By Ramesh Jaura | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
BERLIN | NEW YORK (IDN) – While Europe and the United States are engrossed in a highly emotional debate and punitive military actions against perpetrators of terrorism – with President Francois Hollande declaring that “France is at war” – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s pronouncements reflect an approach characterised by robust reasoning.
UNITED NATIONS (IDN) – Since its inception, the United Nations has highlighted people-centred development. This is echoed in the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to leave no one behind. But how can this be achieved?
By Martin Plaut* and Mirjam van Reisen** | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
BRUSSELS (IDN) – The UN Security Council has concluded that the Eritrean regime remains a serious threat to peace in the Horn of Africa and the region as a whole. In a resolution adopted on October 23, the Council expressed concern at the evidence provided by UN experts who accused President Isaias Afewerki of organising “ongoing Eritrean support for certain regional armed groups.” The Security Council went on to re-affirm its arms embargo against the Eritrean government.
Behind these bland phrases lies a catalogue of evidence carefully assembled by experts of the UN Monitoring Group. They explain in graphic detail how the regime operates: It supports rebel movements in neighbouring Ethiopia and Djibouti, something that has been known for quite some time. What is new is that – cynically enough – Eritrea is now embroiled in the Yemeni civil war in return for the Saudi and UAE financial support.
By Somar Wijayadasa* | IDN-InDepthNews Viewpoint
“Enlightened Universe”, a monumental art installation by Spanish artist Cristóbal Gabarrón was unveiled on October 24 in Central Park in New York City in celebration of the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. UN Photo/Cia Pak
NEW YORK (IDN) – October 24 marked the 70th anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the Charter of the United Nations, an intergovernmental organisation, which was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, protect human rights, maintain international peace and security, and uphold international law.
By Ranjit Fernando | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
UNITED NATIONS (IDN) – The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is mandated to promote the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technologies, says the global nuclear landscape continues to change – amidst a rise in power plants worldwide.
By Fabíola Ortiz | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
NEW YORK (IDN) – The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is keen that member countries make Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) an integral part of their national policies so as to ensure that these are achieved by 2030. In an interview with IDN, he also stressed the need for the civil society to play a critical role in pushing forward this new set of global targets.
By Bhumika Muchhala* | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
GENEVA (TWN | IDN) – The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on principles to guide sovereign debt restructuring processes on September 10.
This landmark resolution was submitted to the General Assembly by South Africa (current chair of the Group of 77 and China developing countries). It was initiated by Argentina in the wake of the vulture funds lawsuit by an international hedge fund against the country.
The resolution yielded a ‘yes’ vote from 136 countries from Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. A ‘no’ vote was registered by 6 countries: the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and Israel. An ‘abstain’ vote, meaning that these countries abstained from voting either yes or no, was registered by 41 countries.
By Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka* | IDN-InDepthNews Viewpoint
NEW YORK (IDN) – Over the past two years, Boko Haram has grown in influence and spread across the West African region with specific impacts on the rights of women and girls. The 500th day anniversary of the kidnapping of the Chibok girls in Nigeria recently passed. Despite a global movement calling for their return, most remain missing, with more women and girls abducted by Boko Haram each week. Millions have been displaced as a result of Boko Haram violence.
In light of this ongoing and deepening insecurity, UN Women welcomes the release of the report this week by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on violations committed by Boko Haram.
We underline the call to affected States and the international community to place gender equality at the heart of interventions. This is the only sustainable, systemic way to prevent and respond to the spread of violent extremism. Empowered women and empowered communities are the best defense against radicalization and further violence. We must engender counter-terrorism.
By Friday Phiri | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
PEMBA, Southern Zambia (IDN) – Using a simple but viable 400 dollar irrigation technology derived from an unconventionally modified motorised machine powered by a 12 volt solar panel, Hosea Mwaana, a small-scale farmer of Sibbuyu Village in Pemba district, waters over one hectare of land.
By J R Nastranis | IDN-InDepthNews Analysis
NEW YORK (IDN) – Pope Francis – born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936 – has been noted in his home country “for his humility, his emphasis on God’s mercy, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to interfaith dialogue”. But in his wide-ranging address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, the Argentine pontiff has proved himself the sole world leader, unfettered by parochial interests of any sort whatsoever.
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