Category: Объединенные Нации

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September 15, 2009

Today, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed serious concern about the temporary detention of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan and their alleged ill-treatment.

UNHCR received reports that last week, three Uzbek refugees and two of their compatriots who had not yet received refugee status were arrested in their homes overnight by armed, masked men. "A group of at least six armed, masked men broke into their homes in the middle of the night on Monday and took them all in for questioning," the UNHCR statement read.

"One of the refugees was beaten, resulting in a broken nose," UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming reported. It later emerged that the Uzbek citizens had been arrested by Kazakhstan's National Security Committee. The refugees claim they were insulted during interrogation and threatened with immediate deportation to their home country.

The refugees and asylum seekers were released several hours later. The National Security Committee stated that they were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder of a police officer in their home country of Uzbekistan. Kazakh authorities received a request for their arrest from Uzbek law enforcement.

UNHCR noted that these Uzbek citizens were registered with its office in Kazakhstan, but were not allowed to contact the Office or their families. The detainees were not provided with lawyers.

UNHCR emphasized that citizens of neighboring states should have adequate access to the asylum system in Kazakhstan if necessary. “We call on the government of Kazakhstan, as a signatory country Convention relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 and its 1967 Protocol, to fulfill their obligations to protect refugees,” said a UNHCR spokeswoman.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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September 15, 2009

The General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues in Vienna. Addressing the participants, Rosatom State Corporation Director General Sergei Kiriyenko discussed projects to repatriate spent uranium fuel to Russia. He expressed his country's readiness to financially support global efforts to prevent nuclear weapons and nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.

"Much has already been accomplished to date in terms of creating an effective international 'safety net' to prevent nuclear weapons and nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists. In this regard, it is important to note the importance of the IAEA's systematic efforts to strengthen nuclear security worldwide," noted Sergei Kiriyenko.

He reported that Russia plans to make a voluntary contribution of US$1.5 million to the IAEA's extra-budgetary Nuclear Security Fund in 2010 and US$1 million annually in 2011-2015.

The Russian delegate reported that, as of September 1, 2009, over 470 kilograms of fresh and 415 kilograms (calculated as uranium) of irradiated highly enriched fuel had already been delivered to Russia from countries including Romania, Latvia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Hungary, and Kazakhstan. According to him, corresponding agreements were signed with Romania, Serbia, and Poland in 2009.

"On the opening day of the 53rd session of the IAEA General Conference, spent fuel from a Polish research reactor containing over 500 kilograms of highly enriched uranium was delivered to a Russian port as part of this program," noted Sergei Kiriyenko. He announced that on September 15, a contract for the removal of spent fuel from the Serbian Vinča research reactor to Russia will be signed in Vienna under the auspices of the IAEA.

Sergei Kiriyenko drew the attention of IAEA General Conference participants to the need to enhance the safety of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant site and expedite the facility's decommissioning. In this regard, he announced that Russia had decided to provide $10 million for these purposes. He also stated that next year, Russia will contribute an additional $7 million to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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September 15, 2009

The tragic death of a 12-year-old mother and her newborn baby in Yemen underscores the need to step up efforts to prevent child marriage, UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman said today.

Yemeni woman Fawzia Ammodi was forced to marry a 24-year-old man when she turned 12. During her three-day labor, she died of massive hemorrhaging. Her baby also could not be saved.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of 12-year-old Fawzia Ammodi,” said Ann Veneman, stressing that the girl was a victim of the practice of forced marriage at an early age, which is one of the worst violations of children’s rights.

She added that child brides and wives under 15 are at high risk of mortality during pregnancy and childbirth. The risk for them is five times higher than for women giving birth after age 20.

Ann Veneman noted that early marriages are usually the result of poverty and the disregard for women's rights, including discrimination in access to education.

In the 21st century, girls are still being forced into marriage in many parts of the world, often at a young age. A recent UN report found that in Nepal, seven percent of girls were married before they turned 10. A study of 1,322 marriages in six villages in Kyrgyzstan found that half of "ethnic Kyrgyz marriages" were the result of kidnapping, and two-thirds were without the bride's consent. Even in the UK, the government's Forced Marriage Unit uncovers approximately 300 forced marriages annually.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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September 15, 2009

Today, Ukraine is close to constructing a new, safe sarcophagus over the destroyed fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This was announced by Ukrainian Minister of Fuel and Energy Yuriy Prodan, speaking at a session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"A significant portion of the state budget continues to be allocated to this task, as well as to the decommissioning of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant," noted Yuriy Prodan. He expressed support for continued fruitful cooperation with the International Agency for the Study of Nuclear Energy in addressing Chernobyl issues.

The representative of Ukraine called for strengthening international efforts to reduce the global threat of the use of nuclear and radioactive materials for terrorist purposes.

Speaking at the same meeting on behalf of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM, which includes Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, the Ukrainian minister stated that these countries fully comply with the obligations arising from the safeguards agreements to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the additional protocols.

"All nuclear facilities, nuclear, and radioactive materials within our states are subject to full-scale Agency inspections," said Yuri Prodan. He explained that last year, GUAM countries received over three million US dollars in assistance from the IAEA under the Technical Cooperation Program, double the amount in 2007. In turn, GUAM governments regularly provide the Agency with their national experts to participate in courses and seminars, conduct inspections, and provide services to the IAEA Secretariat free of charge.

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September 15, 2009

Today, the UN Security Council extended for one year, until 30 September 2010, the mandates of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL).

The Security Council tasked the UN mission in Liberia with supporting national efforts to prepare for the upcoming 2011 elections. However, it also recalled the third phase of the peacekeeping operation's drawdown, which will last from October 2009 to May 2010.

The reductions will include the withdrawal of 2,029 troops, three attack helicopters, and 72 armored personnel carriers from Liberia, bringing the UNMIL military component's strength to 8,202 personnel, including 7,952 troops in Liberia and 250 guards for the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown. The police component will remain at its current authorized strength of 1,375.

In the resolution on Sierra Leone, members of the UN Security Council emphasized the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and security and the reconstruction process. At the same time, the Council instructed the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone to intensify efforts to mobilize international assistance for the transformation of this post-conflict state.

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September 15, 2009

The 64th session of the General Assembly officially opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. Chairman Ali Abdel Salam Treki of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya vowed to continue his predecessor's efforts to combat poverty, injustice and inequality on the planet.

He stated that he was ready to seek democratization of the UN itself, expansion of the Security Council, and a settlement of the situation in the Middle East.

"I think everyone understands that the UN needs reform and democratization. The General Assembly, which represents the entire world, constantly encounters obstacles along its path," stated the President of the 64th session. He emphasized that its resolutions are not being implemented, declaring that the time has come to reform and restore legitimacy to this body.

Ali Abdelsalam Treki announced his intention to prioritize climate change and countering terrorism, as well as promoting dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving various issues. "Embargoes and blockades are futile: they exacerbate antagonism and protests, undermining trust in the true intentions of the international community. They only hurt the population," the new President of the General Assembly emphasized.

Touching on the situation in the Middle East, the President recalled that the international community has been unable to achieve peace in the region for over 60 years. "Despite General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, peace there remains a distant prospect. Through the General Assembly, the UN must assume a new role. Numerous UN resolutions must be respected and implemented," the President stated.

The General Assembly is the principal deliberative organ of the UN. It consists of representatives of all Member States, each of whom has one vote. During the main part of the 64th session, the General Assembly will consider more than 160 agenda items. These include peace and security, counterterrorism, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development. The Assembly will also continue to consider issues related to Security Council reform, revitalization of its work, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The annual general debate will begin on September 23 and run until September 30. A climate change summit will be held on September 22, just before the general debate.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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On September 14, 2009, Russia handed over International Court of Justice The UN has notified of its intention to participate in the oral stage of the proceedings in the case on the legality of the unilateral declaration of independence Kosovo.

At the end of July this year International Court of Justice announced that the hearing of the case on the General Assembly's request for an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence would begin on 1 December.

Following the Assembly's request, the Court invited UN Member States to submit written opinions on the matter by 17 April 2009. Thirty-six countries, including Russia, responded. They were then asked to indicate by 15 September whether they wished to participate in the Court's hearing.

During the open court hearing, UN representatives and interested UN member states will be able to orally present their views and arguments on the matter. Delegates from Kosovo are also expected to be heard at the hearing.

As a reminder, on October 8, 2008, the General Assembly, at the initiative of Serbia, requested the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The Assembly approved a resolution on this matter, proposed by the Serbian delegation. It was supported by 77 states, 74 abstained, and 6 voted against. The Assembly's question is as follows: "Is the unilateral declaration of independence by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo consistent with international law?"

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government declared independence from Serbia. However, Serbian authorities and many other countries consider this move illegal.

“We believe that the unilateral actions of the Kosovo Albanian authorities are contrary to both general international law and Resolution 1244 "The Security Council, which remains the key document defining the parameters of the Kosovo settlement," Russia said in a statement regarding the notification sent to the Court.

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the UN. Its jurisdiction includes the consideration of disputes between states and the rendering of advisory opinions on any legal question at the request of the General Assembly or the Security Council. The Court consists of fifteen judges elected regardless of their nationality.

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September 14, 2009

The 52nd session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child began in Geneva on Monday. Its members will review reports from Bolivia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Qatar on legislative and administrative measures aimed at protecting children.

Opening the session, the Committee Chairman Yang Hee Lee emphasized that today during the implementation Convention on the Rights of the Child States are facing enormous challenges due to the current economic turmoil and the outbreak of the new flu.

"Today, we are witnessing a very difficult situation in the financial sector, which has escalated into a global economic crisis. The first hopes for economic recovery had emerged. However, another crisis has arrived. The world is facing an influenza A(H1N1) pandemic," said Yang Hee Lee. He noted that while a number of countries have stockpiled flu medications, the problem is that many people have developed resistance to these drugs. The Committee Chairman also expressed concern about the shortage of flu vaccines. "We can only pray and hope that children living in all parts of the world will be provided with the necessary doses of vaccine and medications," Yang Hee Lee noted.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child consists of 18 experts, one of whom serves as Chair. The Committee was established to monitor compliance with the international Convention on the Rights of the Child. It was adopted by the General Assembly in 1989 and entered into force in 1990. Its members periodically report to the Committee on their compliance with this international legal instrument. Only Somalia and the United States have not yet ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In 2000, two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child were adopted: on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography. The Committee is tasked with monitoring the implementation of these new international legal instruments. At the 52nd session, Poland, Turkey, and Yemen will report to the Committee on their progress in implementing these Optional Protocols.

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14 September 2009 The 56th session of the Council is taking place in Geneva this week United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Addressing the meeting, UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi stated that while "mega-packages" to stimulate the economy have slowed the decline, they have not yet led to a recovery from the crisis.

Supachai Panitchpakdi noted the optimistic reports from businesses, the media, and a number of governments about the first signs of global economic recovery, emphasizing that their conclusions are based on the revival of activity in the financial sector, which was the source of the current turmoil. He called on governments to abandon excessive reliance on "financial algorithms" and instead seek long-term multilateral solutions to resolve the financial crisis and global imbalances, taking into account the interests of developing countries.

The head of UNCTAD fears that falling profits in the real economy, excessive investment previously directed toward real estate, and rising unemployment will continue to limit consumption and development. He emphasized that millions of people worldwide remain unemployed. The head of UNCTAD noted that this year, an additional 53 million people worldwide will fall below the poverty line.

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September 14, 2009

Today International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia The ICTY found its former employee Florence Hartmann guilty of disclosing confidential information in the Slobodan Milošević case. It fined her seven thousand euros for disclosing confidential information and contempt of court.

From 2000 to 2006, Florence Hartmann worked in the press service of the Hague Tribunal. Judges found her guilty on two counts of disclosing confidential information in the case of the former Yugoslav president.

The first case stems from information presented by the former press secretary in her book, "Peace and Punishment." It was published in September 2007. The second charge stems from an article published in 2008.

The ICTY found that the former spokesperson, who had held that position for over six years, knew that the information being published was confidential but nevertheless made it public.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.