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Month: October 2022

Heatwaves to impact almost every child on earth by 2050: UNICEF report

Today, at least half a billion youngsters are already exposed to a high number of heatwaves, placing them on the front lines of climate change, the UN agency noted.

By the middle of this century, moreover, it estimates that more than two billion children will be exposed to “more frequent, longer lasting, and more severe” heatwaves.

“The climate crisis is a child rights crisis – and it is already taking a devastating toll on children’s lives and futures,” warned UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell.

This year’s wildfires and heatwaves that have swept through India, Europe, and North America were “yet another sobering example of the impact of climate change on children”, she added.

Youngsters at greater risk

New data from the agency published in its report, The Coldest Year Of The Rest Of Their Lives, underscores that young children face greater risks than adults when faced with extreme heat events.

This is because they are less able to regulate their body temperature compared to adults. The more heatwaves children are exposed to, the greater the chance of health problems including chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.

“The world urgently needs to invest in building their resilience – and in adapting all the systems children rely on to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing climate,” UNICEF maintained.

This is regardless of whether average global temperatures rise by 1.7 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels if greenhouse gas emissions are low, or whether they rise by 2.4C, if emissions are high.

A girl drinks water in the playground of her school, in Goré, in the South of Chad.
© UNICEF/Frank Dejongh

A girl drinks water in the playground of her school, in Goré, in the South of Chad.

Protection – the priority

Protecting children from the escalating impacts of heatwaves should be a priority for all countries, UNICEF said, in a call for “urgent and dramatic emissions mitigation measures to contain global heating – and protect lives”.

Children in northern regions will face the most dramatic increases in high heatwave severity, while by 2050, nearly half of all children in Africa and Asia will face sustained exposure to extreme high temperatures over 35C (95F), UN Children’s Fund data showed.

“This will have a devastating impact on children,” said Vanessa Nakate, climate activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. “The more frequent, longer lasting and more severe heatwaves children are exposed to, the greater the impacts on health, safety, nutrition, education, access to water and future livelihoods.”

A young girl washes her face using newly installed piped water at her home in Cambodia.
© UNICEF/Fani Llaurado

A young girl washes her face using newly installed piped water at her home in Cambodia.

Adaptation call

Highlighting the devastating impact of drought in the Horn of Africa after four failed rainy seasons, Ms. Nakate insisted that “lives are being lost from preventable causes because the world is acting too slowly on mitigation and not providing enough support for adaptation”.

Children “who are least responsible for climate change are bearing its biggest costs”, she continued, noting that although Africa produces less than four per cent of global emissions, it suffers some “most brutal” impacts of the climate crisis.

“Almost every country is experiencing changing heatwaves,” UNICEF said. “What each government does now will determine the survival of those least responsible for this crisis – our children and young people.” 

Heatwaves dominated climate news this year. And they’re only going to get worse – especially for children. https://t.co/LGoyXozKEK

UNDP to support refurbishment of damaged public buildings in Ukraine

The partners signed the deal at an international conference in Berlin to support the war-ravaged nation, hosted by Germany and the European Commission.

The agreement is funded by the multi-donor Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) and will support Ukrainian cities in implementing a €300 million EIB energy efficiency loan.

Support amid aggression

“By signing this new agreement with UNDP, we are supporting the efforts of Ukrainian cities to refurbish social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and sports centres, making them more energy-efficient and future-proof,” said EIB President Werner Hoyer.

“The importance of this work has rarely been more salient as Russia targets its aggression — without regard for human lives — at critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure.”

UNDP will assist selected cities in benefiting from the EIB loan, which will be used for thermal renovations of public buildings, as well as war damage repairs and adaptations to ensure buildings better suit the needs of internally displaced people and communities hosting them.

‘Development cannot wait’

The UN agency and the bank have a longstanding history of cooperation across the globe, and the agreement builds on their joint work in Ukraine, including to rebuild hospitals and schools.

Through their expanded partnership, more municipalities across the country will have the foundations for a sustainable recovery and reconstruction, said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. 

“This includes repairing damaged infrastructure, increasing the energy efficiency of public buildings and adapting them to the specific needs of people displaced by the war and host communities — ultimately helping Ukraine to shape a green, climate-resilient future with increased energy security at its core. Even amidst war, development cannot wait, nor can the people of Ukraine wait,” he added.

At least 6,734 civilians, including roughly 368 children, have been killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion on 24 February, according to the latest report from the UN human rights office, OHCHR.

More than 16,150 non-combatants have also been injured in the fighting.

Explosive weapons “with wide area effects” were responsible for most casualties, OHCHR said, before highlighting how “shelling from heavy artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, missiles and air strikes” had caused the bloodshed.

Modern, safer buildings

The agreement signed in Berlin paves the way for further cooperation to scale up the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Oleksiy Chernyshov, Minister for Communities and Territories Development, said the country is looking forward to launching the first call for proposals under the programme.

“We want to reconstruct Ukraine with the highest energy efficiency standards. In the place of every destroyed or damaged building, we will build a modern, safe and energy-efficient one,” he said.
 

A pleasure to meet @WernerHoyer at the #RecoveryOfUkraine Conference.

Our expanded @UNDP – @EIB partnership will help repair damaged infrastructure, increase public buildings’ #EnergyEfficiency and adapt them to the needs of #IDPs and host communities: https://t.co/5SolAGLwIY https://t.co/gVgvpE5lh0

‘Haitians are coming together to tackle the cholera crisis’: A UN Resident Coordinator Blog

“I visited several cholera treatment centres in the most affected neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince and saw heart-breaking scenes; children who were so malnourished, it was difficult to insert a drip into their arms or legs; adults who were clearly very ill.

What immediately struck me was the intense smell of chlorine disinfectant, which is used to sterilize the immediate environment, clearly a sign that the facility is well run by health professionals who know how to prevent and treat the disease. I saw staff continually scrubbing the floor and surfaces to ensure that the cholera bacteria could not spread further.

Ulrika Richardson (centre), the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti visits a cholera treatment centre in Port-au-Prince.
UNOCHA/Christian Cricboom

Ulrika Richardson (centre), the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti visits a cholera treatment centre in Port-au-Prince.

I was deeply impressed and moved by the commitment and dedication of health workers. I met many inspirational people who have embodied this professionalism, and who have also demonstrated humanity and huge empathy with patients under treatment. Many have told me that Haitians are coming together to get through this difficult time.

Sharp increase in cases

Up until a few days ago, the increase of cholera cases had been gradual but now we are seeing a worryingly sharp increase, so the situation has become more challenging.

It is important to remember that although cholera can be deadly, it is preventable and treatable. Speed is of the essence, to contain an outbreak and save lives. I believe the public health response from the Haitian authorities, local and international NGOs, with the support of the UN, was immediate and decisive, despite shortages of clean water, and the fuel needed to provide power to health facilities and enable staff to get to work.

Cholera treatment centres were quickly established to care for the sick. Haitian people have lived through cholera before, so there is knowhow and experience that is extremely valuable if we are to prevent the outbreak from getting out of hand.

The inability of people to move around freely, especially in the capital Port-au-Prince, because of the prevailing security situation and lack of fuel, may also have played a part in containing the spread, although this insecurity has also complicated the cholera response.

Haitian-led response

PAHO staff train community health workers on cholera identification and prevention.
© PAHO

PAHO staff train community health workers on cholera identification and prevention.

From day one of the outbreak, the UN in Haiti, with its national and international partners, has worked alongside the Ministry of Health. The public health messages from the Ministry of Health, on radio and via text messages, which the UN supported, have underlined the importance of preventative measures like handwashing and disinfecting.

The UN’s Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has supported our partners to open 13 cholera treatment centres. Oral rehydration points are also being established, particularly in hard-to-reach communities, to treat milder cases and refer others to in-patient facilities, while assistance has been provided to train 300 community health workers. These workers are crucial, as so many communities are isolated due to armed gang violence.

UNICEF and the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) are supporting the Haitian authorities and partner organizations with chlorine, water- purifying tablets, hygiene kits and medical supplies such as oral rehydration salts. UNICEF, through its partners is also deploying mobile health clinics in Cité Soleil, the capital’s most affected neighbourhood.

The humanitarian situation in Haiti is desperate for many and cholera is just one pressing challenge. Increased hunger faced by too many Haitians is another great concern that needs to be addressed. The World Food Programme has resumed its distribution of food inside Cité Soleil, reaching over 5500 vulnerable people since mid-October.

Coordinator and troubleshooter

As the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, my role is to facilitate the UN’s response in a way to maximise our impact and ensure all our knowledge and expertise effectively supports the Ministry of Health’s cholera prevention and treatment strategy.

This means making linkages, whether here in Haiti with national entities or with different areas of the UN, so that our combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts.

In fact, I have been impressed not only by the quick mobilization of agencies and colleagues on the ground but also by the attention and action of the most senior leaders across the United Nations.

A can-do attitude is essential; when there are bottlenecks, for example a lack of fuel for treatment centres, I am called to help troubleshoot the problem.

Ultimately, our shared goal is to work towards a cholera-free Haiti and since the latest outbreak, I have witnessed first-hand the UN’s commitment to the people of Haiti.

Since its creation, the United Nations and Haiti have shared a strong bond. Now is once again the time for the UN and Haitians to come together to tackle this crisis so that Haiti and its people emerge stronger and more unified as the country continues on the path towards stability, equality and prosperity.

  • The UN Resident Coordinator
  • The UN Resident Coordinator, sometimes called the RC, is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level.
  • In this occasional series, UN News is inviting RCs to blog on issues important to the United Nations and the country where they serve.
  • Learn more about the work of the UN in Haiti.

Malaysia’s forced return of Myanmar’s most vulnerable must stop: UNHCR

There have been “multiple reports” of deportations since April which run contrary to international humanitarian law, UNHCR spokesperson, Shabia Mantoo, told journalists in Geneva.

“According to information received by UNHCR, an asylum-seeker from Myanmar was deported on 21 October from detention despite UNHCR interventions...Such deportations of refugees and asylum-seekers amount to refoulement.”

Myanmar has been gripped by civil war since February 2021 and sending people back there has exposed them “to harm and danger”, the UN agency spokesperson insisted.

On Sunday, unconfirmed reports emerged that a concert held by opposition forces in Kachin was targeted by airstrikes that killed at least 50 people.

Non-refoulement, non-negotiable

UNHCR’s Ms. Mantoo described the principle of non-refoulement as “a cornerstone of international law” which was “binding on all States”.

The development follows a wider appeal from the UN refugee agency to countries in the region to stop forced returns of Myanmar nationals seeking safety from serious harm.

“Sending them back to the country is placing countless lives at risk,” said Gillian Triggs, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

Myanmar’s neighbours should end the “indefinite detention” of asylum-seekers and refugees from the country, the senior UNHCR official maintained, while also expressing concern at the ongoing indiscriminate violence against civilians across Myanmar, since the military coup.

Fighting has also continued between the Myanmar military and ethnic armed groups in some border areas which has driven people to flee within the country and across borders, Ms. Triggs noted.

Myanmar’s spiral

Tuesday’s alert from UNHCR echoes serious and widespread concerns about the fate of those who have fled Myanmar. At last month’s Human Rights Council session, UN-appointed independent human rights expert Tom Andrews reported that conditions had “gone from bad to worse, to horrific for untold numbers of innocent people in Myanmar”.

Some 1.3 million people are now displaced inside Myanmar, Mr. Andrews noted, with 28,000 homes destroyed, villages burned to the ground and more than 13,000 children killed.

A food crisis is also looming in the country, the top rights expert continued, with 130,000 Rohingya in de facto internment camps and others suffering deprivation and discrimination rooted in their lack of citizenship.

We are seriously concerned over the continued deportation by Malaysia of asylum-seekers from Myanmar, placing lives at risk. We continue to call on Malaysia to immediately stop the forced returns of Myanmar nationals seeking safety from serious harm. https://t.co/w0ziwCIC0Z

Sudan: Justice for protesters against coup, key to ending cycle of violence

To break the country’s cycle of turmoil, they also called for an independent accountability and transitional justice mechanism with a mandate to address human rights violations committed during protests.

This would also involve a focus on the gendered nature of the violence, and the provision of suitable reparations to victims. 

Ongoing abuse 

“Over the past year, we have received continued reports of protestors being killed, forcibly disappeared, injured, tortured and subjected to sexual and gender-based violence”, the experts said in a statement. 

“Prosecuting perpetrators, including high-level commanders responsible for these violations is critical to ensuring Sudan’s sustainable transition to a credible democratic civilian government”. 

The experts called for an “effective and adequately resourced independent accountability mechanism which is victim-centred”, that would address the reported grave violations in relation since the military coup. 

They said measures needed to be taken to conclude investigations by the previously established national commission of inquiry, and to bring justice for victims of unresolved serious crimes committed during the historic 2019 protests, which led to the downfall of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.  

Denial of justice 

“If these atrocities are not addressed, if victims are once again denied justice and reparations, and if the voices of protesters are not heard, Sudan’s cycle of political turmoil and brutal repression will continue, and the humanitarian crisis will deepen,” they said.  

UN experts have repeatedly raised the alarm about reports of unlawful and excessive use of force and arrests. The unlawful tactics had left at least 117 protesters killed, said rights office OHCHR, and an estimated 7,700 protesters, including thousands of children, seriously injured, based on documented cases by Sudanese medics. 

Shootings and tear gas 

The majority of the injuries were caused by the use of firearms or tear gas canisters. 

“We are very concerned that, as a result, some of the injured protesters sustained permanent or long-lasting paralysis, limb amputations, loss of eyesight and eye removals. There are alarming indications that many of those killed and injured in the context of the protests were victims of targeted attacks,” the independent experts said.  

They raised serious concerns that hundreds were arrested, including women and children, for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, and without due process.  

Torture in detention 

“Many of the detained have reportedly been subjected to torture and ill-treatment in custody, while some were forcibly disappeared or secretly detained. These cases must be thoroughly and independently investigated and the authorities must immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of the missing protesters,” the experts said.  

There are also reports of women having been subjected to sexual and gender-based violence, including abuse and gang rape, at sites within the proximity of protests or while in detention, the experts said.  

These violations were committed under protracted emergency measures, giving extended powers and immunity from prosecution to the security forces. 

Blatant lack of accountability 

“The lack of accountability for alleged crimes has a chilling effect on the people’s right to freedom of peaceful assembly and participation in public affairs”, experts said. 

The Sudanese authorities have an obligation to end impunity and provide remedy to victims and, as relevant, to their families, the experts said, urging the international community to ensure that accountability was central to ongoing political talks and the transition process in the country.  

They urged authorities to show restraint and refrain from the use of excessive force in response to any ongoing anti-coup protests. 

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not paid for their work. 

🇸🇩#Sudan: Justice for repression against anti-coup protesters is key to breaking cycle of violence and political turmoil. UN experts call for an independent accountability mechanism to address violations.

👉https://t.co/gvoHz3DBBM https://t.co/pF1I8neuuu

Step up investment to deliver safe drinking water to all

Providing water and sanitation for everyone on the planet is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed by all 193 UN Member States in 2015. 

The report revealed that although more than two billion people gained access to safe drinking water over the past two decades, a quarter of the world’s population is still being left behind. 

A basic human right 

Meanwhile, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, affecting water security and disrupting supply. 

Rapid urbanization is also making it hard for cities to deliver water to millions living in informal communities and slums. 

“Providing greater access to safe drinking water has saved many lives, most of them children. But climate change is eating into those achievements,” said Dr. Maria Neira, Director of WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.  

“We have to accelerate our efforts to ensure every person has reliable access to safe drinking water – something that is a human right, not a luxury.” 

A critical investment 

The report examines the links between water, health and development. 

It contains actionable recommendations for governments and partners aimed at increasing funding for safer systems, and strengthening capacities to plan, coordinate, and regulate service provision. 

Examples showing how countries are contributing to achieving the SDG target of reaching safely managed drinking water for all by 2030 are also included. 

“Investing in water and sanitation is critical to health, economic growth and the environment. Healthier children become healthier adults who then contribute more to the economy and society”, said Saroj Kumar Jha, Director of the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice.  

A child fills a jerrycan with safe water at a displaced camp near Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
© UNICEF/Olivier Asselin

Keeping children safe 

The partners have called for governments and the private sector to dramatically increase political commitment to drinking water, and to quadruple investment.  

“No child should be faced with the choice of drinking dirty water – a leading killer of children – or making dangerous journeys to collect water and missing out on school,” said Aidan Cronin, UNICEF Interim Director of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate, Environment, Energy, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED).  

“Accessible and reliable safe drinking water is fundamental to ensuring children are healthy, educated, and thriving.” 

Action for governments 

The report provides comprehensive recommendations for sustainable improvements focused around the areas of governance, financing, capacity development, data and information, as well as innovation. 

They include strengthening existing institutions, for example by establishing an effective regulatory environment, supported by legislation and standards for service quality, and ensuring enforcement. 

Funding from all sources should be increased, with water service providers improving efficiency and performance, and governments providing a stable and transparent administrative, regulatory and policy environment. 

Innovation and experimentation should also be encouraged through supportive government policy and regulation. 

💧 Water is life.
💧 Water is a basic human right.

But an estimated 2⃣ billion people, one-quarter of the 🌎🌍🌏 world’s population, do not have access to safe drinking water 🚰

📷 @UNICEF

🫧 https://t.co/JlBtMYolIs https://t.co/MYTPaoXCQp

‘Game changer’ ideas on water and sustainability, centre-stage ahead of major water conference

The results emerging from roundtables on governance, capacity development, data and information, innovation and financing, will be shared with national representatives on Tuesday, at a preparatory meeting for the UN 2023 Water Conference, taking place in March.

Noting that the world stands at a watershed moment, the President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, whose Office organized the consultations, told participants that it is time to “transform from reactive water management to proactive, science-based solutions to the water crisis.”

Science-based solutions

Mr. Kőrösi urged participants discuss game changers from the perspective of “solidarity, sustainability and science”, the motto of the 77th session of the General Assembly.

Former President of the Republic of Hungary, János Áder also addressed the opening, in his capacity as Member of the Water and Climate Leaders. He called for a greater emphasis on collecting and sharing information: “We cannot stop this water crisis. We have to adapt. And to adapt, we need data and information.”

Shaken, not stirred

Reminding participants of the “James Bond ratio” whereby only 0.007 per cent of the planet’s water is potable. Mr. Áder listed categories missing data bases, such as on water quality, grid loss, humidity content and wastewater. 

Without good date on these topics, it makes it difficult to see the potential social, political and economic impact of water issues, Mr. Áder noted.

The opening session also heard from UN Global Compact Chief of Staff, Melissa Powell. She discussed CEO Water Mandate, which is an initiative to align business principles with water, sanitation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and called for greater engagement with the public sector.

Speaking also on behalf of the private sector in the opening, Matthias Berninger, who works in Public Affairs and Sustainability at Bayer, said more and more companies are engaging on water because it is important for their businesses.

Scientists, representatives of the private sector and civil society today met at the United Nations in New York to discuss game changers related to water and sustainability.
UN/Paulina Kubiak Greer

Scientists, representatives of the private sector and civil society today met at the United Nations in New York to discuss game changers related to water and sustainability.

Fluid new systems

He suggested that now is the time to start a more concerted effort to create a water and climate information system which would allow assistance for farmers, people living on shorelines, and decisionmakers.

Youth advocate, Keziah Theresee Gerosana, called for UN agencies to allocate at least half of their budgets to water and climate projects.

Referring to the importance of intergenerational discussions, in addition to inter-sectoral, she urged participants to see young people as allies: “Will you open your doors and accept us? Allow us to be your partners for change?”

Young business leader Lindsey Blodgett, called on participants to “work together outside of our spheres of influence” to harmonizing game changers across communities that normally would not be cooperating.

Short on climate action

Joining by video message, the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization Petteri Taalas warned that climate action failure – which includes water inaction – is the biggest global risk.

He stressed the need to invest more in early warning systems, and to fill in the gaps in meteorological observing systems on the African continent, among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 

Monday’s discussions also included information from a series of online stakeholder discussions organized earlier this year by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). 

That Department’s Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua, who is the Secretary-General of the UN 2023 Water conference, presented the findings. UN DESA helped to organize today’s discussions.

Governance overhaul

Revolutions hurt, said Hank Ovink, Special Envoy for Water from the Netherlands, addressing the roundtable on governance. Netherlands, along with Tajikistan, are the co-hosts of UN 2023 Water Conference.

Mr. Ovink said that to really have an impact, the international community will need to change “quite a log about what we’re used to, in combination with political will, societal will, a whole of society approach in a radically inclusive way.”

The Special Envoy told participants and moderator Danielle Gaillard-Picher, the Global Coordinator of the Global Water Partnership, that the contributions and societal will of everyone watching can make a difference.

Developing capacity

One of the issues discussed in the roundtable on capacity development is the establishment of a mechanism like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC, which could provide policy makers with science-based knowledge.

“That knowledge has to be translated to change water culture,” said Moderator Abou Amani, the Director of Water Sciences Division at UNESCO. “Because too many people are taking water for granted.”

Topics also discussed in the roundtable included not leaving anyone behind, as well as formal and informal water education and financing to help support the movement.

Need to know

Carolina Tornesi MacKinnon, of the World Youth Parliament for Water, moderated the panel on data and information.

One of the game changers discussed was the UN Early Warnings for All initiative, which is expected to be discussed at the COP27 in Egypt next month.

Participants also discussed the need for databases and better information on water use and water quality, that are open to all, without proprietary use or high subscription prices.

Some also mentioned the importance of gender, referring to the UNICEF statistic that women and girls spend 200 million hours a day gathering water, which allows them far less time than they need for studies and income generating activities.

Children stand in a flood water in Borno State, Nigeria.
© UNICEF/Vlad Sokhin

Children stand in a flood water in Borno State, Nigeria.

Innovation

Among the game changers discussed in the innovation roundtable moderated by Marc Zeitoun, from the Geneva Water Hub, participants discussed topics such as appointing water champions within parliaments, to connect decision makers with the issue.

Some participants highlighted unconventional water resources, noting that in some countries, water reuse cannot be part of the solution because there is no water to reuse. Such technologies also include desalinating systems, and methods of extracting water from air.

Accessing finance

In the roundtable on financing, moderated by the economic development body OECD’s Anna Dupont, one of the topics discussed was the importance of linking water to the resilience and climate change agenda.

Close to 80 per cent of natural disasters so far this century are water-related.

Participants also discussed financial implications and how to drive investment, given rising interest across the private sector in water-related, sustainability issues. The interest is being driven in part by the need to access resources on the part of business.

Happening now!

Stakeholder consultations for the Preparatory Meeting of the #UN2023WaterConference.

Follow along #WaterAction ⬇️

🎥 Roundtable 1️⃣ on Governance: https://t.co/hLgUn8hvb5

🎥 Roundtable 2️⃣ on Capacity Development: https://t.co/YFMels3W5J https://t.co/QaYzA43Vym

On Monday, we begin consultations with civil society, private sector & scientific community on ‘game changers’ for #WaterAction & sustainability issues.

Our hope is to inspire people to work together ahead of the #UN2023WaterConference & beyond.

Join us: https://t.co/eS8grmlDt4 https://t.co/hCUekFM5Ss

Libya: ‘Political deadlock persists with no clear end in sight’- UN envoy

Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily arrived in the country this month and has been prioritizing consultations with political, institutional, security and civil society representatives, in a bid to address these challenges. 

“The situation in Libya calls for a consensus State re-legitimation process. Legitimate institutions capable of providing for the basic needs of the people must be established on the basis of a genuine political will. In this process, the conduct of legislative and presidential elections is paramount,” he said. 

Deadlock and violence 

Libya has been divided between two rival administrations for more than a decade, following the overthrow and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.  

The Government of National Accord (GNA) is based in the capital, Tripoli, located in the west, while the rival Libyan National Army (LNA) controls the east. 

The signing of a UN-brokered ceasefire in October 2020 paved the way for long-awaited elections in December 2021, which were postponed due to disagreement over the legal basis for the vote. 

This past August, deadly clashes between the two sides rocked Tripoli. The crisis was triggered in March, after the eastern parliament selected a new government, however the UN and internationally-backed Prime Minister, refused to stand down.  

No end in sight 

“The political deadlock persists with no clear end in sight to the prolonged stalemate over the executive,” Mr. Bathily told the Council.  

“Further, efforts to resolve the remaining outstanding issues related to the constitutional basis for elections, do not appear to lead to concrete action by the relevant actors, further delaying prospects for the holding of inclusive, free and fair elections aimed at ending the transition and reinstating the legitimacy of institutions.” 

Listen to the people 

The UN envoy is holding the consultations “to design a response to these daunting political challenges”, and significant differences remain on how Libyans want to overcome the crisis. 

“In response to the near unanimous condemnation across the spectrum of the presence of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces in Libya and the incessant foreign interference in the country’s affairs, I stressed to all my interlocutors that the solution to the crisis must come from inside Libya, on the basis of the will of the Libyan people,” he told the Council. 

Mr. Bathily urged Libyan leaders “to hear the people’s aspiration for peace, stability, economic development, and a responsive leadership.” 

View of the main square in Tripoli, Libya.
© UN Photo/Abel Kavangh

View of the main square in Tripoli, Libya.

Stalemate impacting security 

Meanwhile, although the ceasefire continues to hold, the political impasse has adversely impacted action on security. 

The violent clashes in Tripoli caused a shift in the power balance in the capital, and deepened tensions, resulting in a fragile stability. 

“Despite the noticeable decrease in mobilization of armed groups and clashes among them, there are reports of ongoing large-scale recruitment activities,” he reported. 

On a positive note, Mr. Bathily said the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), which brings together representatives from the two sides, will meet next week in Sirte to discuss activities to further ceasefire implementation. 

Address human rights 

Turning to human rights, the envoy regretted that the situation in the country remains concerning. 

Violations against migrants and asylum seekers “continue with impunity” while “arbitrary detention continues as a common practice”, he said. 

Mr. Bathily called for the authorities to take immediate measures to address the dire situation of migrants and refugees and to dismantle trafficking and criminal networks. 

The Libyan authorities have reported that as of 1 October, nearly 11,000 people, including 55 women, are serving sentences in prisons run by the judicial police. 

Justice denied 

Furthermore, close to 6,000 people are in pre-trial detention, with 113 women and 135 juveniles among them. Overall, these numbers represent a 40 per cent increase since August. 

“Many of those in pre-trial detention, representing a third of the total prison population, are detained with no access to justice. These numbers do not include the approximately 3,243 migrants who are arbitrarily detained in detention centres operated by the Government,” he added. 

Mr. Bathily said the Libyan authorities should guarantee due process and a fair trial for people detained on credible charges. He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those who are arbitrarily detained. 

Making cities safer for women: UN report calls for radical rethink

Even though they make up half the population, women and girls get a raw deal when it comes to city design: in surveys, around 97 per cent of women in the UK aged 18-24, have complained of sexual harassment in public spaces, whilst in Ireland more than half of women surveyed say they feel unsafe on public transport after dark.

Other issues include a lack of suitable public facilities. for example, one third of women globally say that they don’t have access to adequate toilets.

The publication, “Designing Cities that work for Women”, focuses on four themes: safety and security, justice and equity, health and wellbeing and enrichment and fulfilment.

A woman walks through an underground tunnel.
Unsplash/Kevin Laminto

A lack of representation

A wide range of city design aspects are covered, from street lighting through to statues. Only around three per cent of monuments celebrating heroes of the past and present, depict women.

Women’s needs and aspirations are examined, from safety, to gender-based discrimination, and a lack of access to quality education and employment opportunities.

The study shows that women are not well represented in key decisions that affect the future environment for all: they only run around one in seven environment ministries, and face barriers in crucial areas such as city planning, construction, and leadership positions.

“Achieving gender equity is integral to each of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” declared UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “When cities are largely designed without considering the diverse needs and insights of women of all ages and identities, this can have an adverse impact not only on their lives, but on their families.”

The Safe and Friendly City Bus is part of a programme raising awareness about sexual harassment and violence against women and girls in public spaces in Viet Nam.
UN Women/Hoang Van Nam

Women-friendly solutions

The report, which was developed by global design and engineering company Arup, the University of Liverpool, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), draws on the voices and experiences of women around the world, as well as a thorough review of data and research.

There is a strong focus on solutions for decision-makers, and finding ways to

actively involve women at every stage of city design and planning, to ensure that cities work better for them, and are more resilient and inclusive.

Concrete recommendations include forming city-wide gender equality taskforces, education and development programmes, and creating design action plans.

Cooperation between city authorities and other stakeholders, such as businesses and civil society groups, is also cited as an important element in creating safer, equitable spaces for women and girls.

UN values and principles needed ‘now more than ever’, Guterres says in UN Day message

The UN was born from the ashes of the Second World War and the day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter, its founding document. 

Mr. Guterres described the UN as “the product of hope” because it embodies the hope and resolve to move beyond global conflict, to a new era of global cooperation.

‘Tested like never before’ 

“Today, our organization is being tested like never before. But the United Nations was made for moments like this,” he said. 

“Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter in every corner of the world.”  

The Secretary-General emphasized why the UN is so essential today, as it is “giving peace a chance and ending conflicts that jeopardize lives, futures and global progress.” 

Making the difference 

The UN is also working to end extreme poverty, reduce inequalities, and rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed by all 193 UN Member States in 2015. 

Mr. Guterres pointed to the UN’s role in safeguarding the planet, including by breaking global addiction to fossil fuels and kickstarting the renewable energy revolution. 

He also highlighted how the UN is “balancing the scales of opportunity and freedom” for women and girls, while also ensuring human rights for all. 

“As we mark UN Day, let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity,” his message concluded.

Restore trust among nations

Multiplying and interconnected global crises, including increasingly serious natural disasters, make it clear “that we have no time to lose” and must achieve sustainable development, said the President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi.

His message for UN Day focused on how the global body has two urgent parallel tasks: managing crises and promoting transformation.

“The UN can do this in its own house, but the most important thing is what the Member States themselves do at home on the basis of common knowledge,” said Mr. Kőrösi.

“The Organization works on practical solutions, based on the results of science and the principle of solidarity.  However, in order to achieve a breakthrough, mutual trust must also be restored between the Member States,” he added.
 

Fourth-grade students attend class at their new school, which was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fighting in the Kasai-Oriental province of DR Congo.
© UNICEF/Josue Mulala

Fourth-grade students attend class at their new school, which was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fighting in the Kasai-Oriental province of DR Congo.

Education cannot wait 

The head of a UN educational fund is urging donors to step up support so that the 222 million children and adolescents worldwide caught in emergencies and protracted crises can continue to learn. 

Education is “the very foundation” of the global vision for sustainable development, respect for human rights, and maintenance of peace and security, said Yasmine Sherif, Director of Education Cannot Wait. 

“Without education – especially for those suffering in wars, climate disasters and as forcibly displaced – how can we ever achieve the vision of the United Nations? It is logically and humanely impossible,” she said in her message for UN Day. 

High price to pay 

Ms. Sherif noted that 77 years after the proclamation of the UN Charter, the world is facing unprecedented insecurity, and new and ongoing armed conflicts, as well as record displacement. 

Boys and girls surviving in these brutal contexts, who cannot access continued and quality education, are the ones paying the price. 

“In the senseless war in Ukraine, we see first-hand deliberate attacks on schools and other civilian targets,” she said.  “All attacks on schools and schoolchildren contravene the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and the Safe Schools Declaration.”  

Ms. Sherif said that by delivering education to every child and adolescent in emergencies and protracted crises, “we can close the gap between the powerful vision of the United Nations and the cruel realities on the ground.” 

Last year, @UN country teams:

helped deliver 1.4 billion doses of #COVID19 vaccines

facilitated education for nearly 50 million out-of-school children

extended water access to almost 50 million people.

On #UNDay, let’s renew our hope in what humanity can achieve together. https://t.co/D1OBZPJzSy

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