un daily news - 24 march 2016

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Issue DH/7123 Thursday, 24 March 2016

In the headlines:

• UN welcomes 'historic' guilty verdict againstRadovan Karadžić

• UN rights chief concerned over 'collectiveexpulsion' of migrants after EU-Turkey deal

• In Lebanon, Ban prasies country's generositytowards Syrian refugees

• 87 million children under seven have knownnothing but conflict, UNICEF reports

• Ethiopia: UN and partners launch 90-day campaignto boost drought-relief funding

• Time 'to ring the alarm bell' on waning prospectsfor Middle East peace, UN envoy tells SecurityCouncil

• UNESCO chief welcomes the liberation of Syria'sPalmyra world heritage site

• 'End to fighting can't come soon enough' forYemen, says UN humanitarian chief

• Fight against tuberculosis only 'half-won,' UN chiefsays on World Day

• On World Day, UN chief urges States to promoteright to truth and justice

• Security Council extends mandate of UN mission inSomalia through March 2017

• ‘Without stories there is silence’ – women speak upat the UN about violence and disability

Mo r e s t o r i e s i n s i d e

UN welcomes 'historic' guilty verdict against Radovan Karadžić

24 March – Calling today “historic” for the people of formerYugoslavia and for international criminal justice, United nationsSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed support for thevictims who suffered under former Bosnian Serb leader RadovanKaradžić, following his guilty verdict by the International CriminalTribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

“Fugitives cannot outrun the international community's collectiveresolve to make sure that they face justice according to the law,” Mr.Ban said through his spokesperson.

In a separate statement, the UN High Commissioner for HumanRights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, welcomed the verdict calling it“hugely significant.”

“His judgment is symbolically powerful – above all for the victims of the crimes committed during the wars in Bosnia-Herzegovina and across the former Yugoslavia, but also for victims across the world,” said Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in astatement from his Office (OHCHR).

Mr. Zeid added that while the verdict might be appealed, it shows “no matter how powerful they are, no matter howuntouchable they imagine themselves to be, no matter what continent they inhabit, the perpetrators of such crimes must

Radovan Karadžic at his initial appearance in court, July 2008.Photo: ICTY

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UN Daily News 24 March 2016

know that they will not escape justice.”

Mr. Karadžić, who had been the President of the self-styled Bosnian Serb Republic, was convicted of genocide in the area ofSrebrenica in 1995, of persecution, extermination, murder, deportation, inhumane acts (forcible transfer), terror, unlawfulattacks on civilians and hostage-taking.

The ICTY acquitted him of the charge of genocide in other municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992.

Mr. Zeid has a personal connection to the trial, having served in the UN Protection Force in the Former Yugoslavia between1994 and 1996.

In his statement, Mr. Zeid said the verdict stripped away the pretence that Mr. Karadžićs actions were anything more than political manipulation, and exposes him as “the architect of destruction and murder on a massive scale.”

“It is time now to ensure that his poisonous legacy does not continue to burden the people of the former Yugoslavia withdeeply-felt grievances, secrecy and lies,” he stressed.

He added that the trial should give pause to leader in Europe and elsewhere who seek to exploit nationalist sentiments andscapegoat minorities for broader social ills.

“Speech that incites hatred, discrimination and violence is an inflammable force,” he said. “In the countries of the formerYugoslavia, we saw the terrible bloodshed that can result.”

Following the announcement of the verdict, ICTY Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said: For two decades now, the victims have put their trust in us to deliver [justice]. Thousands came here to tell their stories and courageously confront their tormentors.Today, with this conviction, that trust has been honoured. Justice has been done.”

He went on to stress that the truth established by this judgment will stand against continuing attempts at denying thesuffering of thousands and the crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia.

“Moments like this should also remind us that in innumerable conflicts around the world today, millions of victims are now

waiting for their own justice. This judgment shows that it is possible to deliver it,” he said.

Also today, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Under-Secretary GeneralZainab Hawa Bangura, spoke in favour of the conviction. Having met with Bosnian women during a visit to Bosnia andHerzegovina, the Under-Secretary-General noted their concerns as the perpetrators still walk amongst them.

“We must support these survivors in ensuring that all perpetrators are held to account,” she said, stressing the importance ofinternational courts in helping to convert longstanding cultures of impunity for sexual violence into cultures of deterrence.

The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, also stressed that today’s verdict is not only aboutustice for the past but is also about the future.

“Accountability constitutes a critical component of prevention and also an important step along the path to national post-crisis reconciliation,” Mr. Dieng said. He added that “this verdict will assist the entire region to think about what happened,learn the lessons of the past and chart a future that fully acknowledges the past.”


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UN rights chief concerned over 'collective expulsion' ofmigrants after EU-Turkey deal

24 March – The top United Nations human rights official todayexpressed serious concern over the recent accord between the

European Union (EU) and Turkey to stem the large-scale flow ofrefugees and migrants into Greece and Europe, stressing thatindividual cases must be assessed adequately to avoid a “collectiveexpulsion.”

“The declared aim to return all refugees and migrants contrasts withthe assurances about individual assessments,” UN HighCommissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a press release, pointing to what he termed “a contradiction at the heartof the agreement.”

“If the safeguards are to be considered real, then the individualassessments must allow for the possibility that the persons in questionwill not in fact be returned. Otherwise it could still qualify as a

collective expulsion,” he added.

The provisions agreed by the EU and Turkey call for cases to be processed under the EU's Asylum Procedures Directive,and goes on to state that “migrants not applying for asylum or whose application has been found unfounded or inadmissiblein accordance with the said directive will be returned to Turkey.”

Mr. Zeid expressed concern that this language presents a real risk of overlooking human rights law obligations, whichrequire States to examine arguments against return beyond those found in refugee law.

He said that such needs could arise, for example, in the case of children; victims of violence, rape, trauma and torture;individuals with specific sexual orientation; persons with disabilities; and a range of others with legitimate individual

protection needs.

He urged Greece to handle all individual cases with genuine attention to all protection grounds required under internationalhuman rights law, including at the appeals stage.

Mr. Zeid also echoed the strong concerns expressed earlier this week by the Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) over the use of detention for all new arrivals in the Greek islands,including children and other vulnerable persons.

That appears to contravene a range of international and EU human rights laws and standards, including that immigrationdetention should be a measure of last resort, and the principle of “best interests of the child,” he said. The UN Committee onthe Rights of the Child has emphasized that children should never be detained on the basis of their migration status or that of

their parents.

“This crisis is manageable if the EU acts on the basis of its own well-established and greatly respected laws and principles,and invests seriously in addressing root causes and supporting comprehensive solutions on the basis of international humanrights treaties they have ratified,” Zeid said. “However, if the EU starts to circumvent international law, there could be adeeply problematic knock-on effect in other parts of the world.”

In March 2016, despite border restrictions in the Balkans, the influxof refugees and migrants to Idomeni, Greece, has continued. Photo:UNICEF/UN012804/Georgiev


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In Lebanon, Ban prasies country's generosity towards Syrianrefugees

24 March – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived this morning inLebanon, starting with a visit to the Headquarters of the United

Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, in Naqoura and thenholding a joint press conference where he praised the generosity thecountry and Lebanese people have shown towards Syrian refugees.

According to Mr. Ban's spokesperson, the UN chief met the Speakerof the Parliament of Lebanon, Nabih Berri, with whom he discussedthe current political situation in the country alongside the President ofthe World Bank Group, Jim Yong Kim and the President of theIslamic Development Bank, Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani.

The three of them then met with the President of the Council ofMinisters of Lebanon, Tammam Salam. During a joint pressconference just now, the Secretary-General said that few countries

have demonstrated the generosity that the Government and people ofLebanon have shown towards Syrian refugees.

The UN chief explained that this visit with the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank aimed to find ways toimprove conditions for refugees, to support the communities hosting them, and to help mitigate the impact on Lebanon'seconomy.

Mr. Ban added that the political situation in Lebanon continued to be a source of concern, contributing to an atmosphere ofuncertainty. It is vital that the vacuum in the presidency is filled as soon as possible, in order for Lebanon to be whole again,he said.

The officials are also expected to visit communities hosting Syrian and Palestinian refugees to reiterate their long-term

support to the country and discuss new approaches to building resilience and assisting national systems.

Visiting the United Nations peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon, the Secretary-General stressed that the area has seenone of the quietest periods in nearly four decades and the UN presence must be effectively used to prevent hostilities and de-escalate tension there.

The UN chief stressed, in particular, the need to make the continued use of the tripartite forum – comprising Lebanon, Israeland UNIFIL – to resolve any differences between the parties and towards the full implementation of UN Security Councilresolution 1701 (2006).

“Prevalence of a stable security environment in south Lebanon, continued commitment of the parties to the cessation ofhostilities, increasing ability of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to ensure security of the country – these are the key

elements for the successful implementation of the [UNIFIL] mandate,” Mr. Ban said at the Force's headquarters in Naqoura.

He also underlined the need for a strong cooperation between LAF and UNIFIL in south Lebanon, including through theStrategic Dialogue process, and efforts that are underway to ensure the implementation of the resolution.

Luciano Portolano, Head of UNIFIL, said that the UN mission has been providing a “strong deterrent” to the resumption ofhostilities.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) is greeted by Foreign MinisterWafic Rhaime on his arrival in Beirut, Lebanon. UN Photo/MarkGarten


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Trips to Jordan, Tunisia

On Sunday, they will travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II, as well as other members of the Government, and visitthe Zaatari refugee camp. They will also participate jointly in an open discussion with Jordanian youth.

On Monday, they will visit Tunisia to meet with President Béji Caïd Essebsi and other senior officials, and pay respect tothe victims of terrorism. Mr. Ban will attend a national conference on employment, hosted by the President.

Mr. Ban will be in Geneva on Wednesday to open the high-level meeting on Global Responsibility Sharing for SyrianRefugees.

87 million children under seven have known nothing butconflict, UNICEF reports

24 March – More than 86.7 million children under the age of sevenhave spent their entire lives in conflict zones, putting their braindevelopment at risk, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said today.

During the first seven years of life a child’s brain has the potential toactivate 1,000 brain cells every second, UNICEF highlighted. Eachone of those cells, known as neurons, has the power to connect toanother 10,000 neurons thousands of times per second. Brainconnections serve as the building blocks of a child’s future, definingtheir health, emotional well-being and ability to learn.

Children living in conflict are often exposed to extreme trauma, putting them at risk of living in a state of toxic stress, a condition thatinhibits brain cell connections—with significant life-longconsequences to their cognitive, social and physical development, theagency added.

“In addition to the immediate physical threats that children in crises face, they are also at risk of deep-rooted emotional

scars,” UNICEF Chief of Early Child Development Pia Britto said in a press release.

UNICEF figures show that globally one in 11 children aged six or younger has spent the most critical period of braindevelopment growing up in conflict.

“Conflict robs children of their safety, family and friends, play and routine. Yet these are all elements of childhood that givechildren the best possible chance of developing fully and learning effectively, enabling them to contribute to their economiesand societies, and building strong and safe communities when they reach adulthood,” Ms. Britto said.

“That is why we need to invest more to provide children and caregivers with critical supplies and services including learningmaterials, psychosocial support, and safe, child-friendly spaces that can help restore a sense of childhood in the midst ofconflict,” she added.

According to UNICEF, a child is born with 253 million functioning neurons, but whether the brain reaches its full adultcapacity of around one billion connectable neurons depends in large part on early childhood development. This includes breastfeeding and early nutrition, early stimulation by caregivers, early learning opportunities and a chance to grow and playin a safe and healthy environment.

As part of its response in humanitarian emergencies and protracted crises, UNICEF underlined that it works to keep childrenin child-friendly environments, providing emergency kits with learning and play materials. These have reportedly supportedmore than 800,000 children living in emergency contexts in the past year alone.

Two year old Yusef lives in the Domiz refugee camp in Northern Iraqwith his two brothers, mother and grandmother. Photo:UNICEF/UN02517/Schermbrucker


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Ethiopia: UN and partners launch 90-day campaign to boostdrought-relief funding

24 March – To aid drought-affected people of Ethiopia, the United

Nations and humanitarian partners have launched a 90-day campaignto raise awareness about the food crisis in the country and raise fundsto bridge a $700 million gap.

“Ethiopia is currently contending with one of the most seriousclimatic shocks in recorded history with 10 million people facing lostharvests and livestock as well as severe water shortages and healthrisks,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onuchie, UN HumanitarianCoordinator for Ethiopia.

Humanitarian needs in Ethiopia have reportedly tripled since the beginning of 2015 as the drought has led to successive crop failures

and widespread livestock deaths. The drought is tied to one of thestrongest El Niño events on record.

The drought response is not just about saving lives but also about protecting development gains which the Government andits development partners have worked tirelessly to build up over decades, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator added.

Out of the $1.4 billion appeal, the Ethiopian Government and the international community have contributed more than $758,according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

“We need to rally urgently to protect the development gains of Ethiopia over the past decade and ensure the country remainson its remarkable development trajectory,” said Ms. Eziakonwa- Onuchie.

“Urgent and substantial investment in the humanitarian crisis response this year is the only way to ensure this and we mustact now.”

Sorce and her son Abdallah, one year and 8 months, in the Oromiaregion of Ethiopia. Abdallah doesn't walk yet and is severely

malnourished. Photo: OCHA/Charlotte Cans

Time 'to ring the alarm bell' on waning prospects for MiddleEast peace, UN envoy tells Security Council

24 March – The United Nations envoy for the peace process in theMiddle East today warned the Security Council that the prospects foran independent Palestinian state are disappearing, and questioned the political will of the Israeli and Palestinian actors to address the mainchallenges blocking peace efforts.

“The time has come to ring the alarm bells that the two-state solutionis slipping from our fingers,” said Nickolay Mladenov, SpecialCoordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, pointing to ongoingsettlement activities and confiscation of Palestinian land, as well asthe continued lack of genuine Palestinian unity.

'Wave of violence'

The persistent inability to achieve a just and lasting solution thatmeets the national aspirations of the Palestinians and Israelis is beingexpressed through violence.

Toddlers sit on the top step and their grandmother stands on alanding, inside their partially destroyed home in the Shejaiyaneighbourhood of Gaza City. UNICEF/UNI188296/El Baba


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The past month has been marked by “some of the bloodiest incidents in this current wave of violence” across Israel and theoccupied West Bank, Mr. Mladenov said.

That violence has left 198 Palestinians and 30 Israelis dead in the past six months, with most of the Palestinians killed whilereportedly carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks.

The UN envoy said that it is time to move past mere condemnations of such acts of terror and violence “to send a clearmessage to both parties.”

He spoke to Palestinians, weighing against radicals determined to poison the minds of Palestinian youth, and urged them tonot praise or glorify violence against Israel in the media.

At the same time, Mr. Mladenov called on Israelis to realize that actions such as illegal building and movement restrictions“breed anger among people who feel they are being collectively humiliated, punished and discriminated against.”

Noting Israeli authorities' interpretation of the Ottoman Land Law in their favour, he reiterated that “settlements are illegalunder international law” and urged Israel “to halt and reverse” decisions that allow them to declare state land on propertythat is not registered as private. He spoke also against the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian structures in the West

Bank, and the regular denial of legal building permits to Palestinians.

Palestinian's political discord

The lack of a united Palestinian front is also a challenge – with political factions unable to reach a consensus on long-termPalestinian national goals, as well as fiscal and development goals.

The senior UN official stressed that “achieving a genuine Palestinian unity on the basis of non-violence, democracy and thePLO Principles would constitute a crucial building block for the foundation of a Palestinian state.”

Among other issues, he called for allegations of corruption to be investigated, referencing an arrest warrant that wastemporarily ordered against Najat Abu Bakr, a Fateh member of the Palestine Legislative Committee, who raised suchallegations.

Report on way forward

In an attempt to break the political impasse between the actors, Mr. Mladenov announced that the diplomatic Quartet on theMiddle East peace process – comprising the UN, Russia, the United States and the European Union – have started work on areport to review the situation on the ground and suggest a plan to overcome the impediments.

“We remain seriously concerned that current trends – including continued acts of violence against civilians, incitement,ongoing settlement activity, and the high rate of demolitions of Palestinian structures – are dangerously imperilling theviability of a two-state solution,” Mr. Mladenov said.

According to information provided to the press yesterday, the work has already started and the Quartet is seeking inputsfrom both sides and other stakeholders, including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The report is expected to be completed in

a few months.

Gaza reconstruction

In Gaza, where the security situation remains volatile, the pace of reconstruction is slow, the UN envoy said.

He pointed to slow disbursements of donor pledges, and encouraged all Member States to disburse their commitmentswithout delay.

Only 35 per cent of the $3.5 billion pledged at the 2014 Cairo conference has been disbursed, according to figures Mr.Mladenov provided at a press briefing yesterday.


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“Failure to comprehensively address the chronic problems affecting Gaza risks another escalation in the future,” he warned.

Mr. Mladenov was due today to hold an informal consultation with Member States on the reconstruction efforts.

Secretary-General in Lebanon

Meanwhile, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is today in Lebanon, joined by the President of the World Bank, Jim Yong

Kim.

In his briefing, Mr. Mladenov said the visit illustrated the “strong commitment” of the UN and international community tohelping Lebanon address multiple challenges resulting from the Syria crisis.

UNESCO chief welcomes the liberation of Syria's Palmyra worldheritage site

24 March – The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientificand Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today welcomed the liberationof the Palmyra archeological site, a martyr city inscribed on theagency's World Heritage list.

“[Palmyra] carries the memory of the Syrian people, and the values ofcultural diversity, tolerance and openness that have made this region acradle of civilization," declared the Director-General of UNESCO,Irina Bokova, in a statement.

“For one year, Palmyra has been a symbol of the cultural cleansing plaguing the Middle East. The dynamiting and pillage of its treasures,to break an entire society, sparked a unanimous indignation andstrengthened the unprecedented mobilization in favor of the valuesthat unite all humanity,” she added.

Ms. Bokova also warned that the destruction of temples of Baal Shamin and Bel, the funeral towers and the Triumphal Arch

are an “immense loss” for the Syrian people and the world.

"As soon as security conditions allow, UNESCO is ready to go to Palmyra with those responsible for Syrian antiquities on amission to evaluate damage and protect the priceless heritage of the city of Palmyra, crossroad of cultures since the dawn ofhumanity,” she underlined.

“The deliberate destruction of heritage is a war crime, and UNESCO will do everything in its power to document thedamage so that these crimes do not go unpunished. I wish to remind all parties present of the absolute necessity to preservethis unique heritage as an essential condition for peace and the future of the region,” she concluded.

The Syrian archaeological site of Palmyra. Photo: ©UNESCO/F.Bandarin


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'End to fighting can't come soon enough' for Yemen, says UNhumanitarian chief

24 March – The United Nations relief chief today welcomed efforts tofind a solution to the crisis in Yemen, adding that yesterday's

announcement of an agreement to cease hostilities on 10 April is“positive.”

“An end to the fighting can't come soon enough for the civilianscaught between the warring parties,” said the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency ReliefCoordination, Stephen O'Brien, in a statement.

“There are horrifying reports of human rights violations. Over 2.4million Yemenis - a tenth of the population – have been forced fromtheir homes. Children cannot go to school, mothers cannot get medicalcare, businesses have closed,” he warned.

During the past year of fighting, thousands of civilians have beenkilled and injured due to the bombing or shelling of schools, hospitals and markets. “The stark numbers and awful stories donot stay in the headlines, however. Other major world crises attract greater attention – among donors, governments, themedia,” Mr. O'Brien regretted.

Meanwhile, United Nations humanitarian agencies and their partners have continued to try and reach people across thecountry with aid and protection. The humanitarian chief noted that despite the “dangerous environment” and lack offunding, aid agencies are delivering food with nearly three million people reached in February. Last year four millionchildren were vaccinated against measles and polio, and every month fuel is provided to pump water for over three million people.

“We need to be able to reach anyone who needs aid, across Yemen, whoever and wherever they are,” Mr. O'Brien stated.

“The UN and partners continue to call on all parties and their allies to make sure people are able to move freely and safelyand that aid organizations can safely deliver critical supplies.”

In addition to security, he said “sustained and generous” donor support is needed. “Humanitarian needs have increased sincelast year, with 20 million people needing emergency food, water, healthcare and shelter in 2016. Humanitarian action canonly temporarily alleviate human suffering. The people of Yemen want lasting peace and security now so that they canrebuild their lives and safely raise their families,” he insisted.

WFP trucks loaded with wheat grain, oil and salt are ready to leavefor Amran, a hundred kilometres north of Yemen’s capital, Sana'a.Photo: OCHA/Charlotte Cans


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Fight against tuberculosis only 'half-won,' UN chief says onWorld Day

24 March – Observing World Tuberculosis Day, United NationsSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for united global efforts to end

the deadly disease by 2030 as it would claim the lives of 1.5 million people this year alone.

Between 2000 and 2015, tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis andtreatment saved 43 million lives. The TB mortality rate has fallen bynearly half. As such, the Millennium Development Goal (MDG)target of reversing TB incidence has been achieved.

“But, the fight against this deadly disease is only half-won,” the UNchief said in an annual message, noting that this year alone, TB willaffect over 9.6 million men, women and children, and 1.5 million people will lose their lives.

Last year, the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development, and ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is one of the Agenda's targets. TB disproportionately affectsthe poorest and most vulnerable, the socially marginalized and those lacking access to basic services/health services.

“Therefore, progress in ending TB must go hand in hand with other Sustainable Development Goal efforts to reduceinequalities, eliminate extreme poverty, ensure social protection, achieve universal health coverage and end HIV/AIDS,” hesaid.

Ending the epidemic requires actions beyond ministries of health alone, and departments responsible for labour, justice,social welfare, science and technology, internal affairs and migration can all make a difference, Mr. Ban said, also stressingthe need to engage affected persons and communities, as well as non-governmental organizations, researchers and the private sector.

“On this World Tuberculosis Day, I call on leaders across Government, civil society and the private sector to unite to endtuberculosis,” he said.

In its press release, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that TB ranks alongside HIV/AIDS as the world'stop infectious disease killer, while shining a spotlight on progress made in several countries, including India, South Africa,Russia, Brazil and Viet Nam.

India, home to more people ill with TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) than any other country, has committed toachieving universal access to TB care with its campaign for a TB-Free India. Russia reports that since 2005, TB mortalityrate has dropped more than 50 per cent.

A child receiving Tuberculosis medicine in South Sudan under aprogramme supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,Tuberculosis and Malaria and UNDP. Photo: UNDP SouthSudan/Brian Sokol


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On World Day, UN chief urges States to promote right to truthand justice

24 March – Observing International Day for the right to the truth,United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged States to adopt

measures to promote truth, justice and reparations for victims, whichis so crucial to ensuring that gross human rights violations are notrepeated.

This annual observance of International Day for the Right to the TruthConcerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity ofVictims pays tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar ArnulfoRomero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. He was activelyengaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the mostvulnerable individuals in El Salvador.

“Across the world, every victim has the right to know the truth aboutviolations that affected her or him,” Mr. Ban said in a message on theDay. “But the truth also has to be told for the benefit of all people andcommunities as a vital safeguard against the recurrence of violations. The right to the truth is closely linked to the right toustice.”

To advance this effort, the UN supports fact-finding missions, commissions of inquiry, mapping exercises, and truthcommissions, which document human rights violations and make recommendations to ensure accountability, reconciliation,and other reforms, he said, noting that from Colombia to Tunisia, from Mali to Sri Lanka, from Nepal to South Sudan, theUN has advocated for inclusive and genuine consultations with victims and affected groups, especially women, girls andthose who are far too often excluded and marginalized.

“Their meaningful participation must be ensured in all relevant stages of transitional justice processes, and their specificneeds must be fully recognized in any reparation measures,” he said.

He also stressed the need to secure the testimonies of victims and witnesses to ensure the rights to know the truth and toustice. Appropriate mechanisms for the protection of victims and witnesses, including their physical and psychological

integrity, privacy, and dignity, must be put in place.

Moreover, the preservation of archives and other documentation relating to human rights violations is crucial for ensuringundistorted historical record and preservation of memory, he added.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) and his wife, Yoo Soon-taek(right), arrive at the Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero InternationalAirport, El Salvador. UN Photo/Evan Schneider


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Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in Somaliathrough March 2017

24 March – Stressing the importance of the United NationsAssistance Mission in Somalia to that country's political process, the

Security Council today extended the mandate of UNSOM's work until31 March 2017.

The 15 members of the Council unanimously adopted an extension ofUNSOM's work, underscoring the provision of UN good offices tosupport the Federal Government's peace and reconciliation process,including preparation for an inclusive, free, fair and transparentelectoral process in 2016 and universal elections by 2020.

Last month, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs JeffreyFeltman and Secretary-General's Special Representative in SomaliaMichael Keating, met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud andthe speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawariin the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Mr. Feltman reiterated the UN's support to the Somali people for agreeing on anelectoral process for this year.

In its resolution, the Council encourages UNSOM to enhance its interaction with Somali civil society, including women,youth, business and religious leaders to ensure that different points of view are incorporated in the political process.

UNSOM is also asked to conduct a review of the UN presence in Somalia after the elections, to ensure that the UN is properly configured to support the next phase of state-building in the Horn of Africa nation and to present options andrecommendations to the Council by the end of January 2017.

Included in today's resolution is strong condemnation of recent terrorist attacks by the group Al-Shabaab, and support for acomprehensive approach to reduce the group's threat in accordance with international human rights law, international

refugee law and international humanitarian law.

The Council also paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) andthe Somali National Army personnel fighting against Al-Shabaab.

A worker putting up a sign for the new UN Assistance Mission inSomalia (UNSOM) Headquarters in Mogadishu. Photo: UNSOM

‘Without stories there is silence’ – women speak up at the UNabout violence and disability

24 March – When Betty was asked to participate in a multimediaexhibition about violence against women and disability, at first shedid not think her story was worthy enough.

“Because it was just depression,” the 42-year-old Australian mother offour explained. “But now I’m coming to terms that no, this is real, and people need to know that depression is a disability and it’s not justsomething you can get over.”

Like for many of the 21 other women in the project – which isexpanding as more choose to break their silence – Silent Tears has been an integral part of Betty’s healing. The exhibition was recentlyfeatured during the United Nations Commission on the Status ofWomen (CSW), an intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated toTransparent. Photo: Belinda Mason, Silent Tears


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the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Betty has suffered from chronic depression since the age of seven after years of sexual abuse perpetrated by her father. Shedecided to speak up for the first time through Silent Tears, a photo and video project featuring women with disabilities whohave been subjected to violence and women who have acquired disabilities as a result of violence.

“In the past I would keep everything to myself, I wouldn’t tell my story because my sisters were involved as well and whenthey spoke out nobody in my family believed them. So who was going to believe me?”

Last September, UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 5 calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private sphere. This being the first time the Commission on the Status of Women is meeting following theadoption of the 2030 Agenda, it made women’s empowerment and its link to sustainable development the focus of its two-week session, which ends today.

As part of the efforts to highlight the need to eliminate violence against women and girls, the Australian mission to the UNco-hosted a CSW side event to display the work of the Silent Tears project and talk about the intersections of culture,gender, disability and identity, and why gender-based violence is so difficult to resolve.

“It’s been a very interesting journey because every single woman is different and brings a different perspective to theexhibition,” said Belinda Mason, the creator of Silent Tears who collaborated with three other Australian artists. “And

behind each of those individuals are thousands of women who feel the same way they do.”

Carolyn Dewaegeneire, 71, was the victim of a medical practitioner. In 2002, a rogue doctor cut out her entire externalgenitalia, a practice known as female genital mutilation, or FGM. She had gone in for the removal of a small piece of skinon her left labia as a precautionary measure.

“I went into shock for two years, and then I read a newspaper heading, ‘Obstetrician struck off for gross professionalmisconduct’ on the 20th of August 2004. I snapped out of it and have been fighting ever since,” she said.

Today, as a survivor, Ms. Dewaegeneire hopes speaking up about her story will help many others suffering from thecondition. The UN estimates that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM,which is recognized internationally as a human rights violation.

“Female genital mutilation for a young girl is purely a way of controlling her sexuality so that she never knows what Godgave her. I can’t imagine what it’s like for those young girls,” she said. “Because I was a mature woman who had been loved beautifully, the full enormity of it hits me much harder than it would a little girl who doesn’t know the love that she’scapable of receiving.”

Every Silent Tears story is recorded in three different ways. First, the women are photographed in a documentary styleshowing their everyday lives. Artist Belinda Mason said this creates an immediate connection to their story. Then they are photographed with water; those images are displayed on clear acrylic.

“The women are visible yet invisible which is what they exactly are. And the water element looks as though it is coveringthem, and that is symbolic of the tears and why the exhibition is called Silent Tears,” Ms. Mason noted.

The third and final part is bringing the still images to life through video installations, with each woman narrating a piece of

her story. This portion is produced by 21-year-old Dieter Knierim, an emerging Australian artist.

“It’s important to me to raise awareness about violence against women because a world where people don’t show respectand compassion is not a world that we should be encouraging,” Mr. Knierim stressed. “People are stubborn; you have to getthem to understand. But there are ways of getting the message through.”

He agreed that he is a ‘HeForShe,’ a movement launched more than a year ago by UN Women – the UN entity tasked with promoting gender rights – to mobilize people of every identity to unite and craft a shared vision of a gender equal world.

Amao, 44, another participant, says she gets her strength from being a Pacific Islander; they often use humour to deal withdifficult situations. Her parents are both Samoan, and she was born in New Zealand and currently lives in Melbourne,


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Australia. She has been “in her gender” for 13 years, and described this as another contributing factor to feeling strongertoday.

“I feel it is a duty to speak up because I never want anybody to go through what I went through,” she said. “It’s importantfor all individuals, any human – female, male or trans – that their voices be heard.”

Amao was abused for five years starting at age seven. “For 30 years it’s been such a struggle. I’ve only been able to dosomething about it in the past five or six years. I had to affirm to myself that I would do something with my life, that I woulddo great things. It’s about letting go of those that don’t do anything for you.”

Today she is also suffering from a kidney condition and needs a transplant. “If you’re given this opportunity to live, youmight as well live to the best that you can, trying to find ways to heal. Nobody else can tell you to get over it. You need tofind that within yourself. And so for me it’s a case of having good support networks.”

Searching for a peer support group is a suggestion the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities givesto women in vulnerable situations.

“It’s important to remind women with disabilities that they have to be proud and they need to continue to be strong and tofight for their rights,” said Catalina Devandas Aguilar, whose job as an independent UN expert includes making concreterecommendations on how to better promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

“We need to make the alarming rates of violence against women with disabilities visible, and we need them to speak up,”she continued. “But we also need to create a safe environment that would allow them to do that. And that is verycomplicated because the whole judicial system, the whole family setting, most of the time neglect women with disabilities,the possibility to complain about what is happening to them, to really denounce the violations.”

She added that the UN is doing a great deal to increase attention on these human rights, especially since the adoption of theConvention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the General Assembly in 2006.

“One of the main gaps that I still see is the coordination,” she warned. “The UN still needs to work on a system-wideapproach so that we make sure that the issue is considered in every single phase of discussion at the UN.”

Denise Beckwith, a disability consultant for Silent Tears, has been involved in advocacy work for 15 years. She wants theexposition to show that disability does not need to be isolated as a “specialist issue” when discussing women and violence:“It needs to be included in an accessible and collaborative manner so that social inclusion and policy can include peoplewith disabilities,” she insisted.

This has motivated her to become a contributing artist to the project. Although she has cerebral palsy and has difficultyholding a camera with crutches, Denise uses a selfie stick and has now photographed eight of the participants.

“I know that the area of disability rights is strengthening but it needs to continue to strengthen, and women and people withdisabilities need to be supported to tell their stories so people can learn from them,” she said. “That’s the value of SilentTears, and that’s what I’ve learned and what the participants have told me. The power of stories is everything, becausewithout stories being told things remain silent.”

Rochelle, 49, broke the silence by writing an autobiography entitled “Little Rock” about surviving some of the most violentforms of abuse. She is an indigenous Australian, which she notes is not apparent because she is white.

“The reason why I wrote it and the reason why I’m [at the UN] today is because I’m a survivor, and not a statistic,” shestressed. “I have survived everything you can imagine. I’m a survivor of all forms of abuse, ranging from emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, sexual, incest, bestiality, child pornography, and I’m a survivor of a dysfunctional family wheremy mother was an alcoholic and used drugs occasionally.”

Her mother also had boyfriends who would abuse her. “Lots of threats of death, lots of people holding knives to my throat,even my Mom tried to kill my brother and myself with an axe, so I’ve lived through a lot and I’m here to try and make astatement – or I am making a statement – to get it out there and help any young people to be able to reach out and approachcertain people in the community to give them some help, and not live in situations like that.”


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

Rochelle said participating in the Silent Tears project exceeded her expectations. “For many years I felt like a freak. Butafter I met Belinda and she put me at ease, to see myself and to hear what I’ve gone through, it blew me away.”

She added that meeting the other women in the project has also had an impact on her healing. “Our stories are so different but we bonded over the fact that we’ve had some terrible things happen to us. It’s made me feel powerful and strong.”

UN rights chief urges Egypt to halt 'clampdown' on civil societygroups

24 March – The United Nations human rights chief has expressedgrave concern over the closure of hundreds of non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs) in Egypt and the prosecutions of numerousrights defenders for their legitimate work since November 2014,urging the Government to end such repressive measures.

“This looks like a clampdown on sections of Egyptian civil societyand it must stop,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights ZeidRa'ad Al Hussein said yesterday in a press release. “NGOs who have

played a valuable role in documenting violations and supportingvictims will see their activities completely crippled if this continues.This will stifle the voices of those who advocate for victims,” headded,

Today, a court is expected to rule on the asset freeze ordered againsttwo prominent human rights defenders, who are accused of illegallyreceiving $1.5 million in funding from a foreign government. Their prosecutions are part of a case that dates back to 2011,when 43 staff from international NGOs were charged with receiving funds from a foreign government without a license.

“Everyone has the right to receive funds to promote human rights through peaceful means,” said the High Commissioner,urging the Egyptian authorities to stop all prosecutions targeting legitimate human rights activities. In particular, they must

terminate the cases against those two men, who by international standards have clearly not committed any crime, he added.

Many organizations have been dissolved under Egypt's 2002 NGO law. Many other NGOs have also been dissolved becauseof their alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood which is considered a terrorist organization by the Egyptian courts. On justone day this month, at least 20 NGOs were dissolved in the Delta Governorate and other NGOs elsewhere in the country hadtheir activities frozen pending investigation.

Human rights activists, journalists and political activists have also been subjected to travel bans. According to Egyptiansources, hundreds of people have been prevented from entering or leaving the country, in many cases without any judicialorder.

Restrictions like these contravene Egypt's obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights to provide freedom of association and freedom of expression. They also violate the Egyptian Constitution, he said.

“Egyptian civil society activists should be lauded for their dedicated efforts to promote human rights under such difficultcircumstances,” Mr. Zeid said, emphasizing that laws that impose undue restrictions on NGO registration and funding – aswell as freedom of expression and association –must be amended to create a more tolerant atmosphere.

Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein, recently appointed UN High Commissionerfor Human Rights, holds his first press conference in Geneva, 16October 2014. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

un daily news - 24 march 2016

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