United Nations Daily Highlights, 08-05-12

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From: The United Nations Home Page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.org

SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON'S

PRESS CONFERENCE ON MYANMAR

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Monday, May 12, 2008

[The noon briefing will resume tomorrow]

SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON:

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Its a great pleasure to meet you on a Monday morning.

Today is the 11th day since Typhoon Nargis hit Myanmar. I want to register my deep concernand immense frustrationat the unacceptably slow response to this grave humanitarian crisis.

You have all heard the numbers. The official death toll reported by the Government of Myanmar, as of this morning, has risen to 31,938 with 34,460 people missing. International relief agencies report far higher figures. The estimate of those currently at severe risk is in the neighborhood of 1.5 million.

We are at a critical point. Unless more aid gets into the countryvery quicklywe face an outbreak of infectious diseases that could dwarf todays crisis. I therefore call, in the most strenuous terms, on the Government of Myanmar to put its peoples lives first. It must do all that it can to prevent this disaster from becoming even more serious.

The United Nations and its agencies are well-positioned to help with everything from emergency food, fresh water and medical supplies to repairing critical national infrastructuretransport, communications and community distribution networks. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as many national and international NGOs, are heavily engaged as well. They, too, need greater access and freedom of movement. The Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, here with us, will give you more details in a moment.

We already have many staff on the ground. Yet they are grievously over-stretched and the Government continues to deny visas to most foreign aid workers..

As a result we have been able to reach fewer than a third of the total number of people at risksome 270,000 people. Even they have received only the most rudimentary assistance. We therefore have so far been unable to organize the massive logistical support that would ordinarily be well underway. By one WFP estimate, the volume of food so far allowed into Myanmar amounts to less than a tenth of what is needed. Rice stocks in-country are close to exhaustion.

We see some encouraging signs. Many airlifts of aid arrived over the weekend and earlier today. The Government has made some initial moves to ease access restrictions. I would repeat, however: much more is needed.

Over the weekend and throughout much of last week, I tried repeatedly to telephone senior General Than Swe. I wanted to ask his cooperation with the international community and offer the United Nations full support. I was not able to reach him and so delivered a letter earlier this morning through diplomatic channels. This was my second letter to him since Cyclone Nargis.

I hope the Government will move quickly to expedite visas for relief personnel. Much needs to be done, immediately, to set up major logistics operations to deliver supplies to the most affected areas. This requires the specialized expertise of major international relief agencies. Myanmar cannot do it alone.

On Friday, we launched a Flash Appeal asking for $187 million to provide urgently needed relief through key UN agencies and NGOs. I urge all countries and private donors to respond generously.

We appreciate the international communitys strong support and swift response to the crisis. I am working closely with ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] and other governments in the immediate region, as well as more widely. Since Friday, I have spoken with the leaders of Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Canada, Norway and China, among others, as well as the U.S. Secretary of State. Today I will speak with the leaders of India, and Singapore.

I have asked their help and urged them to cooperate in a joint effort with the United Nations to make both civil and military assets available, including the transport planes, helicopters, trucks and boats we desperately need. We plan to set up a logistics base in the area, probably in neighboring Thailand, to ensure that aid will be channeled into Myanmar in a systematic and orderly way.

Without this combination of national and international resources and equipment, I fear that our response will remain far inadequate to the scale of the catastrophe. This is a cause of immense frustrationand even anguishfor the world leaders I have spoken with. Handled properly, Myanmar can recover from this calamity. Handled poorly, it will become an even deeper crisis that will set back the countrys people and its Government for years.

Again, I most strongly urge Myanmar authorities to cooperate in the ways I have described. All our work must be coordinated with Myanmars authorities as closely as possible.

I also call on Myanmars most immediate neighbors to do everything they possibly can. They have a special responsibility and a special role in securing the full cooperation of Myanmars Government and helping its people survive this disaster.

I emphasize that this is not about politics. It is about saving peoples lives. There is absolutely no more time to lose.

In closing, although this is not directly related to this press conference this afternoon, I want to express my sadness and sympathy for the victims of todays earthquake in southwest China. We do not yet know the extent of the tragedy. But you have seen the reports of the hundreds of students trapped at a local university, and potentially many others are dead. My thoughts are very much with them and their families. Thank you very much.

Q: Mr. Secretary, the time is brief here. Will you ask the Security Council, or at least push, using the power of your office, for sanctions or any tougher measures on the Government, which appears to have no fear for any type of action in this current crisis?

SG: This is up to the members of the Security Council, to decide whether they will discuss or take up this matter. But at this time, what I am focusing on is to deliver humanitarian assistance as soon as possible. I would like to make this issue on purely humanitarian grounds.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, I would like to go back to that question. There are several members of the Security Council who are opposed to discussing humanitarian aid, and they dont share the same view about the responsibility to protect civilians in case of a natural disaster. I wonder if you should really go to the Security Council and ask them to put their act together, because you need political pressure to make things work. This is not just politics.

SG: You already know the history of the Security Councils debate on the situation in Myanmar, not necessarily on this humanitarian issue. My understanding is that there are some differences of opinion among the members of the Security Council on how to deal with the situation in Myanmar, whether it poses a threat to the region. Therefore, while I leave it to members of the Security Council to decide among themselves, as the Secretary-General, at this time, first and foremost, I am focusing on delivering humanitarian assistance to minimize as much as possible the unnecessary sacrifices on the part of the Myanmar people. And we are there to help recover and overcome these difficulties.

Q: While you are making every effort to deal with the Myanmar issue, what acts will it take to cooperate with the Chinese Government to help the people in the earthquake region?

SG: The Chinese Government, in the past and now, has been playing a very constructive role in all the questions relating to Myanmar, including the human rights situation. Now it is time I have spoken to the Chinese authorities very closely, and they are very much fully on board, and they promised that they will do all in their power to help with United Nations humanitarian activities. And I appreciate that support and cooperation.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, based on your knowledge of the Myanmar leadership, through your constant discussion with Mr. [Ibrahim] Gambari, your discussions with them, their ambassador, your general worldview, what do you think is going on here? Is this just an isolated and suspicious regime, that just wants to cling to power? Why arent they more open? What is their motivation? What is their thought process, in your view?

SG: This is one of the poor countries, and it has been isolated. This is kind of some self-imposed isolation, unfortunately. They seem to be not fully confident in coming out to the international community. At this time of humanitarian crisis, the magnitude of this humanitarian crisis, is not the time when you are talking about politics. We are now talking only about saving human lives and how to stem the spread of diseases and how to keep humanitarian assistance flowing, as we have experienced in the case of the tsunami, which happened in Indonesia. We need to have constructive cooperation all throughout the international community. That is why publicly on many occasions, I have stated clearly that I will ensure that this will be a purely humanitarian operation, and we will be able to have an opportunity to discuss political issues or human rights issues. Thank you very much."

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE U.N. SYSTEM

BAN KI-MOON CHAIRS GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS TASK FORCE

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon remains very concerned about the sharp rise in the price of basic food commodities, which has affected millions of people and has the potential to affect millions more. While he recognizes this is essentially linked to the global demand for food exceeding supply, the drivers of the crisis are complex and the consequences are varied. Tackling this issue will require international leadership and coordination at the highest level.

To this end, the Secretary-General has just chaired the first meeting of the newly established High Level Task Force on the Global Food Crisis. This task force, which is coordinated by Under-Secretary-General John Holmes, supported by Assistant Secretary General David Nabarro as his Deputy Coordinator, brings together heads of many of the United Nations specialized agencies, Funds and Programmes, Bretton Woods Institutions and relevant parts of the UN Secretariat.

The primary aim of the Task Force is to promote a comprehensive and unified response to the global food price challenge in support of governments and affected populations. The focus of todays meeting was the development of a comprehensive framework for tackling the challenges posed by the food price crisis.

This strategy is expected to outline short and longer-term actions, such as food aid, social protection initiatives and agricultural boosts, which will help counter the negative consequences of the food crisis for the most affected. Today, the High Level Task Force agreed to present the elements of such a strategy at the High Level Conference on World Food Security in Rome on 3-5 June.

Meanwhile, members of the task force appeal to countries around the world to ensure that their policies, for example regarding exports of food, do not exacerbate the current structural rise in food prices and its consequences. In particular, they appeal to all countries to allow food supplies needed for humanitarian purposes, for example by the World Food Programme, to be provided without hindrance.

During the next few weeks, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Nabarro will be consulting with UN Member States as required. The Task Force will also be meeting on an ad-hoc basis as needed.

LEBANON: BAN KI-MOON STRONGLY CONDEMNS

THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR VIOLENCE

The Secretary-General strongly condemns those responsible for the violence in Lebanon over the last week and urges calm and restraint and an immediate stop to the violence. He calls on all parties to resume the national dialogue. Lebanon needs a political process which will result in the election of a President and a solution to the prolonged political crisis.

The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Lebanon, and other legitimate Lebanese institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Secretary-General firmly supports the initiative of the League of Arab States aimed at finding a solution.

The Secretary-General calls for the upholding of the independence, sovereignty and integrity of Lebanon and the implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions pertaining to Lebanon.

BAN KI-MOON SOUNDS ALARM ON VIOLENCE IN OUTSKIRTS OF KHARTOUM

The Secretary-General expresses his grave concern at the outbreak of fighting on the outskirts of Khartoum as a result of the reported attacks by Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) forces against the capital.

He strongly condemns the use of armed force and military means by JEM for the achievement of political ends and calls for an immediate cessation of fighting and a renewed commitment to a peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.

The Secretary-General expresses his anxiety at the effect they would have on the overall situation in Sudan, as well as on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Darfur Agreement, and at the possible effect on civilian lives and property of any escalation of these attacks.

FIRST UN AID CONVOY ARRIVES BY LAND IN YANGON

The first United Nations aid convoy by land arrived Monday afternoon in Yangon with over 20 tonnes of shelter supplies for immediate distribution to some 10,000 victims of the cyclone.

The two UNHCR trucks accompanied by a staffer brought in 4,600 plastic sheets and some 200 tents from the UN refugee agencys stockpiles for refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border. The supplies are being handed over to non-governmental organisations and Myanmars Disaster Management Committee, to be distributed immediately to affected areas on the outskirts of Yangon.

The land convoy is the second batch of emergency relief to arrive in Myanmar from UNHCRs stockpiles in the region. Last Saturday, a flight landed in Yangon carrying 4,500 plastic sheets, 17,000 blankets, over 1,500 kitchen sets and 75 mosquito nets from the refugee agencys stocks in Dubai.

Another two flights are expected to arrive from Dubai by mid-week with over 60 tonnes of shelter supplies.

Meanwhile, UNICEF is setting up child-friendly spaces in camps giving shelter to people affected by the cyclone, that offer care and protection for children and young people especially those who have lost or been separated from their families.

While the child-friendly spaces also serve as makeshift schools, UNICEF has also ordered large quantities of schools-in-a-backback, a mobile version of the school-in-a-box kit used in emergency situations around the world.

U.N. agencies including the UN Development Programme, UNICEF, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Food Programme, in coordination with the Myanmar Government, are continuing to mobilize resources across Myanmar to support relief and assessment efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

RECORD RICE HARVEST PREDICTED FOR 2008

Rice production in Asia, Africa, and Latin America is forecast to reach record levels in 2008, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. According to FAOs preliminary forecasts, world rice production could grow by 2.3 per cent to a total 666 million tons this year. More than 90 per cent of that production is expected to come from Asia, but Latin America and Africa are also expected to post strong gains. Production prospects for Australia, the United States and Europe, are negative.

The agency warns, however, that the cyclone disaster in Myanmar could worsen the global rice production outlook. FAO adds that world rice prices, which rose by 76 per cent between December 2007 and April 2008, may remain high in the short term because 2008 crops wont be harvested until the end of the year. Even then, rice prices are unlikely to return to last years levels, as producers have to pay much more for fertilizers, pesticides and fuel, FAO says.

INTER-SOMALI RECONCILIATION TALKS BEGIN IN DJIBOUTI

The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, said he is pleased that Somali leaders have put the well being of their country and the safety of their countrymen as their priority.

He was speaking after the opening ceremony for the talks between Somalia's Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, which is taking place at Le Palais du Peuple in Djibouti earlier today.

Ould-Abdallah said he was pleased by the encouragement and wide support he had received from the Somali Diaspora for the discussions between Somalis and he hoped they would continue to give their full support and backing to a peaceful settlement of the crisis.

SPECIAL EVENT MARKS ENTRY INTO FORCE OF DISABILITIES TREATY

This afternoon, in the General Assembly Hall, a special event is being held to commemorate the entry into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.

The Convention and its Optional Protocol, which came into force on 3 May 2008, is the first human right treaty of the 21st century. The Convention aims to promote, protect and ensure the equal rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons with disabilities worldwide.

In a statement to mark the occasion, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang today said that, using the framework of the Convention, we urgently need to secure the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development, and to develop effective policies and strategies to integrate their needs and concerns into the mainstream of all development processes.

For its part, UNICEF, along with the Victor Pineda Foundation and with the active participation and input from children with disabilities, has developed a child-friendly text for the Convention. The document, which is being launched today at the UN, aims to educate, empower and motivate all children, but particularly those with disabilities, to claim their rights and to actively participate in challenging discrimination as well as promoting the Convention.

PEACEBUILDING COMMISSION BEGINS VISIT TO BURUNDI: A delegation from the UN Peacebuilding Commission led by Ambassador Johan Lovald of Norway

arrived on Sunday in Bujumbura to further UN-Burundi cooperation in post-conflict reconstruction. Upon landing in the Burundian capital, Ambassador Lovald said that real progress in peacebuilding must mean an end to the political stalemate that exists in the Parliament. The International Community is eager to assist Burundi. For this to happen, the Burundians themselves must show the way, he noted, adding that his delegation would consult with the Government and all other stakeholders how to make progress together in all areas of concern.

SECURITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS SECURITY SECTOR REFORM: At 3:00 this afternoon, the Security Council will hold a formal meeting, followed by consultations, to discuss the Secretary-Generals recent report on security sector reform.

CLIMATE CHANGE BUSINESS SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN 2009: The UN Global Compact, the Copenhagen Climate Council, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change will convene a World Business Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen on 24-26 May 2009. The Summit aims to ensure that a new global policy framework on climate change takes into account the needs of the business community and provides the right incentives for cutting carbon emissions.

UNHCR TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS VOLUNTARY RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN: The UN Refugee Agency has temporarily suspended its voluntary return operation for Afghans through Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan, due to security considerations in the province of Nagarhar in eastern Afghanistan. UNHCR hopes to reopen its voluntary repatriation centre in Jalalabad shortly.

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