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UN Daily News
Monday, 18 January 2016

Issue DH/7075

In the headlines:
Yemen: Ban urges all sides to commit to ceasefire

International tourism hits record 1.2 billion in

Sharply deteriorating conditions in besieged areas

As Libyan parties delay naming unity government,

Sustainable energy can save millions of lives, Ban

Counter-terrorism measures threaten remittances

and resume UN-brokered talks to end fighting

of Syria, UN aid agencies report

tells summit in Abu Dhabi

UN envoy on Middle East peace condemns stabbing

attacks in Israeli settlements in West Bank

2015, UN reports

UN urges steps to end political divisions

sent to Somali diaspora UN rights experts

UN Security Council removes Iranian bank from

sanctions list

Funding shortfall threatens UN efforts to counter El

'Renewable energy is limitless and will last forever,'

UN announces that Peru will compensate woman in

Despite age of 'mega-crises,' UN chief says

Nio-exacerbated drought in southern Africa

historic human rights abortion case

says Ban at global debate

humanitarian finance gap is a 'solvable problem'

More stories inside

Yemen: Ban urges all sides to commit to ceasefire and resume

UN-brokered talks to end fighting
18 January - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the Government and all
parties in Yemen as well as States in the region to commit to a comprehensive and
permanent ceasefire to enable the rapid resumption of already delayed peace talks which
the United Nations is facilitating.

In some parts of Yemen, the conflict has

crippled the health system, making the
delivery of services and supplies
extremely challenging. Photo: WHO
Yemen

Meeting with Yemeni Vice-President and Prime Minister Khaled Mahfoudh Abdullah
Bahah in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is attending the World Future Energy
Summit, he reiterated his deep concern at the continuing conflict, mounting civilian
causalities and alarming humanitarian crisis, despite repeated calls from the international
community for an end to the hostilities.

In the face of ceasefire violations Mr. Ban's Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh
Ahmed adjourned peace talks in Switzerland in December to allow for bi-lateral in-country and regional consultations to
achieve a comprehensive ceasefire.
But the year-long conflict between various factions, which has already killed thousands of people, displaced 2.5 million and
imperiled the food security of 7.6 million, has continued unabated, pushing back the calendar.
Mr. Ban exchanged views with the Vice-President on how to renew the ceasefire and prepare for a new round of political
negotiations.

For information media not an official record

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18 January 2016

He also stressed the need for all sides to implement the confidence-building measures discussed in Switzerland last month,
including the release of prisoners, and full and unhindered humanitarian access, including to the central town of Taiz.

Sharply deteriorating conditions in besieged areas of Syria, UN

aid agencies report
18 January - United Nations humanitarian agencies expressed concern today that an
estimated 200,000 people are facing sharply deteriorating conditions in the besieged
western side of Deir-Ez-Zor city in Syria, while the top UN relief official stressed that the
world body continues to act impartially, neutrally and independently to reach people in
need throughout the country.

In Madaya, rural Damascus, Syrian Arab

Red Crescent volunteers offload
humanitarian emergency supplies. Photo:
UNICEF

Residents need immediate and urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly food, nutrition
and health supplies, and there are reports of severe cases of malnutrition and deaths due to
starvation, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

While Government stocks reportedly continue to provide bread in Deir-Ez-Zor, there are
very few supplies given limited humanitarian or commercial access to the area.
Approval has been secured for an emergency inter-agency United Nations airlift to deliver life-saving humanitarian
assistance to the area, noted Mr. Haq. However, fierce clashes in the vicinity of the military airport have prevented the
operation from proceeding, he added.
The UN is also reporting that its agencies, along with the International Committee of the Red Cross and Syrian Arab Red
Crescent, are on their way to take food, fuel and health supplies to Zabadani, while nutrition and health teams began
conducting field assessments in Madaya and Zabadani. This is the third humanitarian convoy delivering aid to Madaya,
Foah and Kafraya, and the first for Zabadani this month.
Meanwhile, in an open letter to Syrian civil society, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN
Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen OBrien, said he is angry and frustrated about the situation in besieged areas in
Syria and the terrifying toll it is having on its children, women and men.
He stressed that humanitarian staff work tirelessly every day to bring life-saving assistance to people affected by the
conflict, often at great cost, noting that more than 80 humanitarian workers have been killed and many others remain
missing.
The Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, his team, the United Nations and its partners have taken serious and repeated risks
to reach people in need, in some cases coming under direct fire from parties to the conflict or suffering the ultimate price,
selflessly serving others, Mr. OBrien stated. This has not and will not, however, deter them from their mission.
Underlining that he supports all initiatives that can bring the violence to an end and help the UN and its partners on the
ground reach people in need, Mr. OBrien said he can assure that the UN is neither too close to any party nor acting in
such a way to encourage the use of siege tactics.
It is our duty to act impartially, neutrally and independently, and to have contact with all parties to negotiate unimpeded
and safe access to those who are vulnerable and in need, regardless of how or why their need arises, he insisted.
But let me be clear, only a political solution for peace and the respect for international humanitarian law by all parties will
make the biggest difference for Syrians seeking assistance and for humanitarian organisations the ability to provide it, he
concluded.
Over 100,000 Syrians in Madaya, Biqin, Foah, Kafraya and Al Waer have recently received assistance, including food and
medicine.

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Sustainable energy can save millions of lives, Ban tells summit

in Abu Dhabi
18 January - Millions of lives can be saved by ensuring access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable and modern energy, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today
stressed at the World Future Energy Summit taking place in the United Arab Emirates.
Sustainable energy is the thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and our
efforts to combat climate change, Mr. Ban told industry leaders from around the world
attending the week-long conference in Abu Dhabi.
The Itaipu hydroelectric power plant is a
source of renewable clean energy,
providing around 17 per cent of the
energy consumed in Brazil and 75 per
cent of the energy used in Paraguay. UN
Photo/Evan Schneider

Highlighting last years landmark global agreements on the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs) and on climate change at COP21 in December, the UN chief noted that for
the first time, every country in the world pledged to act internationally and domestically to
address climate change.

The universality of these agreements, and their inclusive nature, mean that we have a clear way forward, he said. Now is
the time for action. Governments, the private sector, regional and international organizations, must start working to
implement the 17 ambitious Global Goals, he said.
One of these Goals SDG7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. He
explained that clean, sustainable energy will not only help safeguard the future of the planet keeping temperature rise
below the two degree Celsius goal it will also directly save an estimated 4.3 million lives every year. That is the estimated
number of people who die prematurely from pollution resulting from indoor cookstoves that use fire, coal, charcoal or
animal waste.
Most of these people are women and children, who spend their time near wood-burning stoves and open flames. It is
women and girls who bear the brunt of collecting firewood and fuels time-consuming activities which limit their work and
education opportunities, the UN chief warned.
He added that SDG7 is also at the heart of development, since more than one billion people in the world have no access to
electricity.
Achieving SDG7 well before 2030 will vastly improve our chances of achieving the Global Goals on food security, health
care, education, employment, sustainable cities and more, he declared. We have made a good start. There has been
remarkable progress on many fronts.
The Secretary-General noted that a new generation of energy-efficient appliances is giving people access to the lighting,
heating, communication and other tools that they need, while reminding all leaders and decision-makers at the Summit that
emissions must be cut drastically and counterproductive subsidies must end.
Governments and the private sector will need to align their decisions, he insisted. Every dollar of the trillions that will be
spent on new infrastructure in the next 15 years must be invested in climate-friendly projects that will drive the growth of
low-carbon goods and services.
Ending his remarks, he underlined the important role women play in seeking sustainable solutions. Women are often the
primary managers of energy in their households and communities and so can be powerful agents of change in the transition
to sustainable, clean, green energy.
Later in the day, the Secretary-General spoke at the launch of Abu Dhabi Action Day, saying how inspired he was by
presentations showcased at the Summit, especially those created by young people.

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I am so honoured and excited to see that all of you are part of a global push to do something even bigger than adopt a
global agreement on climate change namely to make it a reality.

UN envoy on Middle East peace condemns stabbing attacks in

Israeli settlements in West Bank
18 January - Strongly condemning the two stabbing attacks on two women, one of them
fatal, in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a senior United Nations envoy on
the Middle East today called upon Israeli and Palestinian authorities to ensure that the
perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
These tragic incidents only highlight the urgent need for all leaders to work together
against the spiral of violence and the targeting of civilians, UN Special Coordinator for the
Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov said in a statement.

Construction in the Israeli settlement of

Ariel in the West Bank. Photo: Annie
Slemrod/IRIN

The volatility of the current situation only serves the hate-filled agendas of extremists on
all sides. I encourage all parties to promote calm and refrain from inflammatory statements
and retaliatory actions," he added, voicing increasing alarm at the continued attacks in the occupied West Bank taking place
almost on a daily basis.
The stabbing attacks took place within the past 24 hours in the settlements of Otniel and Tekoa, resulting in the death of
Dafna Meir, a 39-year-old mother of six, and seriously injuring Michal Froman, a pregnant woman in her 30s.
Nothing justifies the murder of a mother in front of her own children, Mr. Mladenov said. My thoughts are with the
families and friends of all victims of violence.

Funding shortfall threatens UN efforts to counter El Nioexacerbated drought in southern Africa

18 January - With 14 million people facing hunger in southern Africa as the El Nio
weather pattern, the worst in over three decades, exacerbates drought, the United Nations
World Food Programme (WFP) warned today that it faces critical funding challenges in
scaling up food and cash-based aid.
The number of people without enough food could rise significantly over coming months as
the region moves deeper into the so-called lean season, the period before the April harvest
when food and cash stocks become increasingly depleted, WFP said in a news release.
Wildlife. UN Photo/E Darroch
Particularly vulnerable are smallholder farmers who account for most agricultural
production.
The cyclical El Nio pattern of devastating droughts on some regions and catastrophic floods in others that can affect tens of
millions of people around the globe, is already leading to even worse drought across southern Africa, affecting this year's
crops.
With little or no rain falling in many areas and the window for the planting of cereals closing fast or already closed in some
countries, the outlook is alarming.
Driving through southern Zambia, I saw fields of crops severely stressed from lack of water and met farmers who are
struggling to cope with a second season of erratic rains, WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin said at the end of a visit
to drought-prone southern Zambia.
Zambia is one of the biggest breadbaskets in the region and what's happening there gives serious cause for concern not only
for Zambia itself but all countries in the region.
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Worst affected by last year's poor rains are Malawi with 2.8 million people facing hunger, Madagascar with nearly 1.9
million, and Zimbabwe with 1.5 million and last year's harvest reduced by half compared to the previous year due to
massive crop failure.
In Lesotho, the Government has declared a drought emergency and some 650,000 people, a third of the population, do not
have enough food. As elsewhere, water is in extremely short supply for both crops and livestock. Also causing concern are
Angola, Mozambique and Swaziland.
Food prices across southern Africa have been rising due to reduced production and availability. The price of maize, the
staple for most of the region, is 73 per cent higher in Malawi than the three-year average for this time of year.
I'm particularly concerned that smallholders won't be able to harvest enough crops to feed their own families through the
year, let alone to sell what little they can in order to cover school fees and other household needs, Ms. Cousin said.
WFP is working with Governments, regional organizations and other partners on contingency, preparedness to secure food
supplies and protect people's livelihoods.
WFP assessment analysts estimate that more than 40 million rural and 9 million urban people in the region live in
geographic zones that are highly exposed to the fall-out from El Nio. South Africa, the major breadbasket of the region, has
indicated that this El Nio-induced drought is the worst the country has suffered in more than half a century.
One particularly worrying symptom of southern Africa's vulnerability to food and nutrition security is the alarming rate of
chronic malnutrition. Levels of stunting among children in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia are among the
worst in the world.
This affects children's physical growth, cognitive development, as well as their future health and productivity.

UN announces that Peru will compensate woman in historic

human rights abortion case
18 January - Nearly a decade after the UN Human Rights Committee agreed that a
Peruvian womans rights were violated for having been denied an abortion and
recommended that the Government compensate her the UN human rights office
announced today that Peru has said it will pay compensation for having refused her access
to a legal medical procedure.

Aerial view of Lima, the capital of Peru.

Photo: World Bank/Franz Mahr

In 2001, a 17-year-old Peruvian girl, named K.L., was 14 weeks pregnant when doctors at
the public hospital in Lima diagnosed the foetus with anencephaly. Anencephaly is a fatal
birth defect, where the foetus lacks most or all of the forebrain. Doctors told her that
continuing the pregnancy would put her life and health at risk. She was recommended to

have an abortion.
Abortion was legal in Peru for such reasons, but the hospital refused termination on the grounds that the State had not
provided clear regulations for providing the service. K.L. was forced to carry the pregnancy to full term and breast feed the
baby for the four days that it lived. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), it was a
decision that went on to have serious mental and physical consequences on her health.
In 2005, a complaint was filed with the UN Human Rights Committee, stating that by denying K.L. access to a legal medical
procedure her human rights were violated. The Committee agreed, and recommended that Peru pay compensation to K.L.
Now, nearly a decade later, the Peruvian Government has agreed to pay compensation.
When the Committee made its decision, it marked the first time that a UN human rights body held a government
accountable for failing to ensure access to legal abortion services. The Committee stated that Peru had violated the victims
rights under several articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) including the right to an
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effective remedy, prohibition on torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, right to private life and right of minors
to measures of protection.
Of course, it would have been better had she not had to wait a decade to obtain it, but the important thing is that the wrong
done to her has now been formally acknowledged, said Sir Nigel Rodley, a current committee member who was part of the
Committee that handed down the 2005 recommendation, in a news release.
Another committee chairman, Fabin Salvioli, said it is important for States to comply with decisions adopted by the
Committee. When a State complies with a ruling of the Committee, it is honouring its obligations and providing hope to the
rest of the victims involved in cases before the Committee, he said. States must comply with their human rights
obligations under the Covenant, because that would contribute to create fairer societies.
K.L.s case was brought to the Committee by the Centre for Reproductive Rights, the Latin American and Caribbean
Committee for the Defence of Womens Rights and the Counselling Centre for the Defence of Womens Rights. In a press
statement issued soon after the agreement by Peru in December, Centre for Reproductive Rights Chief Executive Officer
Nancy Northrup said that while the decision to compensate K.L. was important, more needs to be done regarding access to
reproductive health services.
Its time for Peru to clarify and implement its safe abortion guidelines and continue improving access to critical
reproductive health services for all women and girls, she stated.

International tourism hits record 1.2 billion in 2015, UN reports

18 January - International tourism grew by 4.4 per cent last year to a record 1.184 billion
as calculated by overnight visitors to international destinations, 50 million more than in
2014, and the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth, UN World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO) reported today.

Tourists on a ferry boat going across the

Nile River, Cairo, Egypt. Photo: World
Bank/Kim Eun Yeul

The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation
in many parts of the world. It is thus critical for countries to promote policies that foster the
continued growth of tourism, including travel facilitation, human resources development
and sustainability UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in a press release.

Results from the UNWTO Confidence Index remain largely positive for 2016, though at a
slightly lower level compared to the previous two years, with international tourist arrivals projected to grow by four per
cent. Such arrivals have now increased by four per cent or more every year since the post-crisis year of 2010.
By region, growth in 2016 is expected to be stronger in Asia and the Pacific and the Americas by four to five per cent,
followed by Europe with 3.5 to 4.5 per cent, and Africa and the Middle East with two to five per cent, though with a larger
degree of uncertainty and volatility for the latter two.
In 2015 Europe, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific all recorded around five per cent growth and the Middle East three
per cent. In Africa limited data available point to an estimated three per cent decrease, mostly due to weak results in North
Africa, which accounts for over one third of arrivals in the region.
Demand was strong overall, though with mixed results across individual destinations due to unusually strong exchange rate
fluctuations, the drop in oil prices and other commodities which increased disposable income in importing countries but
weakened demand in exporters, as well as increased safety and security concerns.
2015 results were influenced by exchange rates, oil prices and natural and manmade crises in many parts of the world, Mr.
Rifai said. As the current environment highlights in a particular manner the issues of safety and security, we should recall
that tourism development greatly depends upon our collective capacity to promote safe, secure and seamless travel.
In this respect, UNWTO urges governments to include tourism administrations in their national security planning,
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structures and procedures, not only to ensure that the sectors exposure to threats is minimized but also to maximize the
sectors ability to support security and facilitation, as seamless and safe travel can and should go hand in hand.
A few leading source markets have driven tourism expenditure in 2015 supported by a strong currency and economy. China,
with double-digit growth in expenditure every year since 2004, continues to lead global outbound travel, benefitting Asian
destinations such as Japan and Thailand, as well as the United States and various European destinations.
By contrast, expenditure from the previously very dynamic source markets of the Russia and Brazil declined significantly,
reflecting the economic constraints and the depreciation of their currencies against virtually all others.
As for the traditional advanced economy source markets, expenditure from the United States, , the worlds second largest
source market, at nine per cent growth, and the United Kingdom at six per cent was boosted by a strong currency and
rebounding economy.
Spending from Germany, Italy and Australia grew at a slower rate, all at two per cent, while demand from Canada and
France was rather weak.

As Libyan parties delay naming unity government, UN urges

steps to end political divisions
18 January - The United Nations in Libya has expressed regret over the decision of the
countrys Presidency Council to postpone the formation of a national unity government for
48 hours beyond the deadline set by a UN-facilitated political agreement, emphasizing that
all efforts to combat and eliminate these terrorist groups must be led by the Libyan State.

Signing of the Libyan Political Agreement

in Skhirat, Morocco, 17 December 2015.
Photo: UNSMIL

Libya is a critical juncture. Determination to start a new chapter must be accompanied by

immediate steps to end political divisiveness and address the numerous security,
humanitarian and economic challenges, the UN Support Mission (UNSMIL) said in a
statement issued late Sunday.

The formation of a Government of National Accord (GNA) enjoying the support of the
Libyans is but the first step, added the Mission.
The UN mission called on all relevant political and security stakeholders to hold Libyas national interests above all else.
No effort must be spared nor any opportunity missed to utilize the window of opportunity that Libya has to halt any further
expansion by terrorist groups represented in Daesh, Ansar Al-Sharia and Al-Qaida, the statement read.
The boldness with which terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), had launched their latest
string of attacks on key oil installations in Sidra, Ras Lanuf and Benghazi was a potent reminder of the need to forge a
united front to contain and eliminate the growing danger, said UNSMIL.
The GNA must lead the collective efforts of the army and its leaderships alongside other security institutions and their
leaderships, in the fight against terrorism. Likewise, it is vital that the GNA also avail itself of armed formations currently
engaged in the fight against Daesh and other terrorist groups, the statement continued.
UNSMIL underscored that to defeat the terrorist groups, the GNA must prioritize training, arming and equipping the army
and police institutions.
Only a collective effort by all patriotic Libyans will save Libya from the scourge of terrorism, exhorted the UN mission.
Leadership, courage and determination are now needed to send a strong and clear message to the Libyan people that Libya
has taken its first step towards peace, security and prosperity.
In cooperation with the international community, UNSMIL stands committed to working closely with the GNA to ensure
that the necessary support and assistance is provided to the legitimate Libyan authorities, including through a review of the
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current arms embargo on Libya.

The UN mission urged the Presidency Council to adhere to the new target date it had set itself and emphasised the need for
all concerned parties to respect LPA timelines.

Counter-terrorism measures threaten remittances sent to

Somali diaspora UN rights experts
18 January - Expressing concern over the impact on vital remittances from diaspora
countries into Somalia caused by necessary but less considered counter-terrorism
regulations, United Nations rights experts today warned the measures may severely affect
the human rights of Somali people, while urging regulation-setting governments to
guarantee the flow of such funds.

Billboards displaying advertisements for

international money transfer companies
seen in Mogadishu, capital of the Horn of
Africa nation Somalia. Photo: AU/UN
IST/Stuart Price

Remittances are an essential lifeline for Somalis and the closure of MTO [money transfer
operators] bank accounts risks further impoverishing an already desperate population, said
Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, stressing that a decrease in
remittances to Somalia may severely affect the human rights of people living in the
country.

Most money is used by families to cover basic household expenses, such as food, clothing, education, and medical care,
according to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The human rights to adequate food, to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and even the right to
life could be at stake, as remittances decrease, Mr. Alston warned.
Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the United States and other countries strengthened their anti-money
laundering and counter-terrorism regulations and their enforcement. While such actions are clearly necessary according to
the UN experts, their unintended consequence has led various commercial banks refuse to do business with Somali MTOs
because they are considered too high-risk.
The shutdown of those MTOs, which being the main measure for Somali diaspora to transfer money, has made sending
remittances from overseas more difficult.
The Somali expatriates that send money home and those who depend on them, should not have to suffer for the limited
number of cases in which remittances have ended up in the wrong hands, stressed Ben Emmerson, the UN Special
Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism.
While the head of UN Working Group on business and human rights, Dante Pesce, urged governments to ensure their laws
provide an environment conducive to business respect for human rights, the UN expert on the situation of human rights in
Somalia, Bahame Nyanduga, also appealed that the Government of Somalia, despite the constraints it faces, can also do
more to develop its banking system, including by more adequate monitoring and oversight of the Somali banking sector.
Mr. Nyanduga said all governments concerned have a duty to ensure that legitimate funds can continue to flow to the people
of Somalia, whose livelihoods stand to suffer if these remittances are curtailed.
Meanwhile, the UN rights experts have been in contact with the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom,
Australia and Somalia to raise their concerns and seek clarification about this situation.
Somalia has a large diaspora living abroad after decades of chaos and civil strife in the country. They are estimated to send
at least $1.2 billion remittances per year to relatives in Somalia, which represent at least one fifth of the countrys gross
domestic product (GDP) and are more than the total amount of foreign aid that Somalia receives.

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UN Security Council removes Iranian bank from sanctions list

17 January - The United Nations Security Council announced today that it has removed
Iranian Bank Sepah and its international subsidiary from a sanctions list, following
yesterday's announcement of a UN report confirming that Iran has completed necessary
preparatory steps to start the implementation of a plan of action aiming to resolve the
nuclear issue.

The Security Council votes on a

resolution. UN Photo/Amanda Voisard
(file).

The report was submitted to the 15-nation Security Council after UN International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors on the ground verified that Iran has carried out all
measures required under what is known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA) to enable Implementation Day to occur.

In July, Iran and a group of six countries China, France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom and United States reached
the JCPOA through resolution 2231 (2015), entrusting the IAEA with verifying and monitoring Iran's commitments.
The resolution noted that the JCPOA will terminate all provisions of previous UN Security Council resolutions on the
Iranian nuclear issue [] simultaneously with the IAEA-verified implementation of agreed nuclear-related measures by
Iran.
Bank Sepah had been under a Council-mandated asset freeze since 2007. It provides support for the Aerospace Industries
Organisation (AIO) and subordinates, including Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group (SHIG) and Shahid Bagheri Industrial
Group (SBIG).

'Renewable energy is limitless and will last forever,' says Ban

at global debate
17 January - Everyone involved in energygovernments, the private sector, investors and
financial institutions, cities, and people everywherehas understood that we can no longer
burn our way to global prosperity, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
declared today at a debate hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
and the Financial Times.

Credit: UNEP

We all know that renewable energy is limitless and will last forever, Mr. Ban said in the
United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi.

It offers us great security and peace of mind, he added. Costs have come down so quickly that it is now often the
cheapest option. And the more renewable energy facilities we build, the cheaper they will become.
The UN chief noted that since his last visit in 2012, enormous changes have occurredwith the springing up of solar panels
and wind turbines. He also highlighted the landmark agreements reach last year by the international community on the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on climate change.
Renewable energy is central to both, he stressed. It will help provide solutions to the climate challenge, and to poverty,
food security and many other challenges. Clean, renewable energy will act as a catalyst and a force-multiplier for the SDGs.
If we achieve it well before 2030, it will vastly improve our chances of achieving the other SDGs.
The Secretary-General urged leaders to maintain the momentum and redouble efforts on all their initiatives, insisting that
access to clean energy is essential to leave no one behind in the move to zero carbon emissions.
Events like this are vital to spread the word and spur other companies and institutions to examine their energy consumption
and take part in the transition, he said. One of the highlights in Paris [COP21] was the wave of announcements from the
private sector, investors and financial institutions, cities and governments on their commitments to renewables.

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Recalling that in 2011 he launched Sustainable Energy for All, as a global platform for all partners to come together across
issues of energy access, renewables and energy efficiency, Mr. Ban underlined that thousands of actors from all sectors and
regions of the world have stepped up to the challenge.

Despite age of 'mega-crises,' UN chief says humanitarian

finance gap is a 'solvable problem'
17 January - Highlighting that people around the world are living at an age of megacrises, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the launch of a
new report on finding solutions to the growing gap between the increasing numbers of
people in need of assistance and sufficient resources to provide relief.
Globally, the world is shattering records we would never wish to break, Mr. Ban told
reporters in Dubai at the release of the High-Level Panel report on Humanitarian Financing,
entitled Too important to fail addressing the humanitarian financing gap.
In Dubai, UN Secretary-General Ban KiWe are seeing all-time-high numbers for the amounts of money requested through
humanitarian appeals, the amounts raised from generous donors, and scale of the global
humanitarian funding gap, he continued. That is why, in May last year, I asked a high
level panel of eminent independent experts to urgently seek solutions to the funding gap.

moon speaks with reporters at the launch

of the High-Level Panel report on
Humanitarian Financing. 17 January
2016. UN Photo/Mark Garten

Earlier today, the UN chief met with the panellists to discuss their recommendations to tackle the estimated $15 billion
shortfall in funding. He underlined that since they began their work, the needs created by the demand for humanitarian aid
have continued to rise dramatically.
We are living in the age of the mega-crises, he stated. But, as this report clearly demonstrates, the gap in funding is a
solvable problem.
Noting that the report's title indicates that the global community simply cannot fail, the Secretary-General said the world
needs fresh thinking and the determination to take bold decisions.
I believe the panel has seized this opportunity and delivered, he stated, thanking them for the important contribution to
shaping the priorities for the World Humanitarian Summit, scheduled next May in Istanbul. In a few weeks I will publish
my report and vision for the future humanitarian agenda. I will build on the excellent report launched today to shape this
important thinking.
The report focuses on three areas to address the funding gap: shrinking the needs, growing the resource base for funding,
and improving efficiency through a Grand Bargain between key humanitarian partners.
To reach their conclusions, the panel conducted hundreds of interviews with all parts of the humanitarian ecosystem,
including meetings with affected people in ongoing crises.
Our starting point was the stark facts and figures: 125 million people in need; a record $25 billion a year going to aid them;
but, in spite of that, the needs continuing to outpace resources, explained the report's co-chairs, Kristalina Georgieva, VicePresident of the European Commission, and Sultan Nazrin Shah of Malaysia, in a press release.
A gap of $15 billion is a lot of money but in a world producing $78 trillion of GDP it should not be out of reach to find,
they added. Closing the gap would mean nobody having to die or live without dignity for lack of money and a victory for
humanity at a time when one is greatly needed.
The co-chairs noted their ambition for this report is to carry it forward, so that by the time of the Summit in Istanbul there
will be significant engagement by the global humanitarian system for making the necessary changes which will ensure that
the needs of vulnerable people can always be adequately met.

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18 January 2016

In phone call, Ban discusses challenges to regional peace and

security with Foreign Minister of Bahrain
16 January - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today held a phone
conversation with Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom
of Bahrain, to discuss the situation in the Persian Gulf region, including challenges to
regional peace and security.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right)

and Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al
Khalifa, Foreign Minister of Bahrain

He expressed the hope that countries of the region will take concrete steps to de-escalate
current tensions, noted a statement issued by Mr. Ban's Spokesperson. The SecretaryGeneral acknowledged steps taken by the Government of Bahrain to improve security and
the human rights situation.

According to the statement, the UN chief encouraged the Foreign Minister and the
Government to take further measures to foster peaceful political dialogue amongst all Bahrainis and to fully comply with the
Kingdom's international human rights obligations, including by upholding freedom of expression, assembly and other
fundamental freedoms.
Such measures will not only promote peace, security, reconciliation and prosperity in Bahrain, but will also contribute to
defusing tensions in the region, the statement added.

UN welcomes report on Iran completing required nuclear

measures, calling it 'significant milestone'
16 January - Following the release of a report confirming that Iran has completed
necessary preparatory steps to start the implementation of a plan of action aiming to resolve
the nuclear issue, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the achievement of
having reached Implementation Day, highlighting that he is heartened by the lifting of
sanctions on Iran.

International Atomic Energy Agency

(IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano
briefs the press following release of his
report on 16 January 2016, confirming
that Iran has completed necessary
preparatory steps to start the
implementation of a plan of action aiming
to resolve the nuclear issue. Photo:
IAEA/Dean Calma

This is a significant milestone that reflects the good faith effort by all parties to fulfil their
agreed commitments, said Mr. Ban in a statement issued by his Spokesperson.
The report was submitted to the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of
Governors and to the United Nations Security Council, after Agency inspectors on the
ground verified that Iran has carried out all measures required under what is known as the
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between the E3+3 and Iran.

In July, Iran and a group of six countries China, France, Germany, Russia, United
Kingdom and United States reached the JCPOA, entrusting the IAEA with verifying and monitoring Iran's commitments.
Under the plan, Iran pledged never under any circumstances to seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons, and the UN
Security Council is to consider ending sanctions imposed for its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) violations.
The Secretary-General commends the dedication and determination shown on all sides, the statement indicated. He
encourages the parties to continue to implement the JCPOA in the months and years ahead.
The UN chief further underlined that this achievement demonstrates that international proliferation concerns are best
addressed through dialogue and patient diplomacy.
The Secretary-General hopes the success of this agreement contributes to greater regional and international cooperation for
peace, security and stability in the region and beyond, the statement added.

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18 January 2016

Meanwhile, IAEA's Director General, Yukiya Amano, said Implementation Day paves the way to begin verifying and
monitoring Iran's nuclear-related commitments under the agreement.
Relations between Iran and the IAEA now enter a new phase, he said in a statement. It is an important day for the
international community. I congratulate all those who helped make it a reality, especially the group of countries known as
the E3/EU+3, Iran and the IAEA Board.
In line with its commitments, Iran will now start to provisionally implement the Additional Protocol to its Safeguards
Agreement with the IAEAwhich Mr. Amano said increases the Agency's ability to monitor nuclear activities in Iran and
to verify that they are peaceful.
We have come a long way since the IAEA first started considering the Iran nuclear issue in 2003, he noted. A lot of work
has gone into getting us here, and implementation of this agreement will require a similar effort. For our part, we are ready
to get on with the job.
Separately, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed reports today of the release of a number of Americans who had been
detained in Iran, including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, and of a number of Iranians held by the United States
following an agreement between the two Governments.
In a statement, he commended these recent moves to improve ties.

UN chief condemns 'heinous terrorist attacks' in Burkina Faso's

capital
16 January - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the
heinous terrorist attacks carried out yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital,
which resulted in more than 29 deaths and many other people wounded.
The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and
the people and Government of Burkina Faso, and wishes a speedy recovery to those
injured, Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN
Photo/Amanda Voisard (file)

The UN chief also reiterated the full support of the United Nations to the authorities of
Burkina Faso and said he stands in solidarity with the country and the region in its fight

against terrorism.
He calls on the authorities to do their utmost to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice promptly, the statement
concluded.
Meanwhile, the members of the Security Council condemned the attacks in the strongest terms indicating that Al
Mourabitoune, a terrorist group affiliated to Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, has claimed responsibility.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the
most serious threats to international peace and security, indicated a statement by the 15-member body.
They also underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of
terrorism to justice, and stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable.

UN News Centre www.un.org/news

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18 January 2016

West Africa: UN Security Council welcomes positive

developments, but concerned about political tensions
16 January - Welcoming positive political developments in West Africa, in particular the
holding of peaceful elections in Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Cte-d'Ivoire,
members of the UN Security Council stressed the importance of the upcoming elections in
Niger, Benin, Cabo Verde, Ghana and The Gambia to be free, fair, peaceful, inclusive and
credible.

Voting takes place in the first round of

the presidential election in Guinea on 11
October 2015. Photo: UNDP Guinea

In a statement issued following a briefing by the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for West Africa and Head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), Mohamed
Ibn Chambas, members of the 15-member body expressed their concern that political
tension may continue to erode governance in Guinea-Bissau and jeopardize achievements
in the country since the 2014 elections.

They called upon national leaders of Guinea-Bissau to work to sustain stability through substantive political dialogue in
order to prevent escalation of tensions or relapse into conflict, the statement indicated. They also encouraged them to
foster a climate conducive to national reconciliation, as well as democratic, social and economic reconstruction.
Reiterating their strong condemnation of the recurrent terrorist attacks carried out in the region, in particular in Mali and the
Sahel, as well as in the Lake Chad Basin regionnotably by Boko Harammembers of the Security Council stressed the
need to combat all forms of terrorism. In this regard, they expressed particular concern about the protection of civilians, the
main targets of these attacks.
They welcomed, in this regard, the regional and international efforts to mitigate the security, humanitarian and
development consequences of these attacks, the statement said. They reaffirmed that Member States must ensure that any
measures taken to counter terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international
human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law.
The Security Council also commended the efforts of the African Union and ECOWAS, as well as of Member States of the
Sahel, to strengthen border security and regional cooperation, and said they remain committed to working closely with them
and others to address cross-border security threats and prevent the spread of violent extremism and terrorism.
In addition, they expressed their concern about the trafficking of drugs and other illicit goods, as well as the smuggling of
migrants and human trafficking, stressing the need to strengthen the fight against criminal activities in the sub-region.
Welcoming the success achieved in the fight against Ebola and reiterating their concerns about the humanitarian, social and
economic consequences of this disease, the Security Council expressed its support and solidarity to affected countries and
called for the strengthening of the early warning mechanisms and resilience of national health systems.
They also called upon the international community to sustain support to the affected countries and encouraged all the
bilateral and multilateral partners to fulfill the commitments made during the Ebola recovery conferences held in Brussels,
Washington and New York.

The UN Daily News is prepared at UN Headquarters in New York by the News Services Section
of the News and Media Division, Department of Public Information (DPI)