapons and tactics, including tanks and airstrikes, against Palestinians”. Equally worrying was “the destruction and emptying of refugee camps, the expansion of illegal settlements, the severe restrictions on movement and the displacement of tens of thousands of people”.

    DR Congo devastation

    Turning to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the High Commissioner underscored that entire communities in North and South Kivu had been devastated.

    “In the past five weeks, thousands of people have reportedly been killed during attacks by the M23 armed group, backed by the Rwandan Armed Forces, in intense fighting against the Armed Forces of the DRC and their allies,” the UN rights chief said, pointing to reports of rape, sexual slavery and summary executions.

    “More than half a million people have been forced to flee this year, adding to almost 7.8 million people already displaced in the country,” Mr. Türk said. “The violence must stop, violations by all parties must be investigated, and dialogue must resume.”

    © WFP/Michael Castofas

    More than half a million people have been forced to flee DR Congo this year.

    Deadliest year in Myanmar

    Moving on to the ongoing escalation of violence in Myanmar sparked by the military coup on 1 February 2021, the UN rights chief noted that 2024 was the deadliest year for civilians since the junta takeover.

    “The military ramped up brutal attacks on civilians as their grip on power eroded, with retaliatory airstrikes and artillery shelling of villages and urban areas…and the forcible conscription of thousands of young people,” he said, before calling for the supply of arms and finance to the country’s military’s to be “cut decisively”.

    Haiti spiral

    The UN rights chief also expressed deep concerns about chronic lawlessness and heavily armed clashes in Haiti involving gangs that humanitarians warned last week recruit children as young as eight. More than 5,600 people were killed last year and thousands more were injured or kidnapped, Mr. Türk told the Human Rights Council.

    “Full implementation of the Security Council‘s arms embargo and support to the Multinational Security Support Mission are crucial to resolving this crisis,” he insisted.

    Yemen

    On Yemen, the High Commissioner noted that amid ongoing hostilities, nearly 20 million Yemenis need humanitarian support. Mr. Türk also expressed his outrage at the death of a UN World Food Programme colleague in detention earlier this month. “All 23 UN staff – including eight colleagues from my own Office – who are arbitrarily detained by the Houthis must be released immediately.”

    In a half-hour address to the Council that traditionally highlights the most worrying emergencies in the world and the need to tackle their root causes, the UN rights chief issued a call for greater global solidarity and accountability for crimes as a way to push back against those who would violate fundamental freedoms.

    “We all have a responsibility to act – through our consumption habits, our social media use, and our political and social engagement,” he told the Council’s 47 Member States.

    “We can trace a clear line between the lack of accountability for airstrikes on hospitals in Syria in the 2010s, attacks on healthcare facilities in Yemen, and the destruction of health systems in Gaza and Sudan,” he continued.

    Toys of tech oligarchs

    Equally alarming is the rise of unelected and unregulated “tech oligarchs” who reflect the new global power dynamic, Mr. Türk warned, before urging governments to fulfil their primary purpose of protecting their people from unchecked power.

    Today’s tech oligarchs “have our data: they know where we live, what we do, our genes and our health conditions, our thoughts, our habits, our desires and our fears…And they know how to manipulate us,” the High Commissioner insisted.

    Electioneering tactics

    “I have followed recent election campaigns in Europe, North America and beyond with increasing trepidation. Single-issue soundbites devoid of substance oversimplify complex issues and are often based on scapegoating, disinformation, and dehumanization,” he continued.

    “Dehumanization is a well-worn step towards treating an entire group as outsiders, unworthy of the basic rights we all enjoy. It is a dangerous precursor to hate and violence and must be called out whenever it occurs.”

    UN Human Rights Council/Marie Bambi

    Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, presents his latest report on the obligation to ensure accountability and justice in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    Toxic influence on gender equality

    The High Commissioner also voiced his concern about the resurgence of toxic ideas about masculinity and efforts to glorify gender stereotypes, especially among young men.

    To blame for this are “misogynistic influencers” with millions of followers on social media who “are hailed as heroes”, Mr. Türk said.

    Online and offline, their ideas push back against gender equality and result in “violence and hateful rhetoric against women, women’s rights defenders, and women politicians”, the High Commissioner continued. 

    In a message of solidarity with people who have been left “feeling alienated and abandoned” by such malign influences, Mr. Türk insisted that the United Nations was by their side. “Your concerns are our concerns, because they are about human rights: to education, to health, to housing, to free speech, and access to justice. Human rights are about people’s daily concerns for their families and their future. We must cherish the values of respect, unity and solidarity; and work together for a safer, more just, more sustainable world. We can and will persevere,” he concluded.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Consultation on Guidance on Integrating Urban Trees into Policy and Plans and Fifth Trees in Dry Cities Coalition Meeting

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Since its launch at COP28 in Dubai, the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition has been advancing its Action Plan, focusing on key priorities for implementation. Building on discussions at COP16 in Riyadh, particularly on policy and finance, this meeting will:

    • Discuss the technical guide on integrating urban forestry into national planning frameworks and its practical application to link local and national policy.
    • Assess progress on the Action Plan and explore next steps for policy alignment and implementation.
    • Provide a briefing on the finance stream, summarizing key takeaways from the dedicated webinar.

    The Fifth Meeting of the Coalition will serve as a checkpoint for implementation progress and provide a space for open discussion on key actions for 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP welcomes US$6.5 million donation from the Republic of Korea to bolster emergency food assistance across the Middle East

    Source: World Food Programme

    CAIRO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$6.5 million contribution from the Republic of Korea that will enable the organization to sustain lifesaving assistance for vulnerable communities facing food insecurity across the Middle East.

    The funding will be used to support the continued distribution of vital food and cash to communities most in need in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye where WFP plans to provide food assistance to nearly 7.7 million people this year. The contribution will also bolster ongoing recovery efforts for people affected by the deadly earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023.

    “WFP is grateful for the Republic of Korea’s donation as the Middle East faces one of its most challenging times,” said Corinne Fleischer, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. “This support is vital to keep our lifesaving operations going and to reach families in dire need. Food security is not just about meeting urgent needs, it supports national security and helps bring stability to this troubled region.” 

    The donation comes at a pivotal moment as humanitarian needs are surging across the Middle East driven by a convergence of regional and global challenges. Escalating regional tensions, economic turmoil and climate shocks have pushed millions of people to the brink, unable to access enough food to survive.

    The Republic of Korea has generously contributed over US$21 million to support WFP’s activities in the four countries over the last five years. 

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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 X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @WFP_MENA 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Fifth Meeting and Consultation on Guidance on Integrating Urban Trees into Policy and Plans

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Since its launch at COP28 in Dubai, the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition has been advancing its Action Plan, focusing on key priorities for implementation. Building on discussions at COP16 in Riyadh, particularly on policy and finance, this meeting will:

    • Discuss the technical guide on integrating urban forestry into national planning frameworks and its practical application to link local and national policy.
    • Assess progress on the Action Plan and explore next steps for policy alignment and implementation.
    • Provide a briefing on the finance stream, summarizing key takeaways from the dedicated webinar.

    The Fifth Meeting of the Coalition will serve as a checkpoint for implementation progress and provide a space for open discussion on key actions for 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Unlocking Investment for Greener, Resilient Cities

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Many of the positive impacts of urban trees and forests serve as vital public goods. However, the lack of traditional revenue streams and the indirect nature of their economic benefits make them challenging to fund through conventional project finance mechanisms.

    Join us on 13 March 2025 for our latest webinar: “Unlocking Investment for Greener, Resilient Cities.”

    In this session, we will:

    • Explore the economic, social, and environmental benefits that urban trees and forests contribute to sustainable development, climate action, biodiversity, and land restoration.
    • Examine the financing needs to support these benefits throughout the entire lifecycle of urban forests, from planning and tree planting to long-term maintenance and monitoring.
    • Introduce actionable financing mechanisms, including green bonds, carbon credits, biodiversity credits, municipal finance instruments, and public-private partnerships, that can be utilized to fund the maintenance, restoration, and expansion of urban trees and forests.
    • Discuss how to design innovative financing concepts for urban forests and explore opportunities to integrate these concepts into broader urban development initiatives.

    This webinar will provide:

    • Insights into how urban trees and forests can be meaningfully integrated into urban development projects.
    • Examples of financing approaches and mechanisms that can support the planning, implementation, and long-term management of urban trees and forests.

    This webinar is designed for:

    • Investors, funders, project developers, national and city leaders, planners, and all stakeholders interested in financing urban nature-based solutions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Message from the Director of World Heritage, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, for World Wildlife Day 2025

    Source: United Nations

    Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre (WHC), shares a message for World Wildlife Day 2025.

    Today, World Wildlife Day is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect and conserve biodiversity. Around the globe, countless plant and animal species face unprecedented threats, with many on the brink of extinction. This includes some of the rarest and most extraordinary species that inhabit sites protected under the World Heritage Convention.

    UNESCO World Heritage sites exemplify our cultural treasures and the most outstanding natural places. They protect over a fifth of the planet’s mapped species richness.

    World Heritage sites include the mangrove ecosystems of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India, home to the largest remaining population of the Bengal tiger. The Rainforests of the Atsinanana in Madagascar and Manú National Park in Peru, are among the most biodiverse places on Earth. World Heritage sites also show how wildlife conservation supports livelihoods and promotes sustainable socio-economic development.

    However, the extraordinary biodiversity found in UNESCO World Heritage sites must be protected from threats such as overexploitation and illegal wildlife trade. To combat these threats, UNESCO and site managers work closely with CITES and other key actors. We need all hands on deck. To protect these irreplaceable places, it is crucial to give site managers the financial resources they need to sustain the rich life these sites support.

    On this World Wildlife Day, I urge everyone to look for innovative financial solutions that will allow wild species of plants and animals to thrive for generations to come. Together, we can ensure the survival of wildlife and the preservation of the planet’s natural wonders.

    Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of World Heritage

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Japan contributes US$7 million to WFP Afghanistan to tackle hunger and malnutrition

    Source: World Food Programme

    KABUL – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan welcomes a US$7 million contribution from the Government of Japan to support emergency food assistance, prevent malnutrition and bolster school feeding programmes.

    This funding will enable WFP to provide emergency food assistance to nearly 30,000 families – over 200,000 people – for three months. Additionally, more than 60,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children will receive specialized nutritious food. The contribution will also support daily school snacks for nearly 30,000 school children, enhancing their ability to learn and focus in the classroom.

    “Thanks to humanitarian assistance and better harvests, we’ve seen significant improvements in overall food security,” said H.E. Takayoshi Kuromiya, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan. “However, 15 million Afghans still do not know where their next meal will come from. These numbers represent real families, children and communities in urgent need, and the Government of Japan remains committed to supporting Afghan families through this crisis.” 

    The funding came at a critical time, when hunger and hardship for communities deepened ahead of the long Afghan winter. With limited work opportunities and scarce food, families were facing the impossible choice of either heating their homes or feeding their children. 

    “As economic opportunities remain out of reach for many, especially for women, families across Afghanistan are also having to endure a harsh winter,” said Mutinta Chimuka, acting Country Director for WFP in Afghanistan. “WFP is committed to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly women-headed families. Thanks to the generosity of partners like Japan, we’ve been able to reach more than 12 million people last year, providing a vital lifeline in the face of ongoing challenges.”

    The Government of Japan has been a steadfast supporter to WFP’s mission in Afghanistan. Since 2021, Japan has contributed US$93 million, enabling WFP to assist some of the most vulnerable food-insecure families across the country. 

    #                    #                       #

    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_Afghanistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –