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Tag: UN

Don’t execute Nigerian, others: UN pleads with Indonesia

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed to Indonesia to stop the planned executions of nine prisoners within days for drug-related crimes.

The nine – from Australia, Nigeria, Brazil, Ghana, the Philippines, and Indonesia – have been transported to the high-security prison island of Nusakambangan, where they are set to face a firing squad, despite mounting international criticism.

Indonesia has so far informed eight of the death row inmates, including two Australian members of the so-called “Bali Nine” group, and one Nigerian, that they will be executed in a matter of days, possibly as soon as tomorrow.

Officials said earlier that a 10th prisoner, the Frenchman Serge Atlaoui, who was expected to be among the group being put to death, would not be included in the forthcoming batch as he still had an outstanding legal appeal.

The United Nations opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in a statement, Ban’s spokesman said the secretary-general urged Indonesian President Joko Widodo to “urgently consider declaring a moratorium on capital punishment in Indonesia, with a view toward abolition”.

Indonesia has harsh punishments for drug crimes and resumed executions in 2013 after a five-year gap. Six executions have been carried out so far this year.

“Under international law, if the death penalty is to be used at all, it should only be imposed for the most serious crimes, namely those involving intentional killing and only with appropriate safeguards,” Ban’s spokesman said in a statement.

“Drug-related offences generally are not considered to fall under the category of ‘most serious crimes’,” he said.

The foreign drug convicts have all lost appeals for clemency from Widodo, who argues that Indonesia is fighting a drugs emergency.

The Australian government, which has campaigned against the death penalty, said it had been informed that the execution of its citizens, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, who were reportedly leaders of the drug trafficking ring, was “imminent”.

“Nothing can be gained and much will be lost if these two young Australians are executed,” said Julie Bishop, the Australian foreign minister.

“I again respectfully call on the president of Indonesia to reconsider his refusal to grant clemency. It is not too late for a change of heart.”

April 27, 2015
UN condemns murder of over 30 Ethiopian Christians

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday condemned the murder in Libya of over 30 Ethiopian Christians by an affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh).

The council made the condemnation in a statement issued by the UN Information Centre (UNIC), which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

It described the situation as a “heinous and cowardly murder’’.

“Members of the Security Council strongly condemned the heinous and cowardly apparent murder in Libya of over 30 Ethiopian Christians by an affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh).

“This crime once again demonstrates the brutality of ISIL, which is responsible for thousands of crimes and abuses against people from all faiths, ethnicities and nationalities,’’ it said.

The statement quoted the council to have said that ISIL must be urgently defeated and that its intolerance, violence and hatred must be stamped out.

It also expressed the council’s “deep sympathy and condolences’’ to the affected families and Ethiopian government.

The statement also restated the council’s strong condemnation of the persecution of individuals and entire communities on the basis of their religion or belief.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, to the Government of Ethiopia, as well as to the families of all victims of ISIL.

“The members of the Security Council stressed again that ISIL must be defeated and that the intolerance, violence and hatred it espouses must be stamped out.

“The members of the Council further emphasised that such continued acts of barbarism perpetrated by ISIL do not intimidate them, but rather stiffen their resolve to counter ISIL,’’ it said.

April 21, 2015
UN envoy to Yemen Resigns

The UN Security Council, on Thursday in New York, announced that the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar has stepped down.

The Council said on Wednesday night the Moroccan diplomat expressed an interest in moving on to another assignment after four years of work on Yemen.

It said in a press statement that: “On behalf of the Secretary-General, Mr Benomar brokered the Transition Agreement in November 2011.

“He facilitated the successful conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference in January 2014 that took 10 months of deliberations and mediated the Peace and National Partnership Agreement in September 2014.

The Council said his attempt to get democratic transition “back on track” were interrupted by the dramatic escalation of violence.”

Yemen has been struggling with a rebellion from the Houthi group for months which has forced President Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi to flee the country.

Saudi Arabia and eight fellow Sunni Arab countries in late March launched an air campaign against the Shiite Houthis, and in support of fellow Mansour Hadi, a fellow Sunni.

Iran on Wednesday repeated its call on Saudi Arabia, which shares a border with Yemen, to stop its air strikes in the country.

The UN Security Council has imposed sanctions on the rebels’ leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

Houthi Politburo member, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said the group will “never give in” to UN’s demand that they withdraw from captured territory, including the capital Sana’a.

April 16, 2015
UN to remember Mandela with a Prize

United Nations (UN) has on Wednesday said that it is accepting nominations for the 2015 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

The organisation noted the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize was organised as a tribute to the late South African leader.

“Our best tribute to Nelson Mandela is not found in words or ceremonies but in actions that take up the torch he passed to us.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his remarks to the General Assembly in June 2014, following the adoption by consensus of the resolution establishing the prize.

By the terms of the resolution, the assembly asked the Secretary-General, in consultation with the President of the assembly to establish within six months of adoption of the text, the criteria and procedures for bestowing the prize.

UN has however, said that the list of laureates is expected to be announced later in June this year with the first prizes awarded at UN Headquarters in New York during the commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18.

The 193-member General Assembly has a proud record of acting against apartheid and for Nelson Mandela.

April 15, 2015
UN appoints new Director for Nigeria’s centre

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, has appointed Mr. Ronald Kayanja as the substantive Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria.

UNIC’s National Information Officer, Mr Oluseyi Soremekun, said in a statement that Kayanja’s appointment takes effect from April 1, 2015.

“The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronald Kayanja of Uganda as the Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, Nigeria,’’ it said.

Kayanja, a native of Uganda, holds a Master’s degree in journalism from the University of Wales in United Kingdom and Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Makerere University in Uganda.

The statement said that Kayanja, until his new appointment, had worked in various capacities for the UN in Benin, Cote d’I voire, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.

“Since November 2011, Kayanja has held the position of UNESCO Adviser for Communication and Information in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.

“Kayanja has supported capacity building of journalists, promotion of press freedom and safety of journalists, in addition to policy dialogue with member states on the use of community media.

“Most recently he led UNESCO’s response to the Ebola crisis in Liberia and Sierra Leone through the use of community media,’’ it said.

The statement added that he had also worked with the UN Mission, UN agencies, national authorities and the civil society on the mechanisms of strengthening media and civil society’s participation in democracy.

Kayanja is married with four children.

April 15, 2015
UN: don’t forget Nigeria on Chibok girls’ abduction anniversary

The kidnapped Chibok girls must not be forgotten, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday on the anniversary of the abduction of the girls.

He reiterated his call for their immediate release and safe return to their families.

“While some of the girls were fortunate to have escaped, the fate of many still remains unknown,” Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

The Secretary-General also voiced deep concern at Boko Haram’s “repeated and cowardly” attacks targeting schools.

According to a report released by the UN Children Fund (UNICEF), Missing Childhoods, more than 300 schools were damaged or destroyed and at least 196 teachers and 314 schoolchildren killed by the end of 2014 as a result of the conflict in northeast Nigeria between Boko Haram, military forces and civilian self-defence groups.

“Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery,” the Secretary-General’s statement continued. “The children of north-eastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries must be allowed to live in peace and enjoy their right to a safe education.”

As the Government of Nigeria and regional powers ramp up their legitimate offensive against Boko Haram, Mr. Ban reminded all those involved that their response to the extremist group’s attacks “must be fully consistent with international law and not create additional risks for the protection of children.”

“On this day, I reaffirm my support to the governments and peoples of the region in the fight against Boko Haram,” the statement concluded. “I stand in solidarity with the families of all abductees, especially children, their communities and society at large.”

April 15, 2015
Boko Haram: UN Human Rights Council to hold special session

The United Nations Human Rights Council has received a request to host a special session next week on abuses by Boko Haram in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, the council president said Friday.

The UN’s top rights body received the request late Thursday from Algeria, on behalf of the group of African countries, president Joachim Ruecker told the council.

If officially accepted by at least one third of the council’s 47 members, the session will go ahead on April 1.

So far, 19 member states have said they will support the request, indicating it will be accepted.

The announcement came a day before Nigerians head to the polls, amid calls for tighter security following years of bloody attacks by Boko Haram in the country’s restive northeast.

The group, which recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State insurgency, has also increased attacks in neighbouring countries.

The UN Human Rights Council rarely hosts special sessions, with only 22 such events held since the body was created in 2006.

March 27, 2015
UN supports Nigeria violence victims with N5.6 bn

The United Nations Central Emergency Fund (CERF) has released 28 million dollars (about N5.6 billion) to support victims of the violence in the North-East zone of Nigeria.

UN Humanitarian Chief, Ms Valerie Amos, who disclosed this in a statement, said that the fund was meant to serve as a “life-saving relief” for people fleeing from violence in that part of the country.

According to the statement made available to NAN, more than 1.2 million Nigerians have been forced to flee from their homes as a result of Boko Haram-related violence.

The statement added that over 150,000 people have fled to Cameroon, Chad and Niger, thereby putting strain on some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.

“The insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria is having a devastating impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

“This allocation from CERF will be used to support people in the most vulnerable communities who have been directly affected by the violence.

“It will provide them the urgently needed relief including food, clean water, shelter, medicine, protection and security.

“Especially for women and children who are been exposed to or have experienced violence and brutality in these areas,’’ it said.

The statement said that communities where the displaced persons had sought refuge were currently facing food insecurity, malnutrition and prone to outbreak of diseases.

It said that the CERF had last year allocated more than 8.7 million dollars to relief agencies responding to the regional impact of ongoing crisis in Nigeria.

March 20, 2015
Elections: UN threatens prosecution of promoters of violence

The United Nations (UN) Wednesday warned that it will ensure the prosecution of any Nigerian politician who promotes violence before, during and after the nation’s general elections.

It urged major political actors to remain committed to the Abuja Peace Accord and ensure its implementation at all levels of their political parties.

The UN hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparations so far, for the elections. It expressed satisfaction with the success achieved so far by INEC.

UN’s Under-Secretary for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman spoke for the global body in Abuja Wednesday in the company of the UN’s Secretary General’s High Level Representative to Nigeria, Mohammed Ibn Chambas.

Feltman, who rounded off a two-day official visit to the country Wednesday, said after meeting with key stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process, he was convinced that many of them appreciate the need for a violence-free election and pledged to work towards it.

“I encourage the political, electoral and security actors to continue working together to create an environment conducive for the holding of violence-free and credible elections, and ensure that all eligible Nigerians can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, including those displaced by violence in the Northeast.

“I urge political actors, particularly the candidate to resolve any electoral disputes through existing legal and constitutional means.

“Especially, given the important role Nigeria plays in the region and globally, the international community is closely watching the elections in Nigeria and that any persons responsible for violence will be held accountable.

“In the view of the UN, INEC has made noteworthy progress in the preparations for the elections, including the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) and the testing of card readers, despite the tight schedule and logistical challenges.

“We believe that these efforts should help to build confidence in the electoral system among the Nigerian voters and pave the way for the holding of credible and inclusive elections,” Feltman said.

He also said the world was concerned, interested and watching to see how Nigeria handles its elections. He said in view of the country’s importance in African and the sub-region, the world cannot afford to have things go wrong in Nigeria.

Feltman said the UN was deeply involved in the preparation for the elections because the Nigerian government requested for it. He said the UN has so far, provided about $60million worth of assistance to both officials and institutions involved in the preparations for the elections.

Feltman, who reiterated UN’s condemnation of the activities of insurgents in the country and the West African sub-region, argued that an exclusive reliance on a military approach to the war against Boko Haram was insufficient.

“Countering Boko Haram effectively and permanently should be based on a multi-dimensional approach that addresses human rights concerns and promotes good governance and economic and social development,” Feltma said.

Chambas, who is the former President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said countries in particularly, Central and West African were in solidarity with Nigeria as it prepares for elections.

He said different delegations of African leaders were due for the country in the next few days.

He appealed to the Nigerian authorities to show good leadership in the continent by ensuring the conduct of violence-free, free, fair and credible election.

Chambas discouraged the comparison between the case in Nigeria with what happened in Côte d’Ivoire during the reign of Laurent Gbago, arguing that the experience in that country is not the same with what currently exists in Nigeria.

“We expect that the election outcome will reflect that wishes and aspiration of the people,” Chambas said.

March 18, 2015
UN nominates Nigerian, six others for peace building

Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-moon, has nominated a Nigerian, Ms Funmi Olonisakin and six others to serve as its advisory experts on review of peace building architecture.

In a release from the UN, the nomination followed a resolution by Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council to form an advisory group for review of peace building.

Aside from Olonisakin, other nominees from Africa include Edith Ssempala (Uganda) and Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah(Mauritania).

Others are: Anis Bajwa(Pakistan); Saraswathi Menon(India); Charles Petrie(France) and Gert Rosenthal(Guatemala).

Olonisakin, who is Director, Security Leadership and Society Programme in King’s College London, read political science at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife.

She has a PhD in War Studies from the King’s College, London.

The statement said: “She has positioned her work to serve as a bridge between academia and the world of police and practice.

March 1, 2015