Category: United Nations

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 17, 2009

Welcoming the adoption of the 63rd General Assembly resolution establishing a new, unified UN entity on gender issues and the advancement of women, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the achievements in gender equality within the UN system. Specifically, he announced that nine women currently serve as his deputies.

Four UN system leaders have made Forbes magazine's list of the "most powerful women in the world": World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, and UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman.

The UN chief noted that during his tenure, the number of women in UN leadership positions increased by 40%. "I am proud to have appointed more women to leadership positions than ever before in the history of the UN," the Secretary-General said.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 17, 2009

Today, the United States delegation circulated to the UN Security Council a draft resolution that the United States proposes to adopt at the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation summit, which will be held on September 24 under the chairmanship of Barack Obama.

US Permanent Representative to the UN Susan Rice announced this. She noted that the draft resolution proposes to highlight the importance of achieving significant progress toward nuclear disarmament and also calls for strengthening and reaffirming the commitments provided for in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The document also addresses ensuring the security of nuclear materials.

The US Ambassador said that Council members will discuss the draft resolution during consultations in the coming days.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 15, 2009

Discrimination remains a serious problem affecting all countries around the world. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, speaking today in Geneva to the 20th session of the Human Rights Council.

Navanethem Pillay emphasized that the fight against discrimination in all its forms and the fight against impunity for serious violations human rights — among the priority tasks of the Directorate she heads.

The leading human rights defender expressed concern about the enormous gap between states' human rights obligations and the actual situation. She stated that today, there is not a single country in the world free from human rights violations.

The High Commissioner drew attention to the fact that discrimination and violence against Roma are rampant in Europe. The list of countries where they are systematically targeted, including by police, includes 17 European states. In Latin America, indigenous communities continue to be persecuted and harassed. In the Persian Gulf region, the situation of women is a concern. Chinese authorities are failing to provide adequate protection to national minorities.

Addressing the issue of impunity, Navanethem Pillay called on all states not to turn a blind eye to gross human rights violations, especially against civilians during armed conflict.

The UN representative expressed particular concern about human rights violations in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. She stated that the "democratic deficit" remains a major obstacle to human rights work in many other countries.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 15, 2009 On September 16, 2009, an international conference “60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Geneva Conventions": reaffirming commitment to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and their development." The event was organized by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The conference marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the 1949 Geneva Conventions for the Protection of Victims of War, which form the foundation of international humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions contain the most important legal norms limiting atrocities during armed conflicts and ensure the protection of civilians.

"Unfortunately, armed conflicts over the past sixty years have proven that the existing norms of international humanitarian law remain relevant. The main challenge remains ensuring stricter compliance," emphasized François Bellon, head of the regional delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.

He noted that the Republic of Belarus stands out among other CIS countries for its greatest activity in the application of international humanitarian law at the national level. The initiative to hold the Conference confirms the authorities' interest in this issue.

The Conference will be attended by representatives of government agencies, organizations, and academic circles from the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine. The opening of the Center for International Humanitarian Law at the International Institute of Labor and Social Relations in Minsk coincides with the Conference.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 15, 2009

During the final meeting of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution on the responsibility to protect was adopted. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called this an important step toward fulfilling the commitments made at the 2005 summit to protect people worldwide from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

The resolution states that the Assembly takes note of the Secretary-General's report on this issue and the productive discussions convened by the President of the General Assembly in July 2009, with the full participation of Member States. The General Assembly expressed its readiness to continue its consideration of the responsibility to protect.

As a reminder, at the 2005 Summit, world leaders proclaimed the principle of the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. The document they adopted states that "every state has the responsibility to protect its populations…" It also proclaims the international community's responsibility in this regard and its readiness to act in accordance with this responsibility.

“In this regard, we are prepared to take collective action, promptly and decisively, through the Security Council, in accordance with the Charter, including under Chapter VII, taking into account specific circumstances and in cooperation with relevant regional organizations, if necessary, if peaceful means prove insufficient and national authorities manifestly fail to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity,” the summit’s final document states.

Representatives of several UN member states stated that the adoption of the new General Assembly resolution is "technical in nature." They emphasized that the development of the concept of responsibility to protect requires further and comprehensive discussion, as it currently exists only as a "skeleton" without universal legal substance. Several delegations fear that the implementation of the new concept could lead to a violation of sovereignty. They propose enshrining mechanisms to prevent the new concept from being used as a cover for unlawful interference in internal affairs.

The UN chief said he also looked forward to continued dialogue on how best to fulfill the international community's obligation to protect.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 15, 2009

Clear evidence has been collected of serious violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip committed by both Israel and Hamas. This was reported by Richard Goldston, head of the mission investigating gross violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip during the fighting between December 2008 and January 2009.

Today, at a briefing in New York, Richard Goldston presented a report on the findings of the commission he chaired. It concluded that the actions of Israel and Palestinian groups amount to war crimes and possibly even crimes against humanity. The evidence is presented on 574 pages. It is based on interviews with 188 people, the review of 10,000 documents, and the viewing of 1,200 photographs and 30 videos.

The report states that more than 1,400 people were killed in the Gaza Strip during fighting between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas between December 27, 2008, and January 18, 2009. Its authors noted that even before the military operation began, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, pursuing a systematic policy of isolating the Strip, which constitutes collective punishment for all residents of the area. During Operation Cast Lead, homes, factories, schools, hospitals, police stations, and many other infrastructure facilities were destroyed in the Gaza Strip. Reconstruction work has been delayed due to the ongoing blockade, which limits the import of construction materials.

The commission members paid particular attention to the suffering of children in Gaza due to the Israeli military operation. They emphasized that children who witnessed violence and killings, who personally faced the threat of death, and who witnessed the death of loved ones will not soon be able to escape the horrors of war that haunt them. The report notes that a third of students in UNRWA schools have suffered serious psychological disorders.

The commission members said that rocket and mortar attacks on Israel by Palestinian groups also constitute serious war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity.

On September 29, the report of the Richard Goldstone Commission will be presented to the Human Rights Council.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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.

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.