Many of the nearly 90 Bangladeshi prisoners lodged in the jail, on the outskirts of Jammu, feel the skill will help them live a dignified life back home after their release.

Poverty is the main factor that drives them to infiltrate into India to either stay put or further cross over to Pakistan in search of work. But many get caught by police or the Border Security Force (BSF).

One such convict, Shamshul Alam, a resident of Chittagong in Bangladesh, told IANS that he belonged to a very poor family, “so I thought of crossing over to India to work as a labourer but police caught our group of 10″.

Alam, aged 25, says he along with nine others worked for a few days as labourers in Arnia village near here before police arrested them. “There are agents in Bangladesh who bring groups of people into India with the promise of getting us small jobs,” he told IANS.

“Bangladesh is a poor country and, on top of that, floods and cyclones spell havoc. This forces many like us to flee illegally,” says Jashimian of Dhaka who along with a group of 25 was arrested by the BSF while trying to cross over to Pakistan from the border near Jammu with the help of an agent. They were later convicted of illegal border crossing.

He says he has a big family, including parents, six brothers and two sisters, to support.

Now while they are in jail they are getting training in Kashmiri aari embroidery on crewal fabric.

“I learnt it in just two weeks, and thereafter I have embroidered a number of curtains, bedcovers, tablecloths and ladies’ suits,” Alam says proudly.

All of them realise that they have learnt a great art which can make earning a living easier.

Expressing gratitude to the jail authorities, another Bangladeshi, Mohammad Johail, says, “Our jail sentence has become a boon, as now we know Kashmiri embroidery which can help us earn our bread back home in Bangladesh. It is like taking a great gift of Kashmir to our country.”

Jashimian gets emotional as he remembers his home. “It is going to be a beautiful blend when we do world famous Kashmiri embroidery on the famous Dhaka cotton.”

Now all of them are much more confident about life. Mohammad Illiyas says, “We can start coaching classes for this embroidery, or can sell embroidered items when we go home… at least we are sure of earnings now.”

When asked what prompted the jail authorities to teach Bangladeshi inmates Kashmiri embroidery, Superintendent of Jammu district jail Rajni Sehgal said, “Our effort is that when these inmates are released they do not feel lost in the world. This is to make them learn an art that can help in earning and surviving and make them skilled workers.”

There are around 90 such Bangladeshi convicts in this jail in the age group of 20 to 30 years. The majority have completed their sentence and their counselling is also over. “We are checking their antecedents and they are now under preventive detention till repatriation,” she said.

About the training, Sehgal said, “Language was somewhat a problem between them and the teacher, but we overcame that in no time with love and affection.”

The Bangladeshi inmates, who have become very fond of Sehgal, say in chorus, “When we go home, we will do embroidery on Dhaka’s malmal (cotton) and bring that gift for our madam (jail superintendent). But this time we will come legally on passport.”

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His first stop will be Delhi, where he will have meetings with the senior political leadership to discuss current regional and international issues and matters of global concern.

The Secretary-General will also receive an honorary doctorate degree from Jamia Millia Islamia University.

He will then visit Mumbai, where he will meet with Prithviraj Chavan, Chief  Minister of Maharashtra, and meet with key business leaders committed to utilizing their expertise to promote the health of women and children.

The Secretary-General will also visit health facilities where he will have the opportunity to witness first-hand the progress being made in communities through his discussions with women, children and health workers.

The visit will conclude with an event hosted by Millennium Development Goals Advocates Mukesh Ambani and Ray Chambers, which will include the participation of representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, the creative community and the United Nations.

Full and productive employment must become a key objective of the international trading system if open markets are to translate into more and better jobs, said the Executive Director of the ILO’s Employment Sector, Mr. José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs in astatement delivered at the UNCTAD XIII Panel on Reflections on the international trading system and inclusive development.

When countries liberalize trade without introducing policies to cushion the impact on workers and companies, we have “destructive destruction”, he said. In other words, a climate in which some enterprises are forced to close down, investment dries out, research and upgrading declines, and jobs are lost.

Mr. Salazar was speaking at the XIII session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) that is underway in Doha from 21 to 26 April 2012.

Many of the successful examples of export growth are no simple stories of trade liberalization, but rather more complex multidimensional stories where several ingredients come into play, he said.

Countries can adopt a number of measures to improve the employment outcome of trade. First, they must pay more attention to promoting full and productive employment and productive capacities. Second, export and investment promotion policies must go hand in hand with industrial policies. Third, trade reforms have to be introduced gradually so that the labour markets have time to adapt.

“The lack of a positive employment impact is the main reason why trade liberalization has often translated into increased inequalities”, said the ILO’s Executive Director for Employment. “If we want to achieve a fairer and more inclusive globalization, then open trade and social protection should be considered as complementary policies”.

Investing in people and infrastructure is another very important element, especially when it comes to training workers and upgrading their skills. This last idea was highlighted in a separate statement addressed by the ILO Director-General Juan Somavia to the conference.

“Ensuring that enterprises find the skilled workforce they need and ensuring that workers find jobs that correspond to their skills is one of the most pressing issues to address in the current situation of high unemployment that particularly hits the young”, read the statement by Mr. Somavia. “Reducing this mismatch is crucial for enterprises and economies to grow and for the young to find jobs”.

Summary

 The UNDP India Annual Report for 2011 highlights results of UNDP’s partnership with the Government of India and other stakeholders across our five programme areas-poverty reduction and livelihoods, democratic, decentralized governance, environment and energy, disaster risk reduction, and HIV and development.

 As we reflect on 2011, it is clear that this has been an exciting year for the India Country Office. Across the country discussions have intensified on the nature and pace of economic growth, rising inequalities and approaches to securing sustainable development. UNDP India has engaged on several of these complex issues including the inclusive growth imperative, equitable and sustainable human development, low-carbon climate-resilient growth, south-south cooperation and new partnerships for change.

 UNDP India has been commended by national partners for its strategic and catalytic policy support to inform several of these discussions underway. Support to the formulation of the 12th Five-Year Plan focused on key areas of policy dialogue that can enable more inclusive and sustainable growth. These included – decentralized governance, gender and macroeconomics and disaster management.

 A consultation with the Planning Commission aimed to contribute to these debates on inclusive growth by arriving at a conceptual understanding of an inclusive growth framework that addresses the needs of people persistently excluded from the development process. A UNDP supported study computed a first-ever Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index for 19 Indian states highlighting how inequalities in income, education and health attainments are reducing human development gains.

 As an acknowledgement of UNDP’s flagship work on human development, a noteworthy achievement of 2011 has been the launch of a new collaboration with the Planning Commission that will focus on a fresh round of state level reports aimed at addressing inequality. Ahead of the UNFCCC in Durban, a UNDP and Ministry of Environment and Forests workshop brought together leading experts to share best practices and enabled a deeper understanding of climate technology needs and mechanisms critical to shape technology cooperation on climate change.

 UNDP’s strength in policy support is derived from strong partnerships on the ground and prototypes that provide innovative approaches for scale. For example, a women’s empowerment prototype in Eastern Uttar Pradesh in partnership with the IKEA Foundation is set to be scaled-up to four states, reaching out to over 2.2 million women and their families. The award winning UNDP-Global Environment Facility prototype with the Ministry of Steel has been able to encourage numerous small scale entrepreneurs across the country to adopt energy saving practices that result in a 30 percent reduction in energy costs in steel re-rolling processes, which account for over 50 percent of the steel produced in the country.

 As UNDP India works towards a new programming cycle (2013-2017), our planning process coincides with a critical juncture in India’s development and progress. India is a middle income country and is clearly a key player on the global stage. However, overcoming development challenges to ensure millions are able to partake of the country’s growth, remains a key concern as outlined in the Approach Paper to the 12th Five- Year Plan. The next UNDAF (2013-17) which has been signed with the Government of India aims to address these challenges. Based on the UNDAF and building on learnings from three Outcome Evaluations, UNDP has also responded with a strong and focused strategy outlined in the next Country Programme Document (2013-17). A stakeholder meeting in November last year endorsed UNDP’s core areas of focus – inclusive growth and poverty reduction, democratic decentralized governance, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction, and gender and inclusion.

 As we reflect on our achievements over the last year, it is also necessary to acknowledge the support of the Government of India, and in particular UNDP’s nodal partner in the Government, the Department of Economic Affairs. We thank the Government for outstanding partnership.

 2011 has been a year of committed partnerships where ideas, resources and skills from across India and the world have converged to support a range of exciting initiatives. Many thanks are also due to the dedication of partners from civil society, private sector and the donor community. These results would not have been possible without the commitment and hard work of our staff across the country.

 Despite these achievements we remain mindful of the challenging environment in which we function. Donor funds are shrinking in light of the financial crisis and UNDP is being challenged to provide evidence of its relevance through results. The UNDP Administrator has called for us to move from “good to great” and do more with less. UNDP in India has responded effectively to internal change processes by developing systems that will enable a more efficient, streamlined and resultsoriented Office in the years to come.

 UNDP in India remains dedicated to supporting India’s development priorities. 2011 has been an excellent year and we look forward to the year to come.

UNDP in India: Results from 2010

The UNDP India Annual Report for 2010 highlights results of UNDP’s partnership with the Government of India and other stakeholders across our five programme areas-poverty reduction, democratic governance, energy and environment, crisis prevention and recovery, and HIV and development.

Data on Key Economic and Human Development Indicators

		India Economic and Human Development Indicators
		India Gender and Social Exclusion Indicators
		India Millennium Development Goal Indicators
		Assam Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Bihar Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Chhattisgarh Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Jharkhand Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Madhya Pradesh Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Maharashtra Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Orissa Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Rajasthan Economic and Human Development Indicators
		Uttar Pradesh Economic and Human Development Indicators

Though the number of vessels hijacked has come down in 2011, piracy attempts have continued unabated in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. Government has deployed one Indian Naval Warship in the Gulf of Aden for anti piracy patrols since October, 2008 and more than 1956 ships have been escorted and 40 piracy attempts have been prevented.

While the international border clearly defines the territorial limits and sovereignty of a country over its territory, the maritime boundary delineates the limits of the maritime zones between the adjacent nations subject to internationally recognized rights of innocent passage and freedom upon the high seas, in accordance with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Assets, as required, are regularly deployed for surveillance close to the coast. Due to reports of rising incidents of piracy, surveillance has been increased in the Indian Ocean Region. Although there are arrangements for EEZ surveillance with Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, India has not concluded any treaty with any country for joint patrolling.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri A.K. Antony in written reply to Shri Uday Singh and others in Lok Sabha

Like most of his fellow young compatriots in occupied Tibet, Jamphel too had never seen the Dalai Lama nor lived under what China brands the “feudal” rule of the “Dalai clique” that was dethroned by Mao’s army 36 years before Jamphel was born.

Like his father, he too was educated and brought up on a daily overdose of Communist indoctrination which hopes to convert Tibetan and children of other 55 “national minorities” of China into “patriotic” citizens of the “great motherland”.

He too was told by his class teacher in school that the Dalai Lama was a “wolf in the robes of a monk” and hence deserved their hatred for being a “splitist” and the “worst enemy” of their Chinese motherland.

However, when he entered his teens and started becoming aware of his ethnic identity, he too began feeling suffocated and lost amidst a new flood of Han settlers (the majority community in China) in his traditionally Khampa Tibetan town of Tawu which was assimilated into neighbouring Sichuan province after Tibet lost its freedom.

Jamphel quietly crossed over to India in 2007 and was going through a computer course in Delhi on the day he decided to take the extreme step of immolating himself during an anti-China, anti-Hu Jintao Tibetan rally near the Indian parliament.

Hu is especially despised by Tibetan masses as the “Butcher of Lhasa”. As the governor of Tibet, Hu used army tanks and armoured vehicles to effectively crush the Tibetan uprising in Lhasa in 1989. Three months later, it was the same “Lhasa Model” that was used by his seniors in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to crush the Chinese youth’s uprising against the Communist system.

Jamphel was the 32nd in a chain of self immolations inside and outside Tibet in past one year. On Wednesday, he became the 18th among the confirmed Tibetan deaths. The fate of the other 13 is known only to Chinese authorities. Following Jamphel’s death, the government in New Delhi has, for obvious reasons, decided to further tighten measures to ensure a comfortable stay for Hu Jintao.

Hu will soon return to China and the stink raised by the immolation is most likely to melt away in the flood of other important news. But Jamphel’s moving inferno leaves behind some issues which may haunt a world community that expresses faith in democracy and civilised conduct.

Just a few issues to ponder over:

A long chain of self immolations by Tibetan youths, a majority of them monks and nuns, negates the oft repeated Chinese claims that everything is fine inside Tibet. Or that Tibetans love Chinese rule and despise the “feudal” Dalai Lama.

One burning and dying immolator after another shouting for “rangzen” (Tibetan freedom) and return of Dalai Lama to Tibet has exposed another face of Tibetan reality to the millions of YouTube watchers across the world as opposed to what Chinese government claims.

At least 32 cases of self immolation by Tibetan youths and not a single case of stabbing, shooting, bombing or hostage taking against their colonial masters underlines the Tibetan people’s deep faith in their leader Dalai Lama and his commitment to ‘ahimsa’ or Gandhian non-violence.

It also makes a laughing stock of Chinese leadership when they desperately try to paint Dalai Lama as Hitler and a Nazi collaborator of the US.

It establishes beyond doubt that resistance inside Tibet is alive and widespread even 61 years after the Chinese takeover and that the Dalai Lama is, perhaps, more popular that he was on the escape day to exile in 1959.

It also proves that the Communist indoctrination of six decades has failed to cool down the national aspirations of Tibetan masses. And that Tibetan masses today feel pushed to desperation.

Each of the 32 immolations occurred in the erstwhile Tibetan provinces of Kham and Amdo, now parts of Sichuan, Yunnan, Quinghai and Ganzu – this challenges Chinese assertion that these areas are not Tibet or that only Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is the “Real Tibet”.

In most events of these self immolations, the manner in which the Chinese PSB police and agents kicked the man on flames or the local Han bystanders pelted stones over the dying young Tibetan only reflects the deep divide between the Tibetan and the Chinese settlers in Tibetan areas.

In a world where a single self immolation by a Tunisian vegetable vendor can invoke world support and revolution in 15 countries, the absence of any reaction or measure on the part of the UN and governments towards an unending chain of immolations compel sceptics to think the real triggers of world sympathy lie somewhere else rather than in commitment to human and democratic values.

They might start wondering loudly if the world community has not arrived a stage where world opinion is more influenced by economic power of a single government than the collective moral power of the world at large.

And above all, Jamphel Yeshi has left the world community with a question: have we arrived at a stage where thousands of struggling communities across the world might lose faith in the efficacy of democratic and non-violent expression as a valid tool of conflict resolution?

Government of India has taken up the issue of such Universities with the U.S. Government to protect the interests of the Indian students. The Government has strongly conveyed to the U.S. agencies that the students, themselves a victim of fraud, should not be penalized and held responsible for the violations committed by the University. Government has requested that there should be no mass termination of visas of the affected students, so that they do not go out of status, and the affected students should be given adequate time for transfer to other Universities: or voluntarily return to India, without prejudice. The Embassy of India at Washington DC is keeping in touch with U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) to ensure that the pending transfer cases of the Indian TVU students are considered by the US authorities in a sympathetic manner. The Government has also requested the U.S. Government to take steps to prevent recurrence of such instances.

A few students who required consular services were immediately helped by the Embassy of India at Washington DC. Sessions of guidance by reputed attorneys were organized by the Embassy/Consulate for the students in Washington DC and San Francisco.

This information was given by Dr. D. Purandeswari , Minister of State for Human Resource Development in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha

We reaffirm our shared goals of nuclear disarmament, nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Committed to seeking a safer world for all, we also all share the objective of nuclear security. We recognize that the Nuclear Security Summit is a valuable process at the highest political level, supporting our joint call to secure all vulnerable nuclear material in four years. In this regard, we welcome the substantive progress being made on the political commitments of Participating States since the Washington Summit.

We stress the fundamental responsibility of States, consistent with their respective national and international obligations, to maintain effective security of all nuclear material, which includes nuclear materials used in nuclear weapons, and nuclear facilities under their control, and to prevent non-state actors from acquiring such materials and from obtaining information or technology required to use them for malicious purposes. We likewise recognize the fundamental responsibility of States to maintain effective security of other radioactive materials.

We reaffirm that measures to strengthen nuclear security will not hamper the rights of States to develop and utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Noting the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in facilitating international cooperation and supporting the efforts of States to fulfill their nuclear security responsibilities, we further stress the importance of regional and international cooperation, and encourage States to promote cooperation with and outreach activities to international partners.

Noting the Fukushima accident of March 2011 and the nexus between nuclear security and nuclear safety, we consider that sustained efforts are required to address the issues of nuclear safety and nuclear security in a coherent manner that will help ensure the safe and secure peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

We will continue to use the Washington Communiqué and Work Plan as a basis for our future work in advancing our nuclear security objectives. At this Seoul Summit, we agree that we will make every possible effort to achieve further progress in the following important areas.

Global Nuclear Security Architecture

1. We recognize the importance of multilateral instruments that address nuclear security, such as the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), as amended, and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). We therefore encourage the universal adherence to these Conventions. We urge states in a position to do so to accelerate their domestic approval of the 2005 Amendment to the CPPNM, seeking to bring the Amendment into force by 2014. We acknowledge the important role of the United Nations (UN) in promoting nuclear security, support the UN Security Council Resolutions 1540 and 1977 in strengthening global nuclear security, and welcome the extension of its mandate. We will strive to use the IAEA Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Rev.5) document and related Nuclear Security Series documents, and reflect them into national practice.

2. We recognize the contributions since the 2010 Summit of international initiatives and processes such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) and Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, within their respective mandates and memberships. We welcome the wider participation in the GICNT and the Global Partnership and value its extension beyond 2012. Noting the importance of strengthening coordination and complementarity among nuclear security activities, we welcome the proposal of the IAEA to organize an international conference in 2013. We welcome contributions from the industry, academia, institutes and civil society that promote nuclear security.

Role of the IAEA

3. We reaffirm the essential responsibility and central role of the IAEA in strengthening the international nuclear security framework, and recognize the value of the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2010-2013. We will work to ensure that the IAEA continues to have the appropriate structure, resources and expertise needed to support the implementation of nuclear security objectives. To this end, we encourage States in a position to do so and the nuclear industry to increase voluntary contributions to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund, as well as in-kind contributions. We also encourage continued IAEA activities to assist, upon request, national efforts to establish and enhance nuclear security infrastructure through its various support programs, and encourage States to make use of these IAEA resources.

Nuclear Materials

4. Recognizing that highly enriched uranium (HEU) and separated plutonium require special precautions, we reemphasize the importance of appropriately securing, accounting for and consolidating these materials. We also encourage States to consider the safe, secure and timely removal and disposition of nuclear materials from facilities no longer using them, as appropriate, and consistent with national security considerations and development objectives.

5. We recognize that the development, within the framework of the IAEA, of options for national policies on HEU management will advance nuclear security objectives. We encourage States to take measures to minimize the use of HEU, including through the conversion of reactors from highly enriched to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, where technically and economically feasible, taking into account the need for assured supplies of medical isotopes, and encourage States in a position to do so, by the end of 2013, to announce voluntary specific actions intended to minimize the use of HEU. We also encourage States to promote the use of LEU fuels and targets in commercial applications such as isotope production, and in this regard, welcome relevant international cooperation on high-density LEU fuel to support the conversion of research and test reactors.

Radioactive Sources

6. Taking into account that radioactive sources are widely used and can be vulnerable to malicious acts, we urge States to secure these materials, while bearing in mind their uses in industrial, medical, agricultural and research applications. To this end, we encourage States in a position to do so to continue to work towards the process of ratifying or acceding to the ICSANT; reflect into national practices relevant IAEA Nuclear Security Series documents, the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary document on the IAEA Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources; and establish national registers of high-activity radioactive sources where required. We also commit to work closely with the IAEA to encourage cooperation on advanced technologies and systems, share best practices on the management of radioactive sources, and provide technical assistance to States upon their request. In addition, we encourage continued national efforts and international cooperation to recover lost, missing or stolen sources and to maintain control over disused sources.

Nuclear Security and Safety

7. Acknowledging that safety measures and security measures have in common the aim of protecting human life and health and the environment, we affirm that nuclear security and nuclear safety measures should be designed, implemented and managed in nuclear facilities in a coherent and synergistic manner. We also affirm the need to maintain effective emergency preparedness, response and mitigation capabilities in a manner that addresses both nuclear security and nuclear safety. In this regard, we welcome the efforts of the IAEA to organize meetings to provide relevant recommendations on the interface between nuclear security and nuclear safety so that neither security nor safety is compromised. We also welcome the convening of the High Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security initiated by the UN Secretary-General, held in New York on 22 September 2011. Noting that the security of nuclear and other radioactive materials also includes spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, we encourage States to consider establishing appropriate plans for the management of these materials.

Transportation Security

8. We will continue efforts to enhance the security of nuclear and other radioactive materials while in domestic and international transport, and encourage States to share best practices and cooperate in acquiring the necessary technologies to this end. Recognizing the importance of a national layered defense against the loss or theft of nuclear and other radioactive materials, we encourage the establishment of effective national nuclear material inventory management and domestic tracking mechanisms, where required, that enable States to take appropriate measures to recover lost and stolen materials.

Combating Illicit Trafficking

9. We underscore the need to develop national capabilities to prevent, detect, respond to and prosecute illicit nuclear trafficking. In this regard, we encourage action-oriented coordination among national capacities to combat illicit trafficking, consistent with national laws and regulations. We will work to enhance technical capabilities in the field of national inspection and detection of nuclear and other radioactive materials at the borders. Noting that several countries have passed export control laws to regulate nuclear transfers, we encourage further utilization of legal, intelligence and financial tools to effectively prosecute offenses, as appropriate and consistent with national laws. In addition, we encourage States to participate in the IAEA Illicit Trafficking Database program and to provide necessary information relating to nuclear and other radioactive materials outside of regulatory control. We will work to strengthen cooperation among States and encourage them to share information, consistent with national regulations, on individuals involved in trafficking offenses of nuclear and other radioactive materials, including through INTERPOL’s Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Unit and the World Customs Organization.

Nuclear Forensics

10. We recognize that nuclear forensics can be an effective tool in determining the origin of detected nuclear and other radioactive materials and in providing evidence for the prosecution of acts of illicit trafficking and malicious uses. In this regard, we encourage States to work with one another, as well as with the IAEA, to develop and enhance nuclear forensics capabilities. In this regard, they may combine the skills of both traditional and nuclear forensics through the development of a common set of definitions and standards, undertake research and share information and best practices, as appropriate. We also underscore the importance of international cooperation both in technology and human resource development to advance nuclear forensics.

Nuclear Security Culture

11. Recognizing that investment in human capacity building is fundamental to promoting and sustaining a strong nuclear security culture, we encourage States to share best practices and build national capabilities, including through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. At the national level, we encourage all stakeholders, including the government, regulatory bodies, industry, academia, non-governmental organizations and the media, to fully commit to enhancing security culture and to maintain robust communication and coordination of activities. We also encourage States to promote human resource development through education and training. In this regard, we welcome the establishment of Centers of Excellence and other nuclear security training and support centers since the Washington Summit, and encourage the establishment of new centers. Furthermore, we welcome the effort by the IAEA to promote networking among such centers to share experience and lessons learned and to optimize available resources. We also note the holding of the Nuclear Industry Summit and the Nuclear Security Symposium on the eve of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.

Information Security

12. We recognize the importance of preventing non-state actors from obtaining information, technology or expertise required to acquire or use nuclear materials for malicious purposes, or to disrupt information technology based control systems at nuclear facilities. We therefore encourage States to: continue to develop and strengthen national and facility-level measures for the effective management of such information, including information on the procedures and protocols to protect nuclear materials and facilities; to support relevant capacity building projects; and to enhance cyber security measures concerning nuclear facilities, consistent with the IAEA General Conference Resolution on Nuclear Security(GC(55)/Res/10) and bearing in mind the International Telecommunication Union Resolution 174. We also encourage States to: promote a security culture that emphasizes the need to protect nuclear security related information; engage with scientific, industrial and academic communities in the pursuit of common solutions; and support the IAEA in producing and disseminating improved guidance on protecting information.

International Cooperation

13. We encourage all States to enhance their physical protection of and accounting system for nuclear materials, emergency preparedness and response capabilities and relevant legal and regulatory framework. In this context, we encourage the international community to increase international cooperation and to provide assistance, upon request, to countries in need on a bilateral, regional, and multilateral level, as appropriate. In particular, we welcome the intent by the IAEA to continue to lead efforts to assist States, upon request. We also reaffirm the need for various public diplomacy and outreach efforts to enhance public awareness of actions taken and capacities built to address threats to nuclear security, including the threat of nuclear terrorism.

We will continue to make voluntary and substantive efforts toward strengthening nuclear security and implementing political commitments made in this regard. We welcome the information on the progress made in the field of nuclear security since the Washington Summit provided by the participants at this Seoul Summit. The next Nuclear Security Summit will be held in [the Netherlands] in 2014.

The BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are injecting new resources, momentum and innovation into efforts to improve health in the world’s poorest countries, the report by Global Health Strategies Initiative (GHSI) says.

While all five countries have engaged in foreign assistance for decades, the report finds the size and scope of their efforts have grown rapidly along with their economies.

The report estimates that the average annual growth in the BRICS’ foreign assistance spending between 2005 and 2010 was more than ten times higher than that of the G7.

“BRICS is much more than a collective group of countries. The economic slowdown is reducing the influence of US and Europe. BRICS nations are filling the gap,” said Sachin Pilot, minister of state for communication and information and technology at the report’s launch.

“The world is looking to emerging economies like the BRICS for new resources and innovations to improve health in less-developed countries,” he added.

The report also describes important contributions by the BRICS to multilateral health initiatives including Brazil’s role in founding UNITAID and Russia’s role as a founding donor to the GAVI Alliance’s commitment on pneumococcal vaccines.

The report puts together successful public health models in the countries setting examples for other nations to follow.

“Brazil’s landmark 1996 commitment to provide universal access to effective HIV treatment significantly influenced global policies on access to medicines. China has been a leader on malaria treatment in Africa while South Africa is pioneering the introduction of new molecular diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB),” the report said.

While India is currently the largest producer of low-cost drugs and vaccines, each of the BRICS is investing heavily in science and technology, including health research and development. China has pledged to increase R&D expenditures from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2005 to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2020.

“The BRICS are increasingly focusing on health and development as part of their global assistance efforts and pioneering new the models of cooperation and collaboration,” said Anjali Nayyar, co-executive director of GHSi.

For further reading:

There are no plans to sign such pacts. Nevertheless, the security and surveillance apparatus for coastal defence has been enhanced over the years. Further, strengthening of the coastal security apparatus is an ongoing process considering the needs and changing security scenario as well as the threat perception.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri RudraMadhab Ray and Shri Pratap Singh Bajwa in Lok Sabha

No self-respecting nation can agree to what the US says. Why should India stop business deals with Iran simply because it does not suit the US scheme of things in West Asia. If the US interests are dear to Washington DC, so are India’s national interests to New Delhi. India needs Iranian oil to meet its fast-growing energy requirement. Of course, India also gets crude supplies from various other sources like Saudi Arabia, which are ready to provide more oil to India if the Iranian oil is not available. But it is not just a question of economic deals. Any decision against Iran to propitiate the US will impair Indo-Iranian relations considerably. India cannot afford this because it needs friendly ties with Tehran to protect its strategic interests in Afghanistan and Central Asia.  

For further reading:

It is in this situation, the latest report of ILO on `Global employment trends 2012 has been released. It is titled `Preventing a deeper jobs crisis’. That is accepting that there is a job crisis and trying to prevent a deeper one!

ILO on 31st October, 2011 had released a World of Work Report 2011, with the title `making markets work for jobs’. The latest report confirms the apprehensions of the earlier year in all the aspects of job creation.

Deterioration

The Global Trends for 2012, says that “after 3 years of continuous crisis conditions in global labour markets and against the prospect of a further deterioration of economic activity, there is a backlog of global unemployment of 200 million- an increase of 27 million since the start of the crisis.”

The report also notes that “more than 400 million new jobs will be needed over the next decade to avoid a further increase in unemployment”.

What will happen to this expectation is also put in black and white in the report. It says – “the outlook for global job creation has been worsening.

The baseline projection shows no change in the global unemployment rate between now and 2016 remaining at 6 per cent of global labour force. This would lead to an additional 3 million unemployed in 2012 or a total of 200 million rising to 206 million in 2016”.

The report further warns that if global growth falls to below 2 per cent global unemployment will rise more rapidly to 204 million in 2012 and to 209 million in 2013.

On the other hand, if the most unexpected happens, that is if there is a quick resolution of Euro debt crisis, global unemployment would be around 1 million less than the projected 200 million; in 2012. But the report itself says, that this would not be sufficient to significantly alter the trajectory of global unemploym

Bhim Singh, 65, and his wife Krishna, 63, opted for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) at the National Fertility Centre in Hisar, Haryana, and were blessed with a bonny boy Dec 12 last year, doctors announced Wednesday.

According to the doctors, many couples in their 60s, and even older, in Haryana are opting for the technology after losing their children to road accidents or other reasons.

“Krishna conceived with in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique at the centre in the second attempt. The first attempt was made in January 2010 and second one in May 2011. She became a proud mother of a son. Bhim Singh and Krishna had married in 1964,” the centre’s IVF specialist Anurag Bishnoi told reporters.

The couple had lost their son in 1995. They have written a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda asking him to take effective steps to check road accidents so that other parents do not lose their children.

“It is not Bhim Singh and Krishna alone who have opted for IVF technique for bearing a child after losing their young ones in fatal accidents. Other couples, having lost their children in fatal road accidents at an older age are also going in for IVF for bearing children to have descendants,” centre’s director M.R. Bishnoi told the media.

Rajo Devi became a proud mother of a girl child November 2008 at the ripe age of 70 years. She was also treated with IVF technology at the same centre.

“Rajo Devi, who delivered a baby girl few years ago, is now the brand ambassador of IVF in Haryana. Women folk in Haryana now insist on the scientific treatment of infertility rather than going to quacks,” Anurag Bishnoi pointed out.

He said that more people trust the IVF technology to have children as there was better success rate now compared to earlier times.

Countering the argument against older women going in for childbirth, Bishnoi said that the Constitution of India and other laws have not put any age bar on women to bear children.

He said that older couples were getting more courage to have children despite the mistaken belief that parents of such children would die early. “The social system in our country is such that the joint family can take care of children born to older couples even if they die in a few years. Most of the older parents here are from rural backgrounds where the joint family system is still prevalent,” he said.

Talking about the “high risks” involved in elderly pregnancies, Bishnoi said: “Risks are always calculated. There are risks involved even when we travel on road, by train or in air. But we still travel. Same are these cases. Risks are there but patients want to realize their dreams. Life is a battle. We may lose, but we must fight,” he said.

2 out of 3 Internet Users Accessed Online Banking Sites in the Netherlands
Online banking sites reached 66.3 percent of the total internet audience in the Netherlands, the highest penetration of all markets in Europe. In fact, the Netherlands was not only the top market in Europe but also amongst all global markets. France ranked second with 59.9 percent of the internet audience accessing sites such as Crédit Agricole and Société Générale. Swedish internet users were also avid online bankers (55.9 percent reach), placing the country third by online banking penetration in Europe.

*Amongst the 18 European markets that we report on individually

147.5 million European internet users visited online banking sites in December, representing 38.7 percent of the total internet audience. In addition to the Netherlands having the highest online banking penetration, Dutch bank ING Group ranked as the leading online banking property in Europe, attracting 11.2 million unique visitors during the month. Ranking as a close second was the online property for French bank Crédit Agricole with 10.7 million unique visitors. Lloyds Banking Group rounded up the top three with 9.4 million Europeans visitors during the month.

Fastest Growing Properties in Europe
The growth of Russian social network Fotostrana.ru which belongs to the Hamborner Holdings property, made it the fastest growing property (up 52 percent) from November to December, followed by software company Opera Software (up 36 percent). In terms of the most popular sites in Europe, Google Sites continued to rank first with 350.2 million unique visitors. Facebook, which ranked third in audience size with 258.1 million visitors, had the highest overall engagement at 93.3 billion minutes spent on the site in total. Interestingly, Vkontakte had the highest average user engagement at 7.9 hours per visitor during the month.

* Amongst the top 100 online properties

European Internet Usage by Country
Below is a snapshot of European internet usage in the 18 reportable markets for which comScore provides individual reporting. The Russian internet audience continued to be the largest audience by users in Europe with nearly 53.3 million users accessing the internet in December 2011. The UK continued to show the highest engagement, with users spending an average of 35.6 hours online during the month. Turkey overtook the Netherlands to rank second for engagement with users spending an average of 33.7 hours online during the month.

Q: Why is the presence of women in politics is so important?

A: I believe getting equal gender representation in mainstream politics is vital because the experience of women is important in coming up with ways to address the real-life concerns of every person. There is a slogan that I often quote: ‘One woman in politics is changed by politics. But more women in politics can change politics’. Our party, the SDP, incidentally has always been in favour of women and actually fought for women’s rights – including the woman’s right to vote – as far back as the 1890s, although it took another two decades to gain universal franchise. Women got the right to vote inGermanyin 1918. It is interesting to try and understand whyGermanywas one of the first countries inEuropeto give women the vote – and perhaps the revolutions of that period had something to do with it.

Q: What about your own political influences?

A: I, of course, having grown up in the 1960s, remember how the situation of women was greatly strengthened by the student movement of 1968. That movement may be associated with the names of many male leaders but there was also a strong women’s presence within it which is often glossed over. The women of that era were often extremely critical of their male colleagues. I remember one popular statement that did the rounds in those days: “Comrades of all countries, who washes your socks?” What this implied is that change needs to come, not just in the public sphere but in the private sphere.

Q: What were the various social triggers that brought women on to the streets?

A: I remember the huge struggle against the general law that forbade abortion. If German women needed an abortion in those days, they had to go either to theNetherlandsor theUK! The SDP recognised fairly early the importance of women’s autonomy within politics. In 1987, it came up with a quota formulation that laid down that there had to be at least 40 per cent representation of either gender in all party and parliamentary institutions. Now that particular clause has lapsed, but it has done its work of helping to make the party more gender equal. The party list system also incorporates the principle of equal representation of men and women.

Q: Would you say then that German women have come a long way?

A: There have, of course, been significant changes in terms of unequal laws. At one point, a German woman needed her husband’s permission to exercise her right to work! Not any more. So things have moved on but I believe one should never sit back and say, ‘Well we have accomplished what we set out to do and our struggle is done.’ There are still so many problems for women in contemporaryGermany. For instance, child care support is not freely available and not for the whole day. We need to make the system of child care not just women friendly, but family friendly. Currently, there is also a big struggle going on over equal wages for equal work. Women inGermanyfind themselves poorly paid and most of them are in part-time jobs. Their representation in the corporate sector is around a miserable three per cent, and there is a debate on whether there should be quotas for women in the corporate sector.

Q: As a minister did you try and help hasten the pace of change?

A: Certainly, I found that being in power could help. I started with my own ministry. When I came into the ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, there was only seven per cent women’s representation within it. By the time I demitted office, the figure had touched 37 per cent. So this can be done. We came up with different models of enabling the greater participation of women by adopting flexible working hours and putting in place child care support. I did this because I believed that any progress demanded the strong presence of women.

Q: How do you see the future?

A: There are huge transformation processes taking place at the global level and there are many aspects of this transformation – for instance, in patterns of life – that are just not sustainable. I believe that nuclear energy is not sustainable and that humankind’s common future depends on renewable energy. One of the things that I feel proud of having achieved as a minister was to be able to enter into partnerships with 20 countries to initiate the switch to renewables. This we did through motivation, counselling and financial support. What is really crying for change is our dominant pattern of urbanisation – everything, from the way food is produced to the manner people commute – is driven by this. I also believe that the fight against poverty the world over has to be combined with more environmentally conscious ways of living.

(© Women’s Feature Service)

]]> http://indiacurrentaffairs.org/germany-heidemarie-wieczorek-zuel-german-parliamentarian-feminist-and-change-maker-pamela-philipose/feed/ 0 http://indiacurrentaffairs.org/national-survey-reveals-libyans-would-prefer-one-man-rule-over-democracy-2/ http://indiacurrentaffairs.org/national-survey-reveals-libyans-would-prefer-one-man-rule-over-democracy-2/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:26:57 +0000 India Current Affairs http://indiacurrentaffairs.org/?p=111047 The first ever National Survey of Libya suggests that the population would still prefer one-man-rule over alternatives like democracy.

The publication of the survey of over 2,000 Libyan people coincides with the anniversary of the first protests triggered by rebel forces against Gaddafi, which ended after months of fighting when he was killed in October 2011. Despite the widespread hatred of the Gaddafi regime, this survey of public opinion reveals that in five years’ time 35 per cent would still like a strong leader or leaders for the country. Only 29 per cent of those surveyed said they would prefer to live in a democracy. However, 69 per cent of respondents also insisted that ordinary citizens should have a say in how the country should develop.

The face-to-face survey of a nationally representative sample of the population was conducted between December 2011 and January 2012 in a joint research project by the Institute of Human Sciences at the University of Oxford and Oxford Research International, a private research organisation, in association with the University of Benghazi. It finds that the Libyan population is largely optimistic about the future with up to 8 out of 10 people expecting improvements in their personal lives, economic circumstances and their country.

Despite this apparent optimism, 16 per cent of those surveyed said they were ready to resort to violence for political ends. This would mean that around 630,000 people were potential fighters, in addition to the 280,000 who previously took up arms.

There is already a plan for national elections being held in Libya with some suggesting they could take place as soon as June 2012. The survey suggests that most people in Libya distrust political parties with respondents giving them only 27 per cent of total trust. The most trusted institution was Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC), which received 81 per cent of total trust from respondents overall.

Put in a position to spend 100 million Dinars, most Libyans said they would put health at the top of their list of priorities, providing it with an average of 34 per cent of the total budget. Education would receive an average of 27 per cent of the total budget while, perhaps surprisingly, environmental improvements such as tree planting would be given an average eight per cent of the total budget, according to the survey.

Dr Andrew Gosler, from the Institute of Human Sciences at the University of Oxford, said: ‘The first National Survey holds many surprises for the world on what the Libyan people want following decades of autocratic rule under the Gaddafi regime. It reveals that there is a great deal of optimism amongst the population about the future of their country. When asked about their spending priorities, health and education came top as you might expect, but the Libyans also seem surprisingly ready to do more on the environment where there is universal concern across all political divides.’

Dr Christoph Sahm, Director of Oxford Research International, said: Although there appears to be a push for an early election, the population seems to be happy with the National Transitional Council overall. Perhaps more significantly the Libyan people have not yet developed trust towards political parties, preferring a return of one-man rule. Yet they have also resoundingly said they want a say in how their country is run, which suggests that Libyans who have had autocratic rule for decades lack the knowledge of how a democracy works and need more awareness of the alternatives to autocratic government.

‘Overall, this survey suggests we should feel optimistic about the future of Libya. However, this survey also reveals there is potential for future instability as a significant minority have indicated that they would be prepared to take up arms. There is also a lack of awareness about how democracies work and the Libyan people are currently being ill equipped to consider the alternatives to autocratic rule.’

John Guillet, a dance teacher of French or Catalonian origin, arrived in Cuba in July 1800 to work in a theatre under construction in an area where today stands the National Capitol, the seat of government in Cuba until after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and now home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences.

Guillet was the first to establish the rules for classic dance.

Two months later, in September, the first ballet show took place in Cuba. It was the “The Loggers”, a pantomime dance.

The author who says he can remain awake for three days, if necessary, to check over and over again a detail, walks with ease through the 360 pages of the book.

He writes about happy discoveries, like the premiere of the complete version of “Giselle” in 1849 in the former Tacon theatre in Havana.

Pompeii was buried under ash after a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.

The subtropical forest covers an area of 20 sq km and researchers have been able to reconstruct 1,000 sq meters of its trees and plants, said Wang Jun, head of the research team.

It is in good condition as the volcano erupted for only a few days, sparing the plants from too much force and preserving many of them the way they were, Wang said.

Researchers found trees still standing upright with leaves, branches and trunks intact in an ash layer dating back to 298 million years ago.

The group of scientists, including Hermann Pfefferkorn from the University of Pennsylvania, worked with a painter to reconstruct what the forest areas would have looked like.

“I now fully understand how things may be brought into a proper alignment and I am much more satisfied,” Nasheed told reporters in Male after talks with Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai Wednesday night.

“I am more than satisfied with India and I believe that Indians have (in mind) the best interest of Maldivian people,” said Nasheed, the country’s first democratically-elected president who resigned Feb 7 amid opposition protests and a police revolt.

Mathai, the second senior Indian diplomat to visit the Maldives after the dramatic transfer of power, held talks with key political figures, including Nasheed and his successor Mohamed Waheed Hassan.

In his discussions, Mathai is understood to have made a renewed push for a broad-based political reconciliation and offered India’s support in spurring this process.

“India has now taken a more realistic approach towards ground realities in the Maldives. Nasheed is now happy with India’s approach,” Ahmed Shaheed, Maldives’ foreign minister and a close aide of Nasheed, told IANS from Male.

Only a few days ago, Nasheed had voiced disappointment with India’s stand after New Delhi quickly recognized the new president, barely 24 hours after Nasheed resigned amid controversial circumstances.

Asked to explain what made Nasheed shift his stance on India, Shaheed said: “Nasheed always has had high regard for India. He was disappointed earlier but the talks with the foreign secretary were very helpful.”

According to Shaheed, India has come to accept that early elections, a demand of the Maldivian Democratic Party led by Nasheed, would help bring stability to the Maldives that depends on tourism for more than 60 percent of its GDP.

The international community is also veering towards this view, he said.

Shaheed said he expected elections to be held in two to six months.

“The elections are the only way to resolve this crisis as the present government lacks legitimacy,” he said.

“The new president has no popular support and his team has no authority. He is a puppet who is relying on his family members and remnants of the Maumoon Abdul Gayoom regime to stay in power,” said Shaheed.

“Everybody was fooled by the new president,” he said. “Now India and the international community is becoming more realistic.”

Mathai’s visit came as Nasheed rejected a police summons to record his statement on his order to arrest a senior judge that triggered a chain of events leading to his ouster Feb 7.

This is the second visit by a senior Indian diplomat to the Maldives.

M. Ganapthai, secretary (west) in the external affairs ministry, went as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s special envoy last week to meet key political figures to underline the need for a broad-based coalition government.

“I put 50-50 percent suspicion on the Iranian outfits and the Pakistani ISI-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or other outfits,” Ved Marwah, security expert and former governor of Jharkahnd, who was also the chief of Delhi Police, told IANS.

“In fact, it suits the ISI to have conducted such an attack as it could achieve two goals: to attack the Israelis – which will earn them appreciation from various jihadi outfits and Islamist fundamentalist groups all over the world – and also to create a wedge between India and Iran, which have good relations,” said Marwah, 79, who was also security advisor to the governor of Jammu and Kashmir during the peak of the militant violence in the 1990s.

Marwah recalled that LeT had attacked Israelis in India – when the Chabad House was attacked during the 26/11 Mumbai terror strike.

E.N. Rammohan, former chief of the Border Security Force (BSF), told IANS that he “had no doubt the attack was done by Iranians”.

“I see a lot of similarities in the attacks on Israelis in Delhi and the attack in Bangkok – in timing and type of attack. All needles of suspicion are on Iranians. But involvement of other outfits including ISI backed outfits and local actors like the Indian Mujahideen has also to be probed,” Rammohan, who was also a security advisor to the governor in the militancy-hit Manipur, said.

However, security expert Ajai Sahni feels that “it was too early to name any country or any outfit till we have concrete evidence”.

“No doubt it is a failure of our internal security administration and the incident will have external ramifications,” Sahni, executive director of New Delhi-based Institute for Conflict Management, told IANS.

Even if the attack is done by a foreigner, it can be a non-state actor or some radical element, he added.

Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief P.K. Hormis Tharakan feels “though the circumstantial suspicion is on the Iranian outfits”, one should pursue the probe on various angles.

“A Pakistani hand – direct or indirect – cannot be ruled out,” he told IANS over phone from Bangalore.

Tharakan said though a limpet bomb attack was new in India, attacks on Israelis were not. During the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Rabbi Gavrivel Holzberg, his wife Rivka and four other Jews were killed at the Mumbai Chabad House, he recalled.

Pakistan-trained militant Riazuddin Naser, who was arrested in Davangere district in Karnataka in January 2008, had told the police that they had plans to attack Jews in Goa and other tourist spots, Tharakan said.

Tal Yehoshua, 40, wife of an Israeli defence attache and three others were injured in the bomb attack on an Israeli embassy car on Aurangzeb Road here Feb 13.

An unidentified motorcyclist attached an improvised magnetic device to the car which exploded into flames within minutes.

While the Israeli envoy in New Delhi alleged that the attack was planned in Iran, the spokesperson of the Iranian foreign ministry had made the counter-allegation that Israel itself was behind the attack.

Many in the security circles have suspected the Shia militant organisation Hezbollah and Iran for the blast, as it occurred on the fourth anniversary of the killing of the Hezbollah deputy leader Imad Mughniyah.

Without mentioning any country or outfit, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had said that the attacker was a “very well trained person”.

The publication of the survey of over 2,000 Libyan people coincides with the anniversary of the first protests triggered by rebel forces against Gaddafi, which ended after months of fighting when he was killed in October 2011. Despite the widespread hatred of the Gaddafi regime, this survey of public opinion reveals that in five years’ time 35 per cent would still like a strong leader or leaders for the country. Only 29 per cent of those surveyed said they would prefer to live in a democracy. However, 69 per cent of respondents also insisted that ordinary citizens should have a say in how the country should develop.

The face-to-face survey of a nationally representative sample of the population was conducted between December 2011 and January 2012 in a joint research project by the Institute of Human Sciences at the University of Oxford and Oxford Research International, a private research organisation, in association with the University of Benghazi. It finds that the Libyan population is largely optimistic about the future with up to 8 out of 10 people expecting improvements in their personal lives, economic circumstances and their country.

Despite this apparent optimism, 16 per cent of those surveyed said they were ready to resort to violence for political ends. This would mean that around 630,000 people were potential fighters, in addition to the 280,000 who previously took up arms.

There is already a plan for national elections being held in Libya with some suggesting they could take place as soon as June 2012. The survey suggests that most people in Libya distrust political parties with respondents giving them only 27 per cent of total trust. The most trusted institution was Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC), which received 81 per cent of total trust from respondents overall.

Put in a position to spend 100 million Dinars, most Libyans said they would put health at the top of their list of priorities, providing it with an average of 34 per cent of the total budget. Education would receive an average of 27 per cent of the total budget while, perhaps surprisingly, environmental improvements such as tree planting would be given an average eight per cent of the total budget, according to the survey.

Dr Andrew Gosler, from the Institute of Human Sciences at the University of Oxford, said: ‘The first National Survey holds many surprises for the world on what the Libyan people want following decades of autocratic rule under the Gaddafi regime. It reveals that there is a great deal of optimism amongst the population about the future of their country. When asked about their spending priorities, health and education came top as you might expect, but the Libyans also seem surprisingly ready to do more on the environment where there is universal concern across all political divides.’

Dr Christoph Sahm, Director of Oxford Research International, said: Although there appears to be a push for an early election, the population seems to be happy with the National Transitional Council overall. Perhaps more significantly the Libyan people have not yet developed trust towards political parties, preferring a return of one-man rule. Yet they have also resoundingly said they want a say in how their country is run, which suggests that Libyans who have had autocratic rule for decades lack the knowledge of how a democracy works and need more awareness of the alternatives to autocratic government.

‘Overall, this survey suggests we should feel optimistic about the future of Libya. However, this survey also reveals there is potential for future instability as a significant minority have indicated that they would be prepared to take up arms. There is also a lack of awareness about how democracies work and the Libyan people are currently being ill equipped to consider the alternatives to autocratic rule.’

Through the app, users will encounter women from every corner of the globe and witness their fighting spirit in the face of human, political, and religious events. The app explores the stunning images of a bride at her wedding in Singapore, a woman whose daughter had just been saved from malaria, women minesweeping the fields of Cambodia, nuns in the convents in France, girl-soldiers in Mozambique, which are just a few of the hundreds of moving scenes composing this magnificent sociological study.

The app showcases the work of professional photographer Olivier Martel, who traveled to more than 75 countries to assemble these images. “Women of the World” is updated weekly with Visual Stories to provide insight into the lives of women from cultures spanning the globe.

Olivier Martel said: “These topics require a persistent but discrete approach, determination, and a lot of patience. This work is about giving women the opportunity to share their hopes or daily struggles, and give them their dignity in a photographic homage that takes the form of a search for beauty.”

This collaboration also highlights the World Bank’s #thinkEQUAL campaign that aims to increase awareness of progress and obstacles in gender equality around the globe.  Today, more girls  go to school and more women receive maternal healthcare than ever, yet only 15 percent of landowners and only one in five lawmakers are women..

“We hope these images inspire people to act,” said Jeni Klugman, the World Bank’s Director of Gender and Development. “Much has improved, but in many parts of the world, women’s rights and opportunities remain very constrained. This inequality is very unfair and it is bad economics. It hampers poverty reduction and limits development. The World Bank has major programs to support girls and women to become more educated, gain better access to health care, water, start businesses and access credit.  These are becoming an increasingly important aspect of our work around the world.”

About “Women of the World”

Women of the World  is packed with hundreds of professional, moving photos, social media sharing tools, powerful slideshows and wallpapers.

Additional features of the app include:

• A collection of hundreds of photos
• Visual stories, updated every week
• Complete navigation with smart tags, search and interactive maps
• Instant Slideshows
• Free Wallpapers for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
• Favorites to create your own personalized photo albums
• Photo sharing via email, Facebook and Twitter
• This app requires an Internet connection, WiFi recommended.

In this context the numbers emanating from thedeveloped countries are ominous. In the last quarter of 2011 the UK, Germany and France grew at close to zero percent (about 0.2 to 0.5%). Some estimates, in fact, indicate that UK output may in fact have shrunk in this period.

In any case, the lack of political will in the EU in solving the economic crisis does not bode well for future growth in this region. The only redeeming factors seem to be the close to 3% growth in the US in the last quarter of 2011 and positive growth of about 1.5% for Japan after a long period of decline in output. So, for the global economy, all eyes must remain on the US in the near future.

FOR FURTHER READING:

Cairo is tense and polarised. Egypt’s military is groping for solutions to the many political and economic problems that have beset the country since the fall of the old government. Various political parties and groups are united in their opposition to military rule despite being divided among themselves.

The Muslim Brotherhood, meanwhile, is trying to remain above the fray and out of the line of fire by making deals with the army. And despite the promise of parliamentary elections and the prospect of a new constitution, the situation remains highly unstable.

One could be forgiven for thinking this is a description of early 2012, but it is actually an account of early 1954, when Gamal Abdel Nasser and his military colleagues, known as the Free Officers, first consolidated their power in Egypt.

Indeed, if the Egyptian revolutionaries who have battled the police and military over the past few months closed their eyes tight enough, forgot about Al Jazeera, Facebook and Twitter, they might find themselves amid the throngs of students engaged in a pitched battle with security forces on the Qasr al-Nil bridge in late February 1954 as they made their way to the presidential palace demanding that Nasser turn Egypt over to civilian rule.

FOR FURTHER READING:

The book was launched on the sidelines of the Mumbai International Film Festival 2012.

Sharma said he chanced upon the project accidentally.

“I was a casual music lover, but a chance browsing of junk in a ‘kabadi’ (scrap) shop some 20 years ago turned me into a keen researcher. The book is a result of this research,” he said.

“Baajanama”, a book about the first decade of commercial recordings in India, was released by classical singers Pandit Rajan Mishra and Pandit Sajan Mishra.

It was in 1902 that the first recording of Indian music was made in the country by the Gramophone Company of India.

“The great sound expedition began with the recording of songs by Kolkata singers Shohsimukhi and Fanibala of Bengal Theatre,” Sharma said.

“Later, Gauhar Jaan recorded her voice in several languages. Most of the well known singers of that time were suspicious of all things foreign and white, and therefore did not oblige the recordists easily,” Sharma added.

Sharma said recorded music played a pioneering role in popularising music, as it made it available to a larger audience.

The book is an effort to document the social and political landscape of the Indian subcontinent after the First War of Independence from British rule and just before the Delhi Durbar in 1911.

“At another level, the volume tries to contextualise the history of Hindustani music at a very crucial juncture,” Sharma said.

“The major courts of north India had disintegrated and erstwhile court musicians were forced to become itinerant musicians who occasionally managed to find favour with smaller principalities and zamindaris. This phenomenon gave rise to a new trend of mixing of elements of gharanas,” he added.

USIBC President Ron Somers is leading the mission, which will explore ways for US and Indian companies to enhance collaboration in innovation and biotech research and development, according to the trade advocacy group with about 400 top US and Indian companies.

The high-level delegation will be comprised of USIBC member companies including Abbott Healthcare, Agilent Technology, Baxter Healthcare, GE Healthcare, Merck, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck, Covidien, Biogen, Riddhi IP, and Cannon Design, among others, a USIBC release said.

“India is rich with bright minds and unparalleled talent in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech sectors,” Somers said.

“USIBC companies are eager to invest in India’s economy, bringing with them technical expertise, investment tools, and research and development capabilities that will enable India to be the innovation nation of the 21st century.”

The USIBC mission will convene select meetings with key government officials in New Delhi and Bangalore.

The mission will participate in tours of medical, biotech, and pharmaceutical facilities in India, and take part in roundtable discussions on key policy issues with Indian stakeholders, including FICCI and CII.

In Bangalore, the delegation will meet the Chief Minister and other senior Karnataka government officials.

At least 1,45,000 people live jampacked in the area that houses the famed 16th-17th century Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, crowded into just over 2.6 square kilometres (258 hectares). Sunlight rarely filters through the web of narrow alleys covering the district, where pedestrians are forced to wade through piles of goods and hand-carts moving merchandise.

Of the 13 original gates to the walled city, only six remain, and most of those have been turned into shops, their architectural beauty lost and motifs peeled off.

Residents say it’s a health hazard, with ambulances and fire engines unable to access many of the 20,000 buildings in the walled city, where around half have been taken over as commercial premises, according to a government survey.

“People work around the system and flout the laws by paying bribes,” a local government official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that the area has been subjected to “decades” of such neglect.

“Corruption is rampant in Pakistan, as it is in the municipal department and other enforcement agencies,” the official said.

For further reading:

This report is a wake-up call to the both the movers and shakers on a global level to come up with productive ways to realign the expectations of an increasingly concerned global community. Expectedly, Davos, this week, will address the issues.

GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Also to be discussed is the Global Competitiveness Report broughtout by the WEF. Findings show that Switzerland tops the overall rankings. Singapore overtakes Sweden for second position. Northern and Western European countries dominate the top 10. Japan remains the second-ranked Asian economy at ninth place, despite falling three places since last year.

As for India, she ranks 56th in the assessment. India dropped five places and demonstrated only “slight changes in its competitiveness performance” since last year. Countries such as Tunisia (40), Malta (51), Sri Lanka (52), and Azerbaijan (55) are ahead of India!

For further reading:

A country that has seen three coups and has been under military rule for more than half of its history seems to have finally outgrown the age of martial law. This is despite the fact that the Pakistan army is obviously infuriated ever since a secret memo surfaced to suggest that president Asif Ali Zardari’s government sought the covert help of the US in cutting the military down to size in the days after Osama bin Laden was killed at Abbottabad. Since the eruption of ‘Memogate’, as it has been dubbed by the media, there has been a vitriolic and public exchange between the faujis and the Zardari regime, with prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani even audaciously questioning the legitimacy of a “State within a State”

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“Sunny Leone was earning her livelihood in the US in a manner acceptable in that country, though it is not acceptable in India. Hence, if she conducts herself in India in a manner which is socially acceptable in India and does not breach the social moral code in India, we should not treat her as a social outcast,” Katju said in a statement.

The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), an independent body instituted by the Indian Broadcasters Foundation (IBF), received complaints that Leone was promoting her personal pornography website with the help of her Indian reality TV performance.

The BCCC recently directed that Leone not to use the show to promote her pornography business.

Katju said that he had not been shown anything to suggest that she is indulging in pornography while in India.

Giving some examples, Katju said: “There is no saint without a past and no sinner without a future.”

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the peace agreements in El Salvador, delivered today by Anders Kompass, Director, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in San Salvador:

I am delighted to convey my congratulations to the people of El Salvador as we mark the twentieth anniversary of the historic Peace Agreements.

This is, first and foremost, a day to celebrate the spirit and determination of the people of El Salvador. �At a time when many could have lost hope, your society got actively involved in a courageous process to end the armed conflict. �In doing so, you irreversibly turned a painful page in the country�s history.�

This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the lessons we have learned, for democratic life in El Salvador and for the United Nations work on peace and security.� The United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) was unprecedented, as the Security Council requested that it adopt an integrated approach to peace consolidation. �It was the first time in the history of the United Nations that a peace operation received such a robust monitoring mandate, particularly on human rights.

For El Salvador, ONUSAL�s innovative mandate helped the parties to the conflict make progress in the critical area of institution-building, including the transformation of key state institutions, particularly the army, the police and human rights protection mechanisms.

For the United Nations, the ONUSAL model was key in helping our organization move away from traditional peacekeeping � which focused on monitoring cease-fires � and toward an integrated, multidimensional approach.

As we acknowledge the success of the peace process in El Salvador, we cannot forget that peace consolidation is a long process that requires addressing the root causes of the conflict. �Tangible peace dividends must materialize in citizens� daily lives. �Addressing socio-economic inequalities and advancing the reform of rule of law institutions in the face of citizen insecurity are among key challenges yet to be addressed at the national and regional level.

Twenty years after the signing of the Peace Agreements, El Salvador�s democratic transition remains an example and an inspiration for other peoples suffering from violent conflict around the world. �I am confident that El Salvador can now make further progress in addressing the above-mentioned challenges, thus becoming also an example in the consolidation of peace.

Through this agenda, the United Nations will continue to work with you to fully realize the country�s aspirations for peace and prosperity.

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NEW YORK, 13 January (Office of Legal Affairs) — Sri Asih Roza Nova of Indonesia has started the second phase of the Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe Memorial Fellowship on the Law of the Sea, at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs.

She started the second, practical phase of the Fellowship programme and her research paper on 13 January and will complete it on 9 March.  During the first phase, she spent four months at the Centre for International Law of the National University of Singapore, where she conducted research on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing under the supervision of Professor Robert Beckman.

Ms. Roza Nova is the twenty-fourth recipient of the Fellowship, which is intended primarily to advance the proficiency and capability of Government officials, research fellows or academics from developing countries who are involved in the law of the sea or ocean affairs.  It has gained wide acclaim for its academic contribution to the overall understanding and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The award was made by Patricia O’Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, on the basis of a recommendation by a high-level advisory panel.  This year’s panel comprised the following: Jorge Argüello, Permanent Representative of Argentina; Isabelle Picco, Permanent Representative of Monaco (Chairperson); Mohammed Loulichki, Permanent Representative of Morocco; Wilfred I. Emvula, Permanent Representative of Namibia; Sanja Štiglic, Permanent Representative of Slovenia; Juan Pablo de Laiglesia, Permanent Representative of Spain; and Palitha T.B. Kohona, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka.

Prized for the academic opportunity and practical experience it provides to participants, the Fellowship involves a course of study at a participating institution and a period of practical training at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea in the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.

The Fellowship was established in 1981 in memory of Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe, first President of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which began its work in 1973, adopted the Convention in April 1982, opening it for signature in December the same year.   The Convention now has 162 parties, including the European Union, and is generally regarded as “the constitution of the oceans”, regulating international legal norms for all matters relating to the governance, uses and protection of the oceans and seas.

Part of the capacity-building programme of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, the Fellowship is also part of the overall Office of Legal Affairs programme of teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law.  Despite its clear benefits and widespread recognition and appreciation, however, only one Fellowship could be awarded in a year due to lack of funds.

In its resolution 66/231, the General Assembly called again this year on Member States and interested organizations, foundations and individuals to continue to make voluntary contributions towards the financing of the Fellowship so as to ensure that it is awarded annually.  In the past year, the Governments of Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ireland, Finland, Monaco and Slovenia have made financial contributions to the Fellowship fund.  Also in the past, individual States have made special contributions to finance the award of special Fellowships at designated universities or institutions.

Previous Fellows have come from nearly all regions of the world, including Argentina, Barbados, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Samoa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam and countries of the former Yugoslavia.  They have devoted their study and training period to various topics, such as maritime delimitation; methods for determining the outer limits of the continental shelf; maritime transport of hazardous materials; marine scientific research; the marine environment; crimes at sea; settlement of disputes; and the legal regime of genetic resources in areas of the deep seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.

Seventeen world-renowned universities and institutes participating in the Fellowship programme all waive their usual tuition fees to allow the Fellows to carry out their research/study at the institution or university of their choice.  Participating institutions are the Centre for Oceans Law and Policy, University of Virginia, United States; Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of International Studies, University of Chile, Santiago; Institute of Maritime Law, University of Southampton, United Kingdom; Marine Policy Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts, United States; Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law, Heidelberg, Germany; Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea, University of Utrecht; Research Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Rhodes Academy of Ocean Law and Policy, Greece; School of Law, University of Georgia, United States; School of Law, University of Miami, United States; School of Law, University of Washington, United States; William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii, United States; Gerard J. Mangone Center for Marine Policy, University of Delaware, United States; and the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore.

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Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s remarks to the World Future Energy Summit opening, in Abu Dhabi, 16 January:

Energy is central to everything we do � from powering our economies to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, from combating climate change to underpinning global security.� It is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity and preserving the environment.

I understand the power of energy first-hand.� It transformed my life, my own life, when I was a young boy in post-war Korea.� A simple light bulb illuminated a whole new world of opportunity for me, enabling me to study day and night.� This memory has stayed with me such a long time, throughout my life. �I want the same opportunity for all young boys and girls around the world.

Widespread energy poverty still condemns billions to darkness, to ill-health, to missed opportunities for education and prosperity.� That is why I say, energy poverty must end.� Development is not possible without energy.� It is neither just nor sustainable that one person in five lacks access to modern electricity.� It is not acceptable that 3 billion people � 3 billion people � have to rely on wood, coal, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and heating.

We need to turn on the lights for all households.� To do that, we need to scale up successful examples of clean energy and energy-efficient technologies.� We need innovation that can spread throughout the developing world � where energy demand is growing fastest.� We need partnerships with the private sector, which are the global engine of growth and the primary source of new investments. �And we need visionary leadership from you � all of you � from Governments, from the private sector, from investors and from civil society.

When access to energy services is combined with strategies that enhance incomes, and that strengthen public infrastructure, we can expect substantial and rapid progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals.� But, ending energy poverty is only one half of the energy equation.� Sustainable development needs sustainable energy.

Our planet is overheating.� We need to turn down this global thermostat.� The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, tells us, unequivocally, that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to half by 2050 to keep global temperature rise to below 2� C since preindustrial times.� According to the International Energy Agency, we are nearing the �point of no return�.� At Durban last month, countries agreed on a timetable for a binding accord in which all nations would pledge to reduce emissions.

But we cannot postpone action on sustainable energy while the negotiations continue.� Nor can we continue to allow energy poverty, this way, to jeopardize progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.� That is why I established my Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. �It brings all key stakeholders to the table. �It seeks to generate the action we need now.

I have established three objectives to reach by 2030:� ensuring universal access to modern energy services to all the people around the world; doubling the rate in improvement of energy efficiency; and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.� These objectives � described in my Vision Statement released last November � are ambitious but achievable. �They are fully complementary.� I have appointed a High-level Group from business, finance, Government and civil society to spearhead action on the initiative.� Our host, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, brings great energy of his own to this effort.� I encourage you to engage with the Group.� Bring us your best ideas and boldest commitments.

The Group has created a framework for a robust Action Agenda that we will develop in consultation with all relevant stakeholders in time for the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development. �It proposes national and international action to expand energy access, promote efficiency standards and policies, and strengthen investment in renewables.� We will launch a formidable coalition of interests with clear commitments in Rio.

Rio is our generational opportunity to create the future we want.� But Rio is not the end.� It is but the beginning of a multi-year mission to achieve Sustainable Energy for All.� I urge you all to contribute.� We are here to build a new energy future, a future that harnesses the power of technology and innovation in the service of people and the planet.

Sustainable energy for all is within our reach.� For those who may doubt, I say look no further than the phenomenal spread of mobile phone technology.� It has touched every corner of the world and empowered billions of people � a direct result of innovation, investment and government support.� We can create a similar paradigm with sustainable energy.

I am personally committed to sustainable energy for all, and to mobilizing the entire United Nations system behind it. �But we cannot do it alone. �We need your partnership, your support, your commitment, your leadership and your action.� Together, we can create a cleaner, safer, more prosperous world for all. �I thank you very much for your leadership and commitment. �Thank you.

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Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message to the fifteenth ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), read by Abou Moussa, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, in N�Djamena, 15 January:

On the occasion of the fifteenth ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), I would first of all like to commend the Government and the Chadian people for having accepted to host this important meeting, and for the generous hospitality extended to its participants.� I also commend the States members of ECCAS for the significant achievements accomplished in the areas of regional integration and the strengthening of cooperation for peace, security and stability in the subregion.

The Central African subregion has experienced several armed conflicts which seriously destabilized a number of States, and affected their peoples deeply.� These conflicts compromised the core elements of economic growth, and held back progress towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

Thanks to the political will of the Governments of the subregion, and the general support of the organizations and institutions from the international community, Central Africa is steadily emerging from this period of turbulence, and embarking on a new phase of reconstruction and the consolidation of peace.

The current trend is encouraging, because a decrease in conflict means more resources devoted to constructive investments, and more opportunities for economic and social development.�

The United Nations stood with the Governments and people of Central Africa during the past difficult years, and the United Nations will continue to support the States and peoples of the subregion in their efforts to permanently break away from the cycle of violence and enter a new era of peace and security.

While pleased with the positive trends in conflict resolution, the restoration and the consolidation of peace, I am also concerned by the growing incidences of non-military threats to peace and security in Central Africa.

Maritime insecurity and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the challenges which rebellious groups pose for state authority, drug trafficking, human trafficking, in particular of children, the proliferation of light weapons and insecurity along the major roadways linking the countries of the subregion constitute, among others, the new threats which could potentially set back the significant progress achieved by the subregion towards a better future in peace, security and development, in order to improve the quality of life of states and the peoples of the Central African subregion.

I note, with appreciation, that ECCAS and its member States are conscious of this emerging situation. �There is profound thinking within the subregion on how to collectively respond to this situation. �Pertinent preventive diplomacy institutions are being established, and relevant mechanisms are being strengthened at the level of States, and at the subregional level.

The inclusion of consideration of these new threats on the agenda of the fifteenth ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Governments testifies to the fact that the political authorities of ECCAS at highest levels are seized with these threats.

These threats require regional and cross-border responses as well. �The need for regional and cross-border responses raises the new challenge of coordination of our efforts.

The mission of United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), which was established with a mandate from the Security Council, at the request of the States of the subregion, is to work closely with member States and institutions of the subregion to respond to the peace and security initiatives in Central Africa. �I seize this opportunity to thank the leaders of the subregions for the reception accorded UNOCA, and for my Special Representative for Central Africa.

UNOCA is a preventive diplomacy framework at the service of Central Africa.� I am confident you will make good use of the Office, and that together, Central Africa, ECCAS and with the partners, in particular the United Nations, we will continue to strengthen the significant progress made for effective regional integration for lasting peace and security in the subregion.

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Security Council

6703^rd Meeting (AM)

In Briefing, Drought, Piracy Flagged

As Emerging Threats amid Persistence of Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime

The situation in West Africa had taken a turn �in the right direction�, the Secretary-General�s Special Representative in the subregion told the Security Council today, noting that a cessation of �open conflict� and tensions tied to institutional political unrest had, in some countries, resulted in credible elections.

However, the situation �calls for us to remain wary as progress remains tenuous�, Said Djinnit,Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), said as he presented the Secretary-General�s eighth report on the activities of the Office � entrusted since 2002 with enhancing the Organization�s contributions to peace and security in the subregion � from 1 July to 31 December 2011.

Countries in the subregion remained vulnerable, which could jeopardize peacebuilding, democracy and stability, he said.� There had been worrisome developments that could come to the fore, as in Nigeria, which had been a regional linchpin, contributing much to peace and security.� At the same time, the successful conclusion of political dialogue and national reconciliation in Togo, Guinea and C�te d�Ivoire would be decisive in ensuring that progress in the subregion would be lasting.� Encouraging dialogue among the stakeholders in Guinea, he said it was crucial for the protagonists, including the opposition, to demonstrate flexibility so as to reach agreement swiftly on the holding legislative elections.

Mr. Djinnit said that while West Africa had been spared conflict and crises during the reporting period, it had been compelled to tackle the re-emergence of �transport� threats, such as piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.� The Secretary-General had sent an inter-agency mission to the area in December 2011, in order to determine the scope of that threat and the action needed to tackle it, he said, stressing the imperative need to strengthen cooperation in the subregion and among different national institutions.

The humanitarian and security consequences of the Libyan crisis remained of �great concern� as the conflict had aggravated West Africa�s chronic instability, particularly in the Sahel, he said, recalling that in during a visit in October 2011, he had underscored that countries in the subregion were already facing significant challenges, particularly cyclical drought, food insecurity, unemployment and insecurity in the north.� Today, they were bearing new socio-economic burdens flowing from the Libyan crisis, and it was to be hoped that the United Nations would provide additional support in terms of reintegrating returnees.

He emphasized, however, that efforts to shore up subregional security could be useless �if the scourge of drug trafficking and organized crime� undermined State institutions and fragile societies, a situation that must be addressed �with determination and consistency�.� Increased political mobilization and wholehearted cooperation in originating, transit and destination countries was �absolutely necessary�, he stressed, adding that the United Nations remained committed to providing an effective response, alongside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and subregional countries.

Instability flowing from elections was another principal challenge, he said, calling for associated risks and political consequences to be given priority.� Building on recent successes, UNOWA would organize � in close cooperation with ECOWAS, the United Nations and others in the subregion � conferences on cross-cutting themes so as to draw optimally on good practices, he said, expressing hope that they would foster efforts towards peacebuilding, democracy and conflict prevention, while building synergies among the on-the-ground work of different players, including political ones.

In the coming months, he said in closing, the Office would mobilize the United Nations system and shore up partners in the subregion as well as regional organizations, including ECOWAS, the Mano River Union, the African Union and civil society, so as to solidify progress and prevent conflicts, which otherwise would undermine the subregion�s decisive steps towards peace, democracy and development.

The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 10:25 a.m.

Background

The United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) was the subject of a report of the Secretary-General (document S/2011/811) before the Council today.� Dated 30 December and covering the period 1 July to 31 December 2011, it provides an overview of national, cross-cutting and cross-border developments in the subregion and outlines the activities undertaken by the Office in preventive diplomacy and awareness-raising with regard to emerging threats and challenges to regional peace and stability.� It also details UNOWA�s efforts to promote subregional synergies in cooperation with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union.

According to the report, there was a decline in open conflict during the reporting period, despite the fragile security situation in several West African countries.� Still, the subregion �faces an increase in cross-cutting and cross-border challenges, which could, if left unaddressed, undermine regional stability and ultimately reverse the peace consolidation gains made over the past few years�.� Meanwhile, the report commends efforts by the Government of Guinea to stabilize and consolidate peace, noting that its timely holding of legislative elections will reinforce the democratization process.� It is paramount, therefore, that the ruling and opposition parties demonstrate flexibility and goodwill to reach consensus on the modalities for holding elections and building public confidence in electoral mechanisms and institutions.

Emphasizing the need to continue regional efforts to prevent election-related violence, which has contributed to instability in several countries, the report says that the Secretary-General is encouraged by the initiatives of the stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the Praia Declaration on Elections and Stability in West Africa.� It will be especially important that Governments make every effort to reduce political, ethnic and social tensions while vigorously pursuing policies of inclusiveness and national reconciliation, the report says.� UNOWA will support national and regional efforts to achieve those aims, it continues, adding that the Office will reinforce its collaborative relationship with ECOWAS, the Mano River Union, United Nations country teams in the subregion and other partners in the promotion and protection of human rights, the fight against impunity and the mainstreaming of human rights and gender perspectives into electoral and governance processes.� In that connection, the Secretary-General calls on Member States to implement the Praia and Bamako Declarations and strategic framework.

In the months ahead, the report states, the fallout from the Libyan crisis is likely to challenge stability in the Sahel, which will require the strengthening of cooperation among the Governments of the area.� In light of the possible links between terrorist groups active in West Africa and the influx of weapons from Libya into neighbouring countries, the Secretary-General encourages countries in the subregion swiftly to adopt and implement the draft ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy and implementation plan.� He also calls on Member States, as well as international and regional organizations, to respond generously to appeals for support form Sahel countries that need capacity-building and funds with which to counter destabilization threats.

The report goes on to point out that transnational organized crime, including illicit drug trafficking, remains a major threat to peace and security in West Africa, and encourages the countries there to pursue measures to combat it by implementing the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan against organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, and the West Africa Coast Initiative.� At the same time, the rise of maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea will require a concerted effort by countries and organizations in the subregion, with logistical, diplomatic, financial and technical support from the international community.

According to the report, the Secretary-General is pleased with the progress made by the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, and urges the parties to respect their schedule of meetings and work towards providing the timely technical, legal and financial support required to advance the delineation of the boundary line.� He affirms the unwavering support of the United Nations for efforts by the two countries to overcome all outstanding issues and complete the demarcation by the end of 2012.

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Written by Jason Glaser

The video above focuses on the community of La Isla de Viudas (The Isle of Widows) outside of Chichigalpa, Nicaragua, but it is a powerful introduction to a much larger global issue. Sadly, the stories shared are in no way isolated or limited to this area. Throughout the sugarcane industry in Central America child labor is rampant, widows from this disease far too common and young workers will likely not escape their fate, many will perish as their fathers have.

None of the usual causes of CKD have been linked to this new form of the disease and no adequate treatment exists for those affected making it a death sentence. Worldwide cases of CKD often correspond with hypertension and diabetes; however, research concludes that no correlation between these traditional causes has been made in this context.

Getting sick often means losing your job as companies attempt to distance themselves from responsibility by testing and then firing sick workers. With the need for labor still present workers enlist with subcontractors.  When they are finally too sick to work their sons illegally work in their place. Despite the legal age being 18 for this type of work, in Nicaragua boys as young as sixteen are now coming down with the disease, their hope for a better life dashed.

This cycle of death ends futures and stymies any hope for meaningful development in the region.

Policy Impacts:

This situation is fueled by foreign policy decisions in Europe and Washington D.C. that are playing themselves out thousands of miles away while affecting people who lack a voice.

Europe has set incredibly ambitious goals to incorporate biofuels into their energy system over the next 10 years and view sugar cane produced ethanol as one of the most environmentally secure options.  While embracing ‘green’ fuels the associated costs of labor abuse, this emerging epidemic, and the food vs. fuel dynamic seem to secondary considerations.

The US State Department for its part views the production of biofuels in Central America as a way to stifle the influence of Hugo Chavez’s oil rich Venezuela.  Historically, the State Department has sought only the counsel of the leading producers of sugar in the region while pursuing this policy.  Recently this has changed and representatives from the US Embassy in Nicaragua have reached out to La Isla Foundation in order to begin a dialog.  This is a developing relationship and I hope a positive one.

Finally, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) gave two loans totaling more than 100 million dollars to the two largest Nicaraguan sugar producers- Ingenio Monte Rosa and Nicaraguan Sugar Estates Limited who owns Ingenio San Antoio. The loans were given so they could modernize operations and produce ethanol for export to the EU via Rotterdam.  Workers concerns at Ingenio San Antonio were only taken into account by the IFC after the loan was given. An impotent complaint process administered by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsmen has solved little and left families distrustful of outside intervention.

What is Being Done

Boston University was brought in under the CAO process to help establish the cause of the epidemic.  They received their funding from the IFC, Nicaraguan Sugar Estates Limited and the Association of Nicaraguan Sugar Producers. After two years of work the Boston team, I believe correctly, decided that the CAO process is not the ideal venue in which to continue researching the cause of the disease.

Predictably, the public relations department at Nicarguan Sugar Estates Limited has used the inconclusive findings to distance themselves from responsibility while failing to acknowledge their other offenses.  Despite promises of being committed to finding the cause of the disease, the company has seen it fit to misrepresent data and to outright lie about their work practices.

From the beginning, La Isla Foundation was skeptical about the CAO process as it readily favors those who have power.  The party who has allegedly committed an offense can walk away from talks at any time and there are no tools with which to hold that party accountable.  A loan cannot be taken back, payment for the loan cannot be demanded and any agreements are not enforceable. There is no evidence that a future loan would be denied.

Recognizing these shortfalls, La Isla Foundation immediately set about to create a broader and locally lead coalition.  It includes leading Mesoamerican, US and European organizations.

Parties include: La Isla Foundation, local epidemiological experts from respected local health institutions SALTRA and CISTA, Mt. Sinai, Colorado University, Stony Brook University, Karolinksa University, the National Institute of Medical Sciences in Mexico and increasingly the health ministries of Central American countries.  This international cooperation is working to secure funding in order to test a promising hypothesis that could establish the mechanism causing the disease.   This coalition has produced the most insightful research published to date.

I’m pleased to report that the Boston team has also engaged us in the spirit of cooperation as they move forward in their research efforts.

It’s important that all groups dedicated to finding the cause of the epidemic coordinate instead of compete. Especially in light of the fact that this epidemic may well be global.  Most recently our network is now reaching out to researchers in Egypt and Sri Lanka who are reporting a similar epidemic of chronic kidney disease among workers in their countries.

It is hoped this broad based coalition can both find the cause of the disease and build capacity among local institutions that will need to monitor and facilitate treatment for those impacted by it.

Concurrently, La Isla Foundation is working with students from University of Pittsburgh’s Law School and University of London Birkbeck. Important research is being undertaken to leverage policy change regarding the importation of biofuels into the EU, sugar into the US and work practices on the ground in Mesoamerica.  This is important as labor issues, intimidation, displacement, and irresponsible environmental practices including the burning of sugar cane fields near populated areas and reckless agrochemical use plagues these communities.

In the community of La Isla we are also working to create greater autonomy and empowerment for those affected through educational programs and basic infrastructure projects.

This situation is grave but we can be part of the solution with support from concerned individuals and institutions that believe in building regional capacity while strengthening cooperation with independent northern institutions.  For studies, information and comments please contact me directly: Jason Glaser, laislafoundation@gmail.com

Jaipur Rugs —one of the largest manufacturers of hand-knotted carpets in India— is helping low-income people —approximately 60 percent of who are women— in the most economically disadvantaged regions of India gain access to local employment opportunities. Weavers in Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan will receive one-month of training in advanced carpet weaving techniques and quality control to improve the quality and quantity of rugs produced.

Weavers that demonstrate exceptional carpet making skills will go on to receive training to train and manage other weavers in the village.

“Although there are 2.5 million artisans weaving rugs in India, most are not well-paid. In recent years, weavers have seen their wages plummet due to contractors imposing unfair pricing practices when purchasing carpets at the village level,” said Susan Chaffin, BCtA Programme Manager. “We at the BCtA welcome Jaipur Rugs’ commitment to creating new and sustainable job opportunities for women and unskilled, low-income labourers in villages thereby enabling them to earn a secure livelihood.”

According to the International Labour Organisation, approximately 17 percent of men and 66 percent of women in rural villages are unemployed. Among those that have jobs, 30 percent of men and 36 percent of women live below the poverty line.

Initiatives such as Jaipur’s provide jobs and opportunities to those people that need it the most. Trained weavers contracted through Jaipur Rugs earn an average of US$300- $500 more per year than unskilled artisans.

”Through this initiative, we have the opportunity to provide sustainable livelihoods to the poorest of the poor in an economically disadvantaged region of the world,” said Asha Chaudhary, CEO of Jaipur Rugs “Each time you buy a rug and I sell it, we contribute to alleviation of poverty and create employment for underserved communities.”

Since its inception, Jaipur Rugs has provided training to more than 28,000 low-income home-based weavers and an additional 12,000 wool spinners and dyers. This latest commitment by

Jaipur Rugs is part of the company’s long-term growth strategy and plans to extend its market globally.

Biographical Note

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Derek Plumbly of the United Kingdom as his Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

He will succeed Michael Williams, also of the United Kingdom, who served in Lebanon from August 2008 to September 2011.� The Secretary-General is grateful for Mr. Williams� service to the United Nations.

One of the United Kingdom�s most senior diplomats, Mr. Plumbly has had a distinguished career in international affairs spanning more than 35 years.� He has held important posts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office dealing with the Middle East.� Most recently he served from 2008 to 2011 as Chairman of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission charged with monitoring implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan.

Mr. Plumbly was Ambassador to Egypt from 2003 to 2007 and to Saudi Arabia between 2000 and 2003.� He also held the Foreign and Commonwealth Office posts of Director, Middle East and North Africa (1997-2000), and International Drugs Coordinator, Director of Drugs and Crime (1996-1997).� From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Plumbly was Head of Chancery at the United Kingdom�s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford University.� He is an Arabic speaker.

Born in 1948, Mr. Plumbly is married and has three children.

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The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Baso Sangqu ( South Africa):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 10 January 2012 by B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau on the death of President Malam Bacai Sanh�.

The members of the Security Council encouraged the authorities, political parties and the people of Guinea-Bissau to respect the legal and institutional framework for the transition phase and ensure the conditions for peaceful, timely, free, fair and transparent presidential elections are met.

The members of the Security Council condemned the attack by military officers against the army headquarters on 26 December 2011, and welcomed the actions of the civilian Government and the military to ensure public safety, respect for constitutional order, as well as the Government�s decision to investigate these attacks to hold accountable those responsible for the events of 26 December.

The members of the Security Council, recalling its resolution 2030 (2011), encouraged the Government of Guinea-Bissau and all stakeholders to continue to work together to respect the constitutional order, the rule of law and human rights, and to pursue political dialogue so as to preserve stability in the country and promote national reconciliation.� The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on members of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau to respect civilian rule, and further called on the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to intensify efforts to create the enabling environment for enhanced civilian control over the security forces, and fight impunity.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government to continue to pursue important reforms for the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau, especially regarding security-sector reform, with particular attention to the launching of the Pension Fund for members of the Armed Forces and efforts to counter narcotics trafficking.� The members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Gomes Junior of a first phase of demobilization of military officers on 23 January 2012, which should be conducted in accordance with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/Comunidade dos Pa�ses de L�ngua Portuguesa (CPLP) road map.

The members of the Security Council expressed their commitment to continue to closely follow the situation in Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, called on the United Nations Integrated Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) to work with the authorities, as well as with other international partners, in the preparation and support of upcoming elections, expected reforms and ongoing investigations.

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The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the long-awaited release of political prisoners in Myanmar today.� This is the most significant release of political prisoners to date, and includes a number of key, prominent figures.� The Secretary-General commends the Myanmar leadership for this important development and hopes that all those released will now be able to freely contribute to the process of national reconciliation, as well as to the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law within Myanmar.

The Secretary-General has also noted the important efforts being made by the Myanmar authorities for renewed peace with the armed ethnic groups, including yesterday�s preliminary ceasefire between the authorities and the Karen National Union, as well as the initial peace agreements with other groups.� He welcomes these efforts and encourages all concerned to build on recent progress and to work, through an all-inclusive dialogue, for an end to hostilities throughout the country, national reconciliation, stability and development for all the people of Myanmar.

The Secretary-General also calls upon the international community to respond to these important developments within Myanmar by helping build conditions for sustaining the reform process and for the betterment of its peoples.

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Biographical Note

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen of Denmark as Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director (Management) of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), replacing Mari Simonen, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedicated service and commitment to the Organization.

With nearly 20 years of managerial experience, Ms. Albrectsen previously held leadership positions in UNFPA, as well as the Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).� Currently Ambassador and Under-Secretary-General for Management in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she directs global management services for 2,800 staff and operates with an annual budget of $3 billion.

Ms. Albrectsen also has a strong background in development work, having served with UNDP from 1997 to 2004, first as Deputy Resident Representative in Indonesia and later as Director and Management Adviser in the Administrator�s Office at UNDP Headquarters.� She has direct knowledge of UNFPA�s mandate and areas of work, having served the Fund�s Representative in Turkey and as Country Director for Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

She holds a Master of Science degree in law from the University of Copenhagen.

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Security Council

6702^nd Meeting (AM & PM)

Secretary-General, South Africa�s President, African Union Commissioner

For Peace and Security, Nine Ministers Address Council at High-level Meeting

Following a high-level meeting of the Security Council that underscored the imperative to assist countries and shattered communities to turn the page of violence and conflict � including in Africa where much of the attention was focused � and consolidate peace where it had been achieved, the 15-member body today committed to taking �effective steps� to enhance the relationship between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, particularly the African Union.�

Unanimously adopting resolution 2033 (2012), the Council reiterated the importance of establishing a more effective relationship between it and the African Union Peace and Security Council, including in the area of conflict prevention, resolution and management, electoral assistance and regional conflict prevention offices.

It decided, in consultation with the African Union Peace and Security Council, to elaborate further ways of strengthening relations between the two Councils, including through achieving more effective annual consultative meetings, the holding of timely consultations, and collaborative field missions of the two, as appropriate, to formulate cohesive positions and strategies on a case-by-case basis in dealing with conflict situations in Africa. �It stressed the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing regional organizations when they undertook peacekeeping under a United Nations mandate.�

In the debate that preceded adoption of the text, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that, as Secretary-General, his remit was global, but he attached great importance to the role of regional and subregional organizations, as recognized in the United Nations Charter�s Chapter VIII.� Regional organizations had comparative advantages, but so did the United Nations � not least the weight of international law and the primary responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Over the last decade, he said, the African Union and subregional organizations had significantly bolstered their own role in building architecture for peace and security on the continent, though there was room for improvement.� The United Nations partnership with the African Union at the Secretariat level had been strengthened in several concrete ways.� But, as both often faced complex and fast-moving crises, they were establishing mechanisms to build common understanding and approaches.�

However, he acknowledged, organizations with different mandates, membership, and perspectives would occasionally have differences in approach; that was natural.� The question was how to manage those and work together.� Flexibility must be ensured and innovative arrangements promoted.� Collective efforts and limited resources must be maximized, and each partnership arrangement should have a clearly defined division of labour and responsibilities for each organization.

Having convened today�s meeting, South Africa�s president, Jacob Zuma, whose delegation holds the Council�s rotating presidency for January, speaking in his national capacity, said the African Union had contributed immensely to improving peace and security, as well as to promoting democracy and respect for human rights in Africa.� It had sought to give practical meaning to the vision of the United Nations Charter on cooperation with regional organizations.� That cooperation was advantageous, as those organizations were closer to the situation and familiar with the issues at hand.�

He noted that the African Union had developed a political road map that would have helped resolve Libya�s political conflict, but he said that had been ignored in favour of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization�s (NATO) bombing, with consequences that had spilled over into other countries.� �The lessons we should draw from the Libyan experience is that greater political coherence and a common vision between the African Union and the United Nations are critical in the resolution of African conflicts�.� He added: ��Africa must never be a playground for furthering the interest of other regions ever again�.�

Like many speakers that followed, President Zuma offered several proposals for strengthening the strategic cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union.� He called for greater strategic political coherence between the two in resolving, preventing and managing African conflicts, particularly as it concerned the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.� He also called for developing and defining methods for cooperation and decision-making.� A clear division of labour was also crucial.� Both bodies must discuss capacity-building and sustainable resource allocations.�

The African Union�s Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, said the turbulences experienced by that partnership last year only added to the urgency of more clearly defining that relationship.� Innovative modalities, such as the hybrid operation in Darfur, had been devised to meet the fast-evolving realities on the ground.� The Union�s Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council had sought to deepen their partnership.� Yet, �we are just at the beginning of our journey towards a more strategic relationship between the African Union and the United Nations in the area of peace and security.��

Operationally, said Moses Wetang�ula, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kenya, speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, Africa was demonstrating renewed determination to deploy peace support operations in fragile and even insecure environments.� That called for a shift in the United Nations doctrine on peace operations.� The practice that the United Nations could only engage where there was a �peace to keep� translated into the Organization�s abandonment of some of the most challenging crises, leaving those situations in the hands of those least able and with the least resources.� Such a situation resulted in �less, not more, security in the world�.�

The prevailing view expressed by Council members was that the United Nations needed a strong African Union and the African Union needed a strong United Nations.� But, it also emerged that the Union sometimes felt the United Nations had not provided enough leadership and the United Nations sometimes felt that the Union had been slow to act.� Some delegates said there �can be no blank check politically or financially�, while others urged adequate and predictable funding.� Most speakers stressed the value of moving forward together, to better meet the urgent challenges that confronted all.� The opportunities to work together, they agreed, were considerable, in an arrangement based on comparative advantages, complementary mandates and optimal use of resources and capacities.�

Also participating in the deliberations were the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Colombia, and Guatemala; the Minister of State at the Federal Office of Germany; Minister of State with responsibility for French nationals abroad; Minister of State for Foreign and Cooperation Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Portugal; Special Representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs; and the Minister, Special Advisor to the President, of Togo.

Statements were also made by the representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Ethiopia (as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development), and Nigeria.

A representative of the United Kingdom took the floor to explain his delegation�s position after adoption of the resolution.�

The meeting was called to order at 10:41 a.m. and suspended at 1:24 p.m.� Resuming at 3:44 p.m., it adjourned at 4:36 p.m.

Background

Meeting this morning on its item �Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations�, the Council had before it a letter dated 4 January from the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, Baso Sangqu, to the Secretary-General transmitting a concept note for the day�s meeting (document S/2012/13), which provides background on the deepening relationship between the African Union and United Nations and the motivation for its strengthening.� It states, for example, that more than 60 per cent of Security Council deliberations are concerned with Africa and that six of 14 United Nations peacekeeping operations and nearly 80 per cent of its peacekeepers are deployed on the African continent, which, it states, �is sometimes marginalized�.�

The note goes on to say that today�s debate will be an opportunity to address, at the summit level, ways in which greater strategic political coherence between the United Nations and the African Union can be consolidated and enhanced in the area of conflict prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the African continent.� In particular, the meeting could address the following questions, among others: �how the Council can support African Union political processes; how coherence can be improved; how it will be possible to ensure complementarity of efforts and avoid competition and/or duplication; how coordination can be improved on the institutional level; and how it will be possible to take advantage of the complementary capacities between the two.

Also before the Council is a letter dated 9 January from South Africa�s Ambassador to the Council�s President forwarding a copy of the �Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the Partnership between the African Union and the United Nations on Peace and Security:� Towards greater Strategic and Political Coherence�, as well as the communiqu� of the African Union Peace and Security Council issued on 9 January 2012 in relation to this report (for background, see Press Release SC/10516 of 11 January).

The report of the Secretary-General on United Nations-African Union cooperation in peace and security (document S/2011/805), dated 29 December 2011, was also before members.� It provides an update since his last such report of 14 October 2010 (document S/2010/514) on cooperative efforts between the two organizations under the peace and security umbrella:� conflict prevention; mediation; peacekeeping; peacebuilding; human rights; and humanitarian affairs.� The present report also contains lessons learned and recommendations on ways to strengthen cooperation between the two within the context of a �highly dynamic peace and security environment in Africa�.

The Secretary-General notes in the report that regional organizations had made a growing contribution in complementing the United Nations work in maintaining international peace and security.� The role of the African Union and subregional organizations over the last two decades had proven critical in addressing such issues in Africa under the Charter�s Chapter VIII.� The Union and United Nations share the same objectives of pacific settlement of disputes and, says the Secretary-General, they must build on what has been achieved to devise and strengthen practical tools in order to �successfully face our common peace and security challenges in Africa together�.

Noting that the African Union remains the only regional body with which the Council meets at regular intervals, he says there is a need to develop agreed principles governing the modalities of cooperation and decision-making more fully.� In this connection, he welcomes the Council�s intention to hold informal interactive dialogues with regional and subregional organizations.� More informal communication between it and the Union�s Peace and Security Council and their Member States is �critical in developing a common vision and coordinating action prior to the finalization of respective decisions�.�

Partnerships, the Secretary-General says, work best when there are common strategic objectives and a clear division of responsibilities, based on shared assessments and concerted decisions of the two organizations, and he is committed to ensuring closer interaction between the two.� Building on best practices and lessons learned, it is important to establish �pre-agreed mechanisms� for consultation that would allow the Secretariat and African Union Commission to act and proceed together when a new crisis erupts.

At the operational level, the report finds, lessons and experience indicate that there is no generic model for cooperation between the two organizations that can be applied to every situation; each requires innovative solutions.� It is important, therefore, to ensure that the conceptualization, mandates, rules of engagement and institutional arrangements for each peacekeeping operation are based on the strategic and operational requirements to support a peace process or the effective implementation of a peace agreement.� Such arrangements should be predicated on a shared vision of the political process and to preserve unity of command and strategic direction, while ensuring the provision of critical resource and capability requirements. �The United Nations is committed to working with the African Union to harmonize peacekeeping standard operating procedures, including with respect to force generation, planning and mission start-up.

As for financing African Union peace support operations, including the Union�s Standby Force, the report urges such efforts to continue, taking into account the Union�s own financing mechanisms and special conditions when it undertakes peace support operations under United Nations authorization.� The Secretary-General welcomes the establishment of an African Union high-level panel on alternative financing sources and echoes the Union�s appeal concerning the urgent need for Member States to contribute more significantly to the funding of its peace support operations and, more generally, to efforts geared towards the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, as well as peacebuilding.� The Secretary-General reiterates the Union�s call for voluntary contributions to its Peace Fund and welcomes the funding meeting for the Standby Force scheduled for this year.

Noting that throughout 2011 the United Nations and the African Union faced many challenges, including political developments in North Africa, electoral disputes in West Africa and the conflicts in Somalia and the Sudan, the Secretary-General says he felt confident of �the synergy of our collective efforts�.� He adds:� �We have come a long way, and we may still have a long road ahead, but overall, the progress made through our collective efforts is commendable�.

Statements

JACOB ZUMA, President of South Africa, said that although 70 per cent of the Council�s agenda items pertained to Africa, the continent still did not have permanent representation on that body.� That failure pointed to the urgent need for fundamental Council reform to make it more representative and legitimate.� The African Union had contributed immensely to improving peace and security as well as to promoting democracy and respect for human rights in Africa.� It had also sought to give practical meaning to the vision of the United Nations Charter on cooperation with regional organizations.� Close cooperation with regional bodies was advantageous, as those bodies were closer to the situation and familiar with the issues at hand.� Neighbouring countries also often bore the burden and consequences of conflict in their neighbourhood.� For those reasons, he supported the principle of complementarity between the African Union and the United Nations.� Adoption of resolution 1809 (2008), in particular, was a significant development in strengthening their cooperation.

It was critical to build a stronger relationship in order to avoid the situation that occurred during the conflict in Libya last year, he said.� The African Union had developed a political road map that would have helped resolve that country�s political conflict, but it was ignored in favour of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization�s (NATO) bombing of Libya.� The consequences had a spill-over effect into other countries.� Council resolution 1973 (2011) was largely abused in some specific respects.� �The lessons we should draw from the Libyan experience is that greater political coherence and a common vision between the African Union and the United Nations are critical in the resolution of African conflicts,� he said, stressing that the African Union�s views must be listened to, in order to strengthen the relationship and prevent further conflict.

The United Nations, African Union and the League of Arab States must work together to help the Libyans, he said.� Moreover, those who implemented the Council�s decisions must interpret them correctly and they must be held accountable for their actions towards that end.� Africa could prosper and remain stable if what happened during the Cold War, in which destabilization and conflict was condoned by some, was avoided.� � Africa must never be a playground for furthering the interest of other regions ever again,� he said.� African conflicts would become manageable if they were not promoted or aided from the outside.

He then made several proposals for strengthening the strategic cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union.� He called for greater strategic political coherence between the two organizations in resolving, preventing and managing African conflicts, particularly as it concerned the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council.� He also called for developing and defining methods for cooperation and decision-making.� A clear division of labour would be crucial.� Both bodies must discuss capacity-building and sustainable resource allocations.� Africa was working hard to move the continent onto a path of sustainable socio-economic development and prosperity, he said.� He thanked the Secretary-General for the recent High-level Symposium on South Africa�s Contribution to the Fight against Racism and Xenophobia.

Secretary-General BAN KI-MOON said the African Union was a vital strategic partner to the United Nations � and South Africa was utilizing its presidency to deepen that relationship.� He welcomed its continued engagement.� As Secretary-General, his remit was global, but he attached great importance to the role of regional and subregional organizations, as recognized in the Charter�s Chapter VIII.� Here at the United Nations, activities to enhance stability in Africa took up a significant part of the Council�s agenda and they were among the Secretary-General�s leading priorities.

Over the last decade, he said, the African Union and subregional organizations had significantly bolstered their own role in building an architecture for peace and security on the continent.� Of course, there was room for improvement.� �We often face complex and fast-moving crises � and we are establishing mechanisms to build common understanding and approaches.�� The annual meetings between the Council and the Union�s Peace and Security Council were one important example.� There would be differences, he said, adding that that was natural.� Organizations with different mandates, membership, and perspectives would occasionally have differences in approach.� The question was how to manage those, how to work together.� His report was about building on the successes, improving coherence, and harmonizing decision-making from a firm foundation of shared values and principles.

In the past few years, the United Nations partnership with the African Union at the Secretariat level had been strengthened in several concrete ways, he said.� For example, the African Union-United Nations Task Force had proven to be an effective mechanism for consultations on an array of issues, including C�te d�Ivoire, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.� Also, the United Nations Office in Addis Ababa had been revamped, and regional offices, peacekeeping operations and special political missions were cooperating closely with the Union and subregional organizations.� Examples abounded in that regard, he said, citing the joint-hybrid peacekeeping operation and mediation efforts in Darfur, among others.� In addition, joint assessment missions had been essential in ensuring a common understanding of emerging issues.� And, under the Union�s leadership, work had been undertaken, together, to develop a strategic concept for a future African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) operation, which was now under the Security Council�s consideration.�

The Secretary-General said he was greatly encouraged by the concrete progress made in recent years.� �Let us pledge to do more to enhance our partnership,� he urged.� More could be done by learning new lessons and developing new tools � and by intensifying engagement with civil society and women�s groups active in mediation and conflict prevention.� Looking ahead, he said flexibility must be ensured and innovative arrangements promoted.� �Let us strive to maximize our collective efforts and limited resources, and ensure that each partnership arrangement has a clearly defined division of labour and roles and responsibilities for each organization,� he said.� Regional organizations had comparative advantages; so did the United Nations � not least the weight of international law and the primary responsibility of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security.

RAMTANE LAMAMRA, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, said today�s debate came at a time of renewed recognition of the importance of building a strong partnership between the African Union and the United Nations, in order to enhance their efforts to promote peace, security and stability on the African continent.� The turbulences experienced by that partnership last year only added to the urgency of more clearly defining that relationship.� The strategic relationship had been growing steadily, and cooperation between the Commission and the United Nations Secretariat had recorded commendable achievements.� Innovative modalities, such as the hybrid operation in Darfur and the United Nations support package to AMISOM had been devised to meet the requirements of fast-evolving realities on the ground.� The Union�s Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council had also endeavoured to deepen their partnership.

Yet, he said, �we are just at the beginning of our journey towards a more strategic relationship between the African Union and the United Nations in the area of peace and security�.� Such an approach was made more compelling by the fact that Africa, despite the significant progress made over the past few years, still accounted for the highest number of conflicts worldwide.� In addition to traditional threats, the continent was now facing a new series of risks, which included: �governance-related intra-State conflicts and violence, including election-related ones; terrorism and transnational crimes; maritime piracy in both its east and west coasts; border disputes; and climate change.

Clearly, those challenges required concerted responses by the two organizations and a much closer partnership, he said.� The Union and its regional mechanisms were particularly well-placed to make a significant contribution to collective security, in view of their proximity and familiarity with the issues at hand.� In addition, they had developed comprehensive architectures covering the whole range of security challenges facing Africa, including those related to governance.� It was critical to provide more effective support to the continent and its institutions and to provide the necessary leadership.� Nowhere had that �proactiveness� been more evident than in the area of peacekeeping, where the Union had shown a strong willingness to take risks to seize the opportunities, in order to advance the peace agenda.� However, it was constrained by a lack of resources, particularly in terms of flexible, sustainable and predictable funding.

That, he said, was the background that informed the report of the Chairperson of the Commission and the subsequent decision of the Peace and Security Council regarding the need for the Union and the United Nations to develop a stronger partnership based on an innovative strategic and forward-looking reading of the Charter�s Chapter VIII.� More specifically, the two organizations should agree on a set of principles aimed at clarifying their relationship and anchoring it on a more solid platform.� From the Union�s perspective, those should revolve around, among others, support for African ownership and priority setting, consultative decision-making, division of labour and sharing of responsibilities.� The Union was committed to engaging in an earnest dialogue with the United Nations on such principles.

�As we forge ahead, we need to draw appropriate lessons from our past experiences, both from our shortcomings and our successes,� he said.� �We ought to be pragmatic and result-oriented, driven, as we should be, by the imperative to respond to the needs on the ground, assist countries and shattered communities to turn the page of violence and conflict, consolidate peace where it has been achieved, and ultimately help Africa to fully exploit its potential for the good of its people and that of the larger humanity,� he concluded.

MOSES WETANG�ULA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kenya and Chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council, said the quest for peace and security was a pressing challenge today.� Africa had witnessed several crises and violent conflicts with huge negative consequences for its people, as well as for its aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous continent.� The challenge, therefore, was to resolve protracted conflicts, such as those in Darfur and Somalia; and facilitate reconstruction and development in countries that had emerged from conflicts, such as Burundi, Sierra Leone, C�te d�Ivoire, and more recently, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt � societies that had undergone radical transformation.

He said that the need to prevent conflicts and de-escalate fragile situations called for proactive engagement. �Additionally, growing threats of transnational crime, including terrorism and piracy, posed serious challenges to the consolidation of peace and security.� For some time, Africa had dominated the Security Council�s agenda because those threats impacted international peace and security and their causes and dynamics spurned beyond the affected countries, regions and continent.� Thus, the need to maintain a strong and well-structured strategic partnership between the African Union�s Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council �cannot be overemphasized�.� That that relationship was gaining momentum was commendable and that both sides demonstrated a willingness to improve the relationship should be further encouraged.

As an example, he said, the opportunity to turn Somalia around depended almost entirely on the extent to which the strategic and operational relationship between the Union and the United Nations could be elevated and improved.� However, that relationship was not without challenges.� Several issues required improving, including the process of decision-making.� In that, the last two years had shown an undesirable trend towards selectivity on the part of the Security Council, which �seems to disregard full consideration of the position and/or recommendations of the African Union or its organs�.� A second significant area was the gap between requirements for operation and available resources.� Institutionally, there had been progress, but the relationships in that regard needed further clarification, particularly of the roles and responsibilities of the actors involved.�

Operationally, Africa was demonstrating renewed determination and willingness to deploy peace support operations in fragile, even insecure, environments, he said.� That called for a shift in the United Nations doctrine on peace operations.� The practice that the United Nations could only engage where there was a �peace to keep� translated to the Organization�s abandonment of some of the most challenging crises, leaving those situations in the hands of those least able and with the least resources.� Such a situation resulted in �less, not more, security in the world�.� The African Union-United Nations relationship also depended on building the capacity of the Union�s institutions.�

He said that today�s session followed an unprecedented window of opportunity to finally restore security, peace and stability in Somalia.� His expectation was that the joint efforts would translate into better international and Security Council support, as well as an effective operation.� He hoped that the decisions on Somalia would be expeditious.� �We must note that time is of absolute essence.� This Security Council must therefore act swiftly in order to protect and expand the current gains,� he urged.� In the area of mediation, it was crucial to draw upon lessons learned, such as in Sudan, where a good mix had been attained in a vital lesson on complementarity, comparative advantage and strategic convergence.�

In conclusion, he said that the African Union looked towards a more innovative interpretation of Chapter VIII.� Key among the principles it cherished in that regard were:� support for African ownership and priority setting; flexible and innovative application of the principle of complementarity; and mutual respect and adherence to the principle of comparative advantage.� Finally, he re-emphasized the significance of this agenda and underscored Africa�s hope that today�s deliberations would lead to greater coherence between the two organizations, with cooperation governed by the �basic and cardinal� rules of mutual trust and respect.

MAR�A �NGELA HOLGU�N CU�LLAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, said that peacekeeping operations, in and of themselves, did not produce the changes that countries needed in the long-term to consolidate their stability and development. �Colombia highlighted the great contributions of the provisions of Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter in that regard, adding that the chapter allowed the United Nations and the Security Council to support the search for lasting solutions based on negotiation, mediation and agreement. �Without those practices, she said, no action carried out in the interest of global balance would have the local effects to improve the situation on the ground. �Indeed, that type of coordination had concrete actions, such as the common guidelines that supported a mediation framework in Africa based on the cases of Kenya, Darfur, Somalia and Guinea-Bissau. �Colombia hoped that those actions would be deepened and further mechanisms would be found.

The success of the 25 operations authorized by the Security Council in Africa since 1990 highlighted the importance of the work carried out by the African Union and other subregional organizations. �However, the presence of some of those operations for extended periods of time brought attention to the issue of exit goals in evaluating joint work. �The experience of the African Union also highlighted the necessity of having an integrated approach to conflicts. �That regional organization was in a privileged position to contribute and define elements and establish strategies on how to strengthen conflict resolution in its region.

The fact that the Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union met annually was an indication of the greater awareness that existed with regard to the need to coordinate policies and actions in the search for solutions. ��Chapter VII of the Charter envisions the contribution of regional organizations as an integral part of collective security and values their vision, actions and initiatives to find solutions within their range of competence,� she said. �The Security Council could help ensure that the application of chapter VII made way more frequently for chapter VI, thus strengthening peaceful agreements and diplomatic channels in conflict resolution.

ELMAR MAHARRAM OGLU MAMMADYAROV, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, said that over the last decade, the role of the African Union and subregional organizations had increased significantly.� Indeed, not all regional organizations could boast of their ability and political will to understand the root causes of armed conflicts and to contribute effectively to their resolution.� Azerbaijan, as a country suffering from the occupation of almost 20 per cent of its territory and the forcible displacement of hundreds of thousands of its citizens, fully realized the threats and challenges affecting countries with unresolved conflicts, including in Africa.� The African Union had made great efforts with regard to peace, security and stability on the continent and demonstrated its ability to take the lead.� Of particular note were the launch of the African peace and security architecture and the establishment of its constitutive elements, as well as its peace support operations authorized by the Security Council.

He said that in recent years there had been progress in developing the strategic relationship between the African Union and the United Nations, but, �we have to admit that challenges still remain and more should be done to further strengthen this relationship to effectively address common collective security concerns in Africa�.� It was critical that joint efforts be strengthened to prevent conflicts before they occurred.� Development of common guidelines by the two organizations as a framework for mediation in Africa would contribute to that goal.� All Member States must adhere strictly to their obligations under the Charter with respect to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States.� Also important was to recognize women�s role in preventing and resolving conflicts, and in peace negotiations and peacebuilding.� In that, the two organizations should ensure that women and gender perspectives were fully integrated into all related processes.

Annual meetings and more intensified informal communications should also take place between the two entities, he said, and efforts to ensure sustainable financing for African Union peace support operations should continue.� His country was actively participating in implementing various assistance programmes for Africa, and it contributed support to the institution and capacity-building programme of the African Union Commission, and offered scholarships for diplomats from African countries to study in the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy.� His country had also joined the work of the Peacebuilding Commission�s country-specific configurations and begun consultations with the relevant stakeholders, in order to apply in Africa its rich experience in the field of mine clearance.� In closing, he stressed the importance for the Security Council to monitor implementation of its resolutions, in particular, those related to prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.

ROGER HAROLDO RODAS MELGAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, speaking in his country�s first participation in a Security Council debate since takings its place as an elected member of the body last week, said the link between the Security Council and regional entities was not limited to preventive actions and mediation, such as those contemplated in the relevant articles of the United Nations Charter, but increasingly because those entities participated in peacekeeping operations, and by extension, in peacebuilding activities.� In both those endeavours, Guatemala felt a community of interest with the African continent in its double capacity as a troop-contributing country and a country that had experienced a post-conflict situation of peacebuilding on the heels of the signing of its own peace accords at the end of 1996.

He said he was also aware that cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union had at times faced divergent positions on particular issues, including those regarding complementarities and burden sharing.� However, he was of the impression that the consensus-building mechanisms between both parties that had already been put in place would facilitate resolving those issues. �In more general terms, Guatemala believed that the partnerships between the Security Council and regional institutions in the areas of peace and security contained the conceptual underpinnings of a productive relationship based on the clear comparative advantages derived from the Council�s mandate to maintain international peace and security, and the greater knowledge and identification that regional bodies tended to have regarding their own member countries.�

Concluding, he said Guatemala had always been partial to combining the presence of the United Nations with that of regional and subregional institutions, considering it an important element for development cooperation and for the maintenance of international peace and security, humanitarian assistance and the promotion of human rights. �It was valid for his own region and it was also the case for Africa, where the African Union and other subregional institutions had a solid and proven track record of achievements.

SUSAN RICE (United States) said that as the African Union approached its tenth anniversary, the time was ripe for considering what had been learned and what to improve in its relationship with the United Nations.� She lauded the collective African efforts to advance peace and security across the continent.� The African Union had acted responsibly in Darfur when other international actors were still hesitant and it had been active early on in pressing for peace between Sudan and South Sudan.� She praised South Africa�s leadership role in addressing the Burundi conflict.� Since 2009, the United States had strengthened its Mission to the African Union, in line with the Obama administration�s policy to strengthen relationships with regional organizations.� The very important relationship between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council must be confronted forthrightly and honestly to address its current challenges. �The African Union had sometimes indicated that it believed it had been ignored or disregarded by the Security Council, while the latter often felt the former had not given consistent views on issues and had been slow to act on urgent matters.��

The Security Council was not subordinate to other bodies or to regional groups� schedules or capacities, she said.� But, it must cooperate closely with regional organizations based on the exigencies of the issues at hand, rather than simply bless and pay for decisions made independently by the African Union.� The Council should, and would, take into account the views of regional and subregional institutions, while recognizing any disagreement between them.� She urged the Council to define its relations with the African Union more precisely.� To make the African Union-Security Council relationship more effective and productive, those two bodies� meetings must set a concrete agenda and priorities that would lead to tangible improvements on the ground.� The European Union had set an example on how to strengthen the African Union�s peace and security architecture.� The United States was doing its part by continuing to train and equip multilateral peacekeeping operations.� The United Nations could help further by standardizing the training of peacekeepers and offering guidance to the African Union.� She called for sustained collaboration on lessons learned and best practices and for a formal �lessons learned� exercise on UNAMID and AMISOM.�

Joint command and control operations did not typically work well, she said, calling for analysis of experiences in the field, linked to objectives of the situation at hand.� The United Nations could be made more effective in Addis Ababa.� For its part, the African Union should improve its internal management in administration, accounting, financial management and human resources.� She lamented the scant progress in the �Deliver as One� principle and said more must be done to improve programming and administration.� An atrocity prevention framework should be developed.� African Union mediation efforts should be expanded and greater efforts were needed to bolster the role of women in conflict mediation.

CORNELIA PIEPER, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, said that Chapter VIII cooperation with regional organizations was indispensible for finding appropriate solutions to crises and making optimal use of resources.� The African Union had proven itself particularly valuable in that regard, as shown by its efforts in Darfur, Somalia and the regional fight against the Lord�s Resistance Army.� Cooperation between the Union and the United Nations had been strengthened in recent years; to intensify that cooperation both formal and informal means were necessary.�

At the strategic level, he said, the dialogue between the Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the Union should be strengthened.� He supported inviting representatives of both the Union and subregional African organizations to the sessions of the Security Council and welcomed participation of the Organization�s special envoys at meetings of the Union�s Council.� Similarly, cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and the African organizations should be reinforced.� Cooperation should, in particular, be enhanced in the area of conflict prevention and mediation.�

At the operational level, he said, best practices gained in previous partnership efforts should be utilized, especially the current AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) and UNAMID (African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) missions and particularly in the areas of training and closer integration of mediation and peacekeeping efforts.� Capacity-building in the Union must be pushed forward, and clearly defined guidelines for implementing the ten-year capacity-building programme could make it more efficient.� Citing efforts of the European Union and his country in some of those areas � among them the Joint Africa-European Union Partnership for Peace and Security and the African Peace Facility, as well as support for construction of the Peace and Security building for the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa �he pointed to the importance of bilateral and inter-organization support to enhance effective coordination between the African Union and the United Nations in peace and security.

EDOUARD COURTIAL, Minister of State with responsibility for French nationals abroad, attached to the Ministre d�Etat, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, France, said that as two thirds of the Council�s deliberations on security concerned African issues, cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union on peace and security was vital.� Efforts were now focused on ensuring a flourishing partnership.� To prevent conflict, the United Nations had set up regional offices in Dakar and Libreville.� The United Nations Office for West Africa was engaged in mediation and good office efforts in Guinea, Niger and Benin, in coordination with the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).�

UNAMID was playing a stabilizing role, he continued, but a challenge to that and other hybrid missions was that they were governed by a split chain of command between the United Nations and the African Union.� Experience showed that better cooperation between those two bodies would improve the effectiveness of troops on the ground.� In Somalia, technical cooperation was crucial to enable AMISOM to carry out its complex mission.� While the African Union was calling for bolstered United Nations support, it was important to ensure that proposals put forward did not just pertain to security.� Proposals must also focus on strengthening the Somali Transitional Federal Government.�

In terms of peacekeeping, he called for funding that would improve operations and strengthen the chain of command and the efforts of troop-contributing countries.� He noted the African Union�s steps to diversify management and funding of peacekeeping operations.� He stressed the importance of the European Union initiative to fund a peace facility for Africa.� Pointing to the growing level of terrorism, instability and trafficking in West Africa, he called for increasing security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.� He underscored the importance of free, fair and peaceful elections in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.� He lauded the efforts of peacekeepers to combat the Lord�s Resistance Army as another example of United Nations-African Union cooperation.� Africa must be a key player in global peace and security, and should be able to take its rightful place in the Council, including among its permanent membership.

LUIS BRITES PEREIRA, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, said that his delegation strongly supported a greater role for the African Union and subregional organizations in matters of peace and conflict on the African continent. �The further development of the African Union�s institutional and political role is unstoppable,� he said, adding that the reinforcement of the United Nation�s presence in Addis Ababa was a recognition of the African Union�s progressive affirmation as a leader organization. �It also represented a serious effort at making the United Nation�s interaction with the African Union more coherent and efficient. �However, the critical ongoing dialogue between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council should become more substantive and productive. �That might be accomplished by indentifying more clearly issues of common concern, including human rights, democracy and the rule of law and the defence of women and children in post-conflict situations, among others.

During its Presidency of the Security Council, he recalled, Portugal had promoted a debate on new challenges to international peace and security; the outcomes of those discussions must now be fed into the larger United Nations-African Union dialogue. �With regard to the development of the Union�s capacities � which should include the areas of mediation and conflict prevention � he stressed that the Union and subregional organizations were closer to conflict situations than other actors, calling those �clear advantages� when trying to prevent tensions from escalating into conflict. �The United Nations and other partners, such as the European Union, should continue to support the African Union. �Portugal, through its active participation in the European Union-Africa Partnership, had consistently advocated European financial and technical assistance for African initiatives in the peace and security fields.

Underlining the important contribution of regional arrangements in peacekeeping, he also noted that UNAMID and AMISOM were two models of concrete peacekeeping cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations. �Many lessons had been learned from those experiences, he said, �but there is still room for improvement�. �Indeed, meetings such as the one that took place in the Council yesterday on AMISOM, which brought together key partners from both entities, were fundamental in that learning process. �In that way, strategic dialogue would translate into effective operational cooperation on the ground. �Finally, he underscored the fact that �contradictory signals from international actors� were likely to prolong conflict and delay peaceful solutions in Africa.

LIU GUIJIN, Special Representative for African Affairs of China, welcomed efforts to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, given the fact that Africa remained the continent with the highest rate of conflict and the most fragile security situation.� In that light, he found it disturbing that some peace efforts made by the Union were not backed up by effective support from the international community.� �Helping Africa deal with all kinds of global challenges is not only the unshirkable responsibility of the international community, but also in the common interest of all parties,� he said.�

He said that despite the faltering world economy, a greater sense of urgency about settlement of African issues was needed, with an increased input to the continent to address concerns expressed by African countries.� For that purpose, funds must be raised from all possible sources and used optimally, with priority given to supporting peace and security on the continent.� As a regional organization built and led by Africans, the African Union has the best understanding of how to accomplish that, particularly in mediation, good offices and peacekeeping.� For that reason, it was necessary to strengthen coordination with the Union and enhance its capacity through the United Nations and its Member States.� Acknowledging the Union�s efforts to resolve hotspot issues in Africa, China had provided it financial and material assistance and would continue to work for close cooperation between the Union and the United Nations.

KOFFI ESAW, Minister, Special Advisor to the President of Togo, said crucial matters of peace and security underpinned the cooperation between the two organizations.� Those included security sector reform, civilian protection, humanitarian action and human rights promotion.� More than cooperation, the relationship was a partnership.� Both organizations recognized that they had a shared responsibility when it came to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa, even if the primary responsibility in that area lay, above all, with the United Nations, especially the Security Council under the Charter�s Chapter VII.

Over the years, joint actions had been carried out with conclusive results.� The launching of the United Nations-African Union Task force on peace and security on 25 September 2010 was part of the desire to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two, taking into account the protection of civilians and human rights.� Consultations at the highest level on such matters as C�te d�Ivoire, Libya, Sudan and South Sudan, and Somalia showed the United Nations desire to, in concert with the African Union, search for solutions to the many conflicts on the African continent.

He said strategic partnership had meaning only through drawing lessons from past cooperation.� Indeed, lack of coordination, delays in harnessing logistical support, and inadequate financing, especially with respect to AMISOM, had long been at the core of the mixed results � not least, of that mission.� Togo believed that conflict prevention and mediation, an important aspect of that partnership, should be promoted.� In a recent presidential statement, the Security Council had deemed it necessary to give cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations a closer look, and to set up capabilities to use media, data collection and analysis, early warning mechanisms, prevention and peacekeeping capacities.� The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had long made those tasks a pillar of its community policy.

What was not working between the Security Council and the Union�s Peace and Security Council had been evident in the Libya crisis, he said, pointing to what he called the �dithering� about what to do.� That, he said, had been �very harmful� to the populations involved.� Joint decisions should be taken and responsibilities established in such serious situations.

MARK LYALL GRANT (United Kingdom) supported efforts to further enhance the relationship between the Council and regional organizations on issues of peace and security.� He noted major differences of substance between the African Union and Arab League on Libya and between ECOWAS and the African Union on C�te d�Ivoire.� Such complexities could not be swept under the carpet.� Efforts should make the most of the complementarities between the United Nations and regional organizations.� Such organizations, particularly subregional ones, often had comparative strengths, which should be exploited.� Situations surrounding issues of peace and security were diverse and must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and inflexible procedures must be avoided.� He noted good progress in the United Nations-African Union relationship and the effective efforts of African sub-regional organizations in pursing peace and security in many countries on the continent.� But, in Sudan, managing complexities had proved challenging.� He lauded intensified institutional cooperation between the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission.� Their meetings should be a forum for substantive discussion.� He encouraged their respective presidencies and secretariats to ensure such meetings were well prepared.�

Capacity-building must be at the heart of support to the African Union and subregional organizations to ensure they could deliver on peace and security, he said.� He reaffirmed the United Kingdom�s commitment to support the African Union�s 10-year capacity-building programme.� The European Union and bilateral donors had made significant contributions, including supporting the development of an African standby force.� The first operational deployment of an East Africa force had been made in close cooperation with AMISOM and with the United Kingdom�s support.� The one-size-fits-all approach to the institutional relationship with regional organizations was unrealistic.� He called for greater cooperation on early warning and rapid diplomacy and for donors to better coordinate capacity-building support.� He encouraged international partners to make funding for peacekeeping operations more predictable, accountable, transparent and professional.� He supported the draft resolution before the Council, but said he had concerns about certain ambiguities in it.

VITALY CHURKIN (Russian Federation) said the African Union and subregional organizations in Africa were playing an increasingly active role, demonstrating preparedness and the ability to resolve the issues on the continent.� They attached great priority to diplomatic settlement of conflicts, which had produced significant results.� Many mediation efforts undertaken by African politicians, past and present, had proven effective, and constructive proposals had been put forward.� However, many had been brushed aside by the international community.� The United Nations had been motivated to deepen its partnership with the African Union.� That cooperation must be underpinned by the Charter�s Chapter VIII and a complementarity of efforts, and it should draw on the comparative advantages of both organizations.� Peace in Africa should be supported through early warning and the timely settlement of disputes and rebuilding, and efforts should be stepped up to bolster the African Union�s capacity in the areas of preventive diplomacy and peaceful settlement.� In that, he noted the Union�s 10-year programme for capacity-building, and he hoped for its practical results.

As for the Union�s standby forces, he said those should be able to react swiftly to emerging crises, with the Council�s participation, if necessary.� Also important was to bolster Africa�s peacekeeping �toolkit� and the pan-African security architecture.� He supported the growing and independent role of African organizations in maintaining peace on the continent, and called for its backing by the Council.� It was encouraging to note the consistently evolving partnership between the United Nations and African Union, such as in Sudan and Somalia.� He supported the Secretary-General�s proposal for the United Nations Secretariat and African Union Commission to prepare a joint assessment and recommendations for meeting the challenges of African crises.� An important component of that coordination could be a United Nations office in Addis Ababa.� He advocated the further development of practical cooperation between the Security Council and African Union Peace and Security Council, backed by parameters of cooperation and swift agreement on responsibilities in the face of emergency military situations.

ABDULLAH HUSSAIN HAROON (Pakistan) said cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations in peace and security added value to the work of both organizations.� Africa�s consensual and united position for enhancing its representation in the Council was a legitimate demand and realization of that goal would eventually strengthen cooperation between the two bodies.� Increased contact between them was leading to a common strategic vision for conflict prevention, management and resolution.� To enhance that growing cooperation, efforts should be made so that the annual consultative mechanism between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council led to cohesive positions and strategies.� The two Councils could achieve that through more frequent and informal exchange, especially among their respective Presidencies.� That exchange must be replicated between the African Union Commission and the United Nations Secretariat and other relevant bodies, such as the Peacebuilding Commission and its five country configurations related to Africa.

In addition, regular interaction with subregional organizations in Africa was needed to develop commonalities in decision-making on peace and security, so such decisions could be smoothly implemented, he said.� Cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations could be optimized by making local capacity-building a priority.� As most of the African Union�s work on peace and security was based on Chapter VI provisions of the peaceful settlement of disputes, the two organizations could identify relevant areas for capacity-building cooperation in mediation, arbitration and other areas of preventive diplomacy.� He called for cooperation in security sector reform and for the United Nations to support implementation of the African Union�s elaborate security sector reform framework.� It was also important to widen the discourse of African Union-United Nations cooperation beyond the work of the Council to include issues like fair trade practices, food and environmental security, and investment in governance institutions.

HARDEEP SINGH PURI (India) said that, as 75 per cent of the Council�s time was spent on African issues, it was important to listen to Africa and its organizations so that the Council�s activities were based on their needs and complemented those of African countries and organizations.� The United Nations-African Union partnership should be strengthened based on long-term strategic and operational perspectives.� It should build on the two organizations� strengths, with a focus on bolstering the capacity of the African Union�s peace and security architecture.� He welcomed the creation of the United Nations Office to the African Union and expected that it would set up formal structures of interaction with different African Union bodies and subregional organizations.� He supported annual dialogue between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, the Secretary-General�s 10-year Capacity-Building Programme for the African Union, and links between the United Nations and the African Union Secretariats.� The Council should be more forthcoming in its support to the African Union in financial resources, force-multipliers and force-enablers, as may be required by AMISOM and UNAMID.

Conscious of the African Union�s role in handling African peace, security and socio-economic development issues, India had institutionalized its cooperation with the African Union, he said.� He recalled the historic visit of India�s Prime Minister to Addis Ababa in May 2011 to participate in the second Africa-India Forum Summit, which further deepened the India-African Union development partnership, as well as peace and security cooperation.� India had given $2 million, including $1.5 million through the African Union, without any caveats for AMISOM operations.� It had provided $5 billion in credit over the next three years to help Africa achieve its development goals.� India would give $700 million to set up new institutions and training programmes in consultation with the African Union and its institutions.� Also, India was offering 22,000 scholarships in various areas of capacity-building to African nationals during the 2011-2014 period.

MOHAMMED LOULICHKI (Morocco) said his country placed Africa�s stability and development at the top of its foreign policy agenda, given the need to confront the political, social and security challenges hampering development.� Morocco fully respected the jurisdiction and specificities of both partners being considered today and it had contributed positively to national and regional efforts to resolve conflicts.� It also contributed to United Nations peacekeeping operations, particularly in Africa, and it had supported the democratic transformations in many African States, seeking to entrench their stability � vital to development � through effective cooperation.� No one doubted the �precious� role of regional and subregional organizations in Africa.� Morocco, in cooperation with other African States, had formed a group of 22 countries along the Atlantic Ocean, with the aim of sharing expertise in many fields, including combating organized crime.

He said that the partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations must respect the United Nations Charter and the Security Council as the primary body responsible for international peace and security.� It must seek the peaceful resolution of local conflicts on the basis of requests by the States concerned and hold joint consultation with them to avoid competition or delay an end to conflict.� They must seek to pre-empt disputes and avoid their escalation, as well as evaluate the root causes and combat any trends towards instability or terrorism.� Regional organizations should consult among themselves and with the United Nations.� He noted that the Arabic translation of the resolution before the Council had �many shortcomings�, including misspellings and misstatements.�

KONGIT SINEGIORGIS (Ethiopia), speaking in her capacity as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, commended this week�s meeting in Addis Ababa by the African Union Peace and Security Council on United Nations-African Union cooperation in peace and security matters.� She also lauded the African Union Commission for issuing a comprehensive report on that partnership.� The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development was encouraged by the level of cooperation between the Organization, the African Union and African subregional organizations.� The signing and implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan and the mandates of UNAMID and AMISOM illustrated cooperation based on flexibility and making the best use of the African Union�s and subregional organizations� comparative advantages in mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.� It was vital for all parties concerned to continue to engage in activities aimed at reaching innovative, feasible solutions.

The African Union, and through subregional organizations like the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, should be supported by the Council based on the principles of complementarity and subsidiarity, as set forth in Chapter VIII of the Charter, she said.� The international community would benefit by lending the requisite support to continental and subregional institutions, which were better placed geographically, politically and culturally, to maintain regional peace and security.� Greater efforts were needed to ensure more effective cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, including through joint planning and joint assessment for peace operations on the continent.� The results achieved by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, in partnership with the African Union, in Sudan, Somalia and other regional security concerns were a testament to what could be achieved.�

She stressed the need for the Organization to bolster such regional initiatives and to expedite efforts to implement the United Nations-African Union 10-year Capacity-building Programme for the African Union.� Stronger efforts were needed to fully operationalize the African Union Continental Peace and Security Architecture, including the standby force and the continental early warning system.� Better cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, including annual consultations, was vital for reaching those objectives.� The efforts of the Secretariat and the African Union Commission must complement each other; the two must set realistic benchmarks and timelines.

U. JOY OGWU (Nigeria) said that in Africa�s increasingly dynamic and complex security environment, the need to strengthen the partnership between the two organizations, whose efforts had proven critical in addressing peace and security challenges, could not be overemphasized.� He, therefore, welcomed the important milestones that had been achieved between the two over the past two decades.� He particularly appreciated the increasingly horizontal and vertical cooperation between them, and their key organs and institutions.�

However, he said, for the partnership to be viable, sustainable and strategic, it must be underpinned by �clarity of guidance�.� Indeed, he shared the Secretary-General�s view that the partnership should be based on comparative advantages, complementary of mandates and optimal use of resources and capacities.� Regular consultative meetings between the two Councils were not only desirable, but imperative.� In July 2010, under Nigeria�s presidency of the Security Council, both organs, meeting in New York, had agreed to a specific format and modalities for their annual consultative meetings.� That was a good step forward, and he expected qualitative progress on that understanding and more vigorous discussion.�

Peacekeeping in Africa was undoubtedly the core area of cooperation between the African Union and United Nations and, conversely, bore the greatest challenge, he said.� When the Union undertook a United Nations-mandated operation, it faced multiple financing, equipping and mission support challenges.� Those demands often outweighed its resources and capacities.� On Somalia, while he welcomed the United Nations effort to augments its footprint with the United Nations Office in Mogadishu, he also believed that the full provision of both light and heavy support packages for AMISOM would be a realistic way to underpin recent security gains.� With respect to Darfur, the signing of the Doha Document provided the impetus for the Security Council to give its consent to the convening of the Darfur political process, as called for by the Union.�

Stressing that the success of any peacekeeping operation depended on adequate and timely financial and logistical resources, he said financing of African Union operations remained a daunting challenge.� Stakeholders had failed to adopt far-reaching and creative alternatives, and so far no existing frameworks had been found to build sustainable strategies for peacekeeping partnership.� The Council must consider endorsing a financing option that guaranteed predictability, sustainability and flexibility of funding for the Union�s operations.� Looking ahead to a more strategic partnership, both organizations must intensify their investment in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.

Action on Text

The Council then adopted resolution 2033 (2012) unanimously.� The text reads as follows:

�The Security Council,

�Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions and statements of its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of regional and subregional organizations,

�Reaffirming its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,

�Reiterating that cooperation with regional and subregional organizations in matters relating to the maintenance of peace and security and consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, can improve collective security,

�Recognizing that regional organizations are well positioned to understand the causes of armed conflicts owing to their knowledge of the region which can be a benefit for their efforts to influence the prevention or resolution of these conflicts,

�Stressing the utility of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in order to enable early responses to disputes and emerging crises and to strengthen the role of the United Nations in the prevention of conflict,

�Recalling its resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1894 (2009) and 1960 (2010) and its commitment to their full and effective implementation and reaffirming the important role that women play in mediation, conflict prevention, as well as in the peaceful resolution of conflict and peacebuilding as expressed in its Presidential Statement 2011/20 of 28 October 2011 and also reaffirming the importance of the prevention of and protection from sexual violence,

�Reaffirming its resolutions 1379 (2001), 1612 (2006), 1882 (2009) and 1998 (2011) on the protection of children in armed conflicts and encouraging initiatives by regional and subregional organizations and arrangements for the protection of children affected by armed conflict and encouraging continued mainstreaming of child protection into their advocacy, policies and programmes,

�Welcoming the increasing contribution being made by the African Union in efforts to settle conflicts on the African Continent and expressing its support for the peace initiatives conducted by the African Union, and through the African subregional organizations and stresses, in accordance with Article 54 of the Charter of the United Nations, the need for regional and subregional organizations at all times to keep the Security Council fully informed of these efforts in a comprehensive and coordinated manner,

�Recalling the Constitutive Act of the African Union and its Protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and expressing its support for the ongoing operationalization of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture,

�Acknowledging progress made in the ongoing cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, and stressing the importance of further strengthening cooperation and developing effective partnership with the African Union Peace and Security Council consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter to address common collective security challenges in Africa,

�Recognizing the importance of strengthening the capacity of regional and subregional organizations in conflict prevention and crisis management, and in post-conflict stabilization,

�Further recognizing that one major constraint facing some regional organizations, in particular the African Union, in effectively carrying out the mandate of maintaining regional peace and security is securing predictable, sustainable and flexible resources,

�Noting with appreciation the collaboration between the good offices of the Secretary-General including his Special Representatives and the African Union in the area of conflict prevention,

�Welcoming the contribution of the United Nations Office to the African Union in strengthening coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union,

�Taking note with appreciation the efforts of the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission in developing common guidelines that outline a framework for mediation in Africa in an effort to make the United Nations-African Union partnership more coherent when undertaking joint mediation efforts,

�Welcoming the United Nations support for the African Union in the field of peacekeeping, including by supporting the African Union�s efforts to develop policy, guidance and training in particular in the areas of Security Sector Reform, post-conflict reconstruction and the protection of civilians including the problem of sexual violence in armed conflict,

�Noting the need for a comprehensive analysis of lessons learned from practical cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, in particular with regard to the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) as well as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), recognizing the need to build upon lessons learned from practical cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union and further recognizing the benefits of coordination of policy and strategy in this regard by the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council,

�Further taking note of the report of the African Union Chairperson entitled The United Nations-African Union Partnership on Peace and Security: Towards Greater Strategic Political Coherence on the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union on peace and security in Africa,

�Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General on United Nations-African Union cooperation in peace and security (S/2011/805),

�1.�� Expresses its determination to take effective steps to further enhance the relationship between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in particular the African Union, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter;

�2.�� Encourages the continuing involvement of regional and subregional organizations in the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through conflict prevention, confidence-building and mediation efforts;

�3.�� Further encourages regional and subregional organizations to strengthen and increase cooperation among them, including efforts to enhance their respective capacities, in the maintenance of international peace and security;

�4.�� Reiterates the importance of establishing a more effective relationship between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council including in the area of conflict prevention, resolution and management, electoral assistance and regional conflict prevention offices;

�5.�� Takes note of the respective strategic visions of the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations as contained in the reports of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (S/2011/805) and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and stresses that common and coordinated efforts undertaken by the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council in matters of peace and security, should be based on their respective authorities, competencies and capacities;

�6.�� Encourages the improvement of regular interaction, consultation and coordination, as appropriate between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council on matters of mutual interest;

�7.�� Stresses the importance of a coordinated international response to causes of conflict and recognizes the need for the development of effective long-term strategies and emphasizes the need for all United Nations organs and agencies to pursue preventive strategies and to take action within their respective areas of competence to assist Member States and regional organizations to eradicate poverty, strengthen development cooperation and assistance and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

�8.�� Reaffirms the obligation of all Member States to settle disputes and resolve conflicts in accordance with the United Nations Charter and calls upon the international community to assist the efforts initiated by the African Union and subregional organizations aimed at the peaceful settlement of disputes and the resolution of conflict in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations;

�9.�� Calls upon the Secretary-General to maintain close consultations with the African Union and Regional Economic Communities as well as with international partners on peace and security challenges in Africa, especially in prevention and resolution of conflicts;

�10.� Recognizes the important role of the good offices of the Secretary-General in Africa, and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use mediation as often as possible to help resolve conflicts peacefully, working in coordination and closely with the African Union and subregional organizations in that regard, as appropriate;

�11.� Calls upon the United Nations Office to the African Union to continue its efforts to contribute to strengthening cooperation between the United Nations Secretariat and the Commission of the African Union including in the area of mediation efforts, and underscores the importance of expediting the implementation, in close consultation with other international partners, of the 2006 United Nations-African Union Ten-year Capacity-Building Programme for the African Union mainly focusing on peace and security, in particular the operationalization of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture; as an important contribution towards conflict prevention on the African Continent;

�12.� Reaffirms the vital role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction, and stresses the need for the United Nations and the African Union to work to ensure that women and gender perspectives are fully integrated into all peace and security efforts undertaken by the two organizations, including by building the necessary capacity;

�13.� Urges the Secretary-General to continue to work to ensure that the United Nations Office to the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations agencies working with the United Nations Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa are delivering coordinated support to the African Union;

�14.� Welcomes regular interaction between the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission, through the United Nations-African Union joint task force on peace and security, and encourages the Task Force to continue to focus on strategic and country-specific issues of the African continent that are of interest to both organizations and requests that the Task Force consider ways to enhance United Nations and African Union cooperation on conflict prevention in Africa and that it provide updates to the Security Council subsequent to its meetings;

�15.� Supports further interaction between the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission to exchange information, and as appropriate coordinate in the preparation of recommendations, including through joint assessments, if appropriate, in order to assist the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council in formulating cohesive positions and strategies;

�16.� Further supports ongoing briefings by Senior United Nations Officials to the African Union Peace and Security Council and that of the African Union to the United Nations as an important contribution in strengthening consultation, information sharing and communication between the two bodies on issues of mutual concern;

�17.� Decides in consultation with the African Union Peace and Security Council to elaborate further ways of strengthening relations between the two Councils including through achieving more effective annual consultative meetings, the holding of timely consultations, and collaborative field missions of the two Councils, as appropriate, to formulate cohesive positions and strategies on a case-by-case basis in dealing with conflict situations in Africa;

�18.� Further decides to follow up on the Communiqu�s of the annual consultative meetings of the two Councils including through its Ad-hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa;

�19.� Stresses the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing regional organizations when they undertake peacekeeping under a United Nations mandate;

�20.� Reiterates that regional organizations have the responsibility to secure human, financial, logistical and other resources for their organizations, including through contributions by their members and support from partners and welcomes the valuable financial support provided by the African Union�s partners towards its peacekeeping operations including through the African Peace Facility, and calls upon all partners to continue their support;

�21.� Requests the Secretary-General in consultation with the African Union to conduct a comprehensive analysis of lessons learned from practical cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, in particular with regard to the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) as well as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in order to improve coordination when appropriate;

�22.� Further requests the Secretary-General to include, as appropriate, in his regular reporting to the Security Council, assessments of progress on the cooperation between the United Nations and relevant regional and subregional organizations;

�23.� Decides to remain seized of the matter.�

Following the vote, PHILLIP PARHAM (United Kingdom) said he had supported the resolution because he was convinced of the important role of regional organizations in the pursuit of peace and security in Africa and elsewhere.� The United Kingdom recognized, in particular, the contribution of the African Union in preventing and managing conflict in Africa, and it commended the cooperation between it and the United Nations.� But, it did not believe that that cooperation, however welcome, in principle, should come at the expense of the Security Council�s primacy or its practical capacity to respond speedily and effectively to any threats to international peace and security.�

He said that the hurried way in which the text had been prepared had left some potential for ambiguity.� Clarifying the United Kingdom�s position, he said that the reference in operative paragraph 6, concerning coordination between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, should apply in those instances where such coordination was considered to be appropriate, and that could only occur in the context of the Security Council�s primacy regarding the maintenance of international peace and security.� Effective cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations called for timely consultation and the avoidance of procedures that were inflexible in the face of varied and urgent challenges.� He supported efforts to enhance relations between the United Nations and regional organizations in accordance with the Charter.

* *** *

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message on the second anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, delivered by Anthony Banbury, Assistant Secretary-General for the Department of Field Support, in Port-au-Prince on 12 January:

Two years ago today, Haiti confronted a national disaster that shook the country, and our own Organization, to the core.� Along with the people of Haiti themselves, we lost colleagues, friends and family.� And with them, we have struggled to overcome tragedy and rebuild.

There is no better way to honour the memory of those who sacrificed so much than by carrying on their work.� And you have done so.� So many of our international staff stayed on during these difficult two years; our extraordinary local staff have been the best face of our partnership with the Haitian people throughout these testing times.

Despite the most challenging circumstances, you persevered.� And you have made an enormous difference in the life of Haiti and its people.� Thanks to your help, more people have left the camps and rebuilt their homes.� Rubble has been cleared.� Children are in school. More people are getting health care and clean water.

The challenges remain large, of course.� Hundreds of thousands still lack adequate shelter.� A new Government is still trying to find its footing.� The cholera epidemic still threatens people�s lives.

As we enter the new year, the people of Haiti continue to look to the United Nations for help and hope.� I know that you will deliver because you have done so with such courage and commitment for so long.

Today, I want to thank you and salute you.� I wish I could be there in person.� It would be an honour on this sombre and inspiring anniversary to shake each of you by the hand in gratitude for your noble service.

* *** *

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s remarks to the Security Council on the United Nations-African Union Partnership in Peace and Security, in New York on 12 January:

Let me begin by commending you, Mr. President, for organizing this very important meeting at the beginning of the new year, 2012.� And Mr. President, before I begin, I would like to welcome most warmly the delegations of Azerbaijan, Togo, Pakistan, Morocco and Guatemala, who have joined the Security Council as the newest non-permanent members of the Council.� I look forward to your active participation and committed involvement in the various agenda items before the Council.� Your contributions will be greatly valued by the Council, as well as the Secretariat.� I wish them a very productive engagement in this chamber.

I also would like to express my deepest appreciation to the delegations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria for their committed involvement and hard work during the past two years.� They have done much to bring credit to the Council and their contributions will be long remembered.

The African Union is a vital strategic partner to the United Nations, and South Africa is utilizing its presidency to deepen that relationship.� I welcome your continued engagement.

I also recognize Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, and welcome the recent and first-ever African Union report on United Nations-African Union cooperation.� I thank African Union Chairperson Jean Ping for his initiative and leadership.

As Secretary-General, my remit is global.� But I attach importance to the role of regional and subregional organizations, as recognized in Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.� Here at the United Nations, activities to enhance stability in Africa take up a significant part of the agenda of the Security Council, and they are among my leading priorities.

Over the last decade, the African Union and subregional organizations have significantly bolstered their own role in building an architecture for peace and security on the African continent.� Together, our collective efforts in conflict prevention and mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding are making a real difference throughout the continent.

Of course, there is more room for improvement.� We often face complex and fast-moving crises, and we are establishing mechanisms to build common understanding and approaches.� The annual meetings between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council are one important example.

There will be differences; that is natural.� Organizations with different mandates, membership, and perspectives will occasionally have differences in approach.� The question is how we manage those differences; how we work together.� My report � and this discussion � is about building on successes, improving coherence, and harmonizing decision-making from a firm foundation of shared values and principles.

Over the last few years, we have strengthened the partnership with the African Union at the Secretariat level in several concrete ways.� First, the African Union-United Nations Joint Task Force has proven to be an effective mechanism for consultations on an array of issues, including C�te d�Ivoire, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.

Second, we have revamped our Office in Addis Ababa to further strengthen our cooperation, including by improving early-warning information that will help foster timely action and joint threat analysis.� Through military and police planners based in Addis Ababa, we have supported the African Union�s planning for its expansion of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) operations.� We also continue to work closely on other key areas, such as elections, conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction.

Third, our regional offices, peacekeeping operations and special political missions are cooperating closely with the African Union and subregional organizations.� Examples abound: �the joint/hybrid peacekeeping operation and mediation efforts in Darfur; United Nations logistics and planning support to AMISOM; joint efforts to combat the threat posed by the Lord�s Resistance Army (LRA); cooperation between Special Envoy [Haile] Menkerios and the African Union High-level Panel led by President [Thabo] Mbeki; and much more.

The United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), working closely with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has also been active in defusing tensions throughout the subregion.� The newly established United Nations Office in Central Africa, in cooperation with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), can play a similar role.

Fourth and finally, joint assessment missions have also been essential in ensuring a common understanding of emerging issues.� For example, we recently deployed such a mission to the Sahel to assess how developments in Libya are affecting the region.� We also have just dispatched a joint mission to the four countries affected by the LRA.

And under the leadership of the African Union, we have worked together to develop a strategic concept for future AMISOM operations, which is now under consideration by the Security Council.

I am greatly encouraged by the concrete progress we have made in recent years.� Let us pledge to do even more to enhance our partnership.� We can do so by learning new lessons and developing new tools � and by intensifying our engagement with civil society and women�s groups active in mediation and conflict prevention, particularly at the local level.

As we look ahead, we will need to ensure flexibility so that each new situation is addressed on its own merits.� We must also promote innovative arrangements in complex situations that may require joint actions, operations or enhanced partnerships.� As we do so, let us strive to maximize our collective efforts and limited resources, and ensure that each partnership arrangement has a clearly defined division of labour, and roles and responsibilities for each organization.

Regional organizations have comparative advantages; so does the United Nations, not least the weight of international law and the primary responsibility of this Council in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Finally, Mr. President, let me say that I am eager to attend the African Union Summit later this month.� It will be my sixth African Union Summit in a row.� I look forward to my meetings with the African leaders and continuing to explore how we can make our strong partnership even stronger in the years ahead.

* *** *

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message to the Investor Summit on Climate Risk and Energy Solutions, delivered by Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning, in New York on 12 January:

It is a pleasure to greet the private sector representatives and all others taking part in this important event.� Thank you for your leadership and engagement.� The Investor Summit has a remarkable track record.� In just a brief period, your membership and the assets you manage have grown dramatically.� Your decisions carry enormous weight, and we welcome your voices inside these halls.

During my first term of office, I saw again and again how partnerships with the private sector have made a crucial difference, most notably on maternal and child health.� I intend to build on that experience to realize my top priority for the next five years: �sustainable development.

In six months, Governments will gather for the � Rio+20� Sustainable Development Conference.� I hope to see many of you there, including at the Corporate Sustainability Forum being organized by the United Nations Global Compact initiative.

All the issues that will be on the table in Rio � climate change, energy, water, food, global health, women�s empowerment � are intertwined.� We cannot make progress in one without progress in the others.� Rio offers a tremendous chance to expand economic opportunity, strengthen equity and protect the environment � the three �E�s�.� But to make the most of this moment, we need global investors who take the long view and invest for sustainable prosperity.

Government budgets are shrinking.� Belts are tightening everywhere.� And yet there is no lack of capital in the world.� Our shared challenge is to find the mix of policies, frameworks, regulations and incentives that will best drive investment flows toward long-term sustainable ends.

Climate change is a prime example.� I commend the Investor Network on Climate Risk and the other investor groups worldwide for their leadership in calling for action on climate change and sustainable energy.

As you know, global climate negotiations made progress both in Cancun and at last month�s Durban Climate Conference.� We now have the commitments and the agreed process to reach a comprehensive climate agreement with legal force by 2015.� But we are still a long way from a comprehensive global solution that adequately responds to the scientific imperative.� Therefore, we must simultaneously achieve significant action on the ground around the world to reduce emissions and improve resilience.

Energy is central to climate change.� It is also at the heart of our efforts to advance development, health and security.� To make progress on all these issues, we need to bring sustainable energy to all.� That is why I created my Sustainable Energy for All Initiative.� At its core, it seeks to mobilize the ingenuity and resources of the private sector to forge a more accessible, efficient, clean-energy economy over the next two decades.

I have set three global objectives, which are linked and complementary: �first, ensuring universal access to modern energy services; second, doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency; and third, doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.� We need everyone at the table � investors, CEOs, Governments, civil society groups, technical experts and practitioners � working in common cause.

Towards that end, I have created a High-level Group to spearhead our efforts to obtain bold commitments that can help realize these three objectives.� The Group is co-chaired by Chad Holliday, the Chairman of Bank of America, and Kandeh Yumkella, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, both of whom will speak to you later today.� The Group is developing an ambitious Action Agenda, and we hope to announce a full slate of commitments at the Rio+20 Summit.� I encourage you all to contribute.

In these times of austerity and economic uncertainty, public sector efforts alone will not be sufficient.� Limited public sector resources will need to leverage much larger pools of private sector financing and know-how.� We need investors who can provide seed money for clean technologies or invest in other solutions in untapped new markets.� Already, solar power stations are providing clean, safe and reliable electricity to impoverished rural communities across Africa and Asia.

I am pleased to note that investors are increasingly evaluating companies on their climate and energy footprint, and are urging corporations to advance energy efficiency in their operations and supply chains.� Such scrutiny reflects a growing and very welcome embrace of the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment.� The efforts of the Principles for Responsible Investment and other such projects are helping to sensitize capital markets to the importance of sustainability, and are becoming a major force in driving a green economy and carbon reduction.

Thank you again for your presence here at United Nations Headquarters and your deepening engagement in our efforts to build the future we want.

* *** *

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message to the Investor Summit on Climate Risk and Energy Solutions, delivered by Robert Orr, Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Planning, in New York on 12 January:

It is a pleasure to greet the private sector representatives and all others taking part in this important event.� Thank you for your leadership and engagement.� The Investor Summit has a remarkable track record.� In just a brief period, your membership and the assets you manage have grown dramatically.� Your decisions carry enormous weight, and we welcome your voices inside these halls.

During my first term of office, I saw again and again how partnerships with the private sector have made a crucial difference, most notably on maternal and child health.� I intend to build on that experience to realize my top priority for the next five years: �sustainable development.

In six months, Governments will gather for the � Rio+20� Sustainable Development Conference.� I hope to see many of you there, including at the Corporate Sustainability Forum being organized by the United Nations Global Compact initiative.

All the issues that will be on the table in Rio � climate change, energy, water, food, global health, women�s empowerment � are intertwined.� We cannot make progress in one without progress in the others.� Rio offers a tremendous chance to expand economic opportunity, strengthen equity and protect the environment � the three �E�s�.� But to make the most of this moment, we need global investors who take the long view and invest for sustainable prosperity.

Government budgets are shrinking.� Belts are tightening everywhere.� And yet there is no lack of capital in the world.� Our shared challenge is to find the mix of policies, frameworks, regulations and incentives that will best drive investment flows toward long-term sustainable ends.

Climate change is a prime example.� I commend the Investor Network on Climate Risk and the other investor groups worldwide for their leadership in calling for action on climate change and sustainable energy.

As you know, global climate negotiations made progress both in Cancun and at last month�s Durban Climate Conference.� We now have the commitments and the agreed process to reach a comprehensive climate agreement with legal force by 2015.� But we are still a long way from a comprehensive global solution that adequately responds to the scientific imperative.� Therefore, we must simultaneously achieve significant action on the ground around the world to reduce emissions and improve resilience.

Energy is central to climate change.� It is also at the heart of our efforts to advance development, health and security.� To make progress on all these issues, we need to bring sustainable energy to all.� That is why I created my Sustainable Energy for All Initiative.� At its core, it seeks to mobilize the ingenuity and resources of the private sector to forge a more accessible, efficient, clean-energy economy over the next two decades.

I have set three global objectives, which are linked and complementary: �first, ensuring universal access to modern energy services; second, doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency; and third, doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.� We need everyone at the table � investors, CEOs, Governments, civil society groups, technical experts and practitioners � working in common cause.

Towards that end, I have created a High-level Group to spearhead our efforts to obtain bold commitments that can help realize these three objectives.� The Group is co-chaired by Chad Holliday, the Chairman of Bank of America, and Kandeh Yumkella, the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, both of whom will speak to you later today.� The Group is developing an ambitious Action Agenda, and we hope to announce a full slate of commitments at the Rio+20 Summit.� I encourage you all to contribute.

In these times of austerity and economic uncertainty, public sector efforts alone will not be sufficient.� Limited public sector resources will need to leverage much larger pools of private sector financing and know-how.� We need investors who can provide seed money for clean technologies or invest in other solutions in untapped new markets.� Already, solar power stations are providing clean, safe and reliable electricity to impoverished rural communities across Africa and Asia.

I am pleased to note that investors are increasingly evaluating companies on their climate and energy footprint, and are urging corporations to advance energy efficiency in their operations and supply chains.� Such scrutiny reflects a growing and very welcome embrace of the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investment.� The efforts of the Principles for Responsible Investment and other such projects are helping to sensitize capital markets to the importance of sustainability, and are becoming a major force in driving a green economy and carbon reduction.

Thank you again for your presence here at United Nations Headquarters and your deepening engagement in our efforts to build the future we want.

* *** *

Security Council

2011 Round-up

Members Adopt 66 Resolutions, Issue 22 Presidential

Statements as Number of Meetings Rises Sharply from Previous Year

In a year characterized by mass protests and other challenges to entrenched leadership that frequently provoked violent reactions, the Security Council continued in 2011 to grapple with the question of protecting civilians in a manner consistent with the United Nations Charter, as the 15-member body remained seized of a wide range of conflicts, the birth of South Sudan, the Palestinian application for membership in the Organization and other developments.

The Council adopted 66 resolutions � 40 of them concerning Africa � and issued 22 presidential statements.� Once again it strove for consensus, with only five texts requiring a vote, although two on the Middle East suffered vetoes � one by the United States and the other by China and the Russian Federation.

In total, the Council convened 213 public meetings in 2011, up sharply from the 182 held in 2010, with 115 of them concerning Africa, the setting of both Sudanese republics, as well as Libya, the one theatre of the �Arab Spring� that deteriorated into full-blown civil war.� Much attention was also devoted to events in C�te d�Ivoire, where after an election defeat the former president refused to step down for five bloody months; and Somalia, where change accelerated after insurgents withdrew from the capital, stakeholders agreed on plans to meet transition goals, attention to piracy focused on increasing regional capacity for the prosecution of suspects, and access to aid for those suffering from widespread famine became increasingly crucial.

Attacks on demonstrators and other civilians in North Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere early in the year drove home the need for the Council to implement its five resolutions intended to protect non-combatants, Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said in May.� �The events of the last few months have provided a compelling reminder of the fundamental and enduring importance of the Council�s protection-of-civilians agenda,� she added.

Consensus on just how to protect civilians became more difficult, however, as opposition in a growing number of countries continued to suffer increasingly deadly crackdowns.� The first draft resolution on Libya � tabled in late February and demanding an end to the violence, referring the situation to the International Criminal Court and applying sanctions � was adopted unanimously.� The second, imposing a no-fly zone, and authorizing �all necessary measures� to protect civilians, was adopted with only 10 votes.� The extent of the resulting air campaign attracted the disapproval of Council members who had not voted in favour of the resolution, who said it exceeded the resolution�s provisions and veered towards supporting regime change.� Others objected that the campaign sidelined the African Union�s attempts to initiate dialogue.

Although cooperation reigned on the creation of a new peacekeeping mission for Libya, measures to unfreeze assets and stem the spread of weapons from the country, and consideration of the crisis in Yemen, divisions hardened on the appropriate Council response to continuing bloodshed in Syria.� On C�te d�Ivoire, the Council unanimously adopted a text reaffirming the mandate of the United Nations operation there to use all necessary means to protect civilians under attack.� However, some members warned after the adoption that peacekeepers must not take sides in any conflict.

Toward the end of the year, comments in the wake of a briefing by the Chair of the Council subsidiary body on Iran sanctions indicated that divisions were also stiffening over a response to troubling data on that countries nuclear activities, presented in the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

On the other hand, the Council achieved Consensus many times on other key situations, including in the 29 public meetings on Sudan which considered the referendum on South Sudan, the new State�s admission to the United Nations, violence in border areas, the urgent need to settle outstanding peace process issues, and the need to persuade all Darfur stakeholders to sign onto the new Doha Document for Peace and bring an immediate halt to fighting in that strife-torn western Sudanese region.� As a result, the Council created two new missions � the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for the disputed Abyei border area between Sudan and South Sudan.

No other new missions were created in 2011, but in January the special political mission in Nepal, known as UNMIN, was closed.� In addition, a further reconfiguration of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) was postponed as militias continued to threaten populations in the east and national elections approached.� The Council also postponed consideration of a United Nations mission to succeed the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) pending an appropriate security atmosphere, although hopes grew in the wake of following positive security and political developments.� The police and military component of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was reduced towards pre-earthquake levels as it continued to deal with recovery, cholera and election tensions.

The International Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia reported headway on their completion strategies, despite difficulties in staffing.� The arrests of former Bosnian Serb military commander Radko Mladić and former Interahamwe militia leader Bernard Munyagishari put completion within clearer view.� However, prospects for reconciliation in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina remained problematic.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remained stalled despite much effort by the diplomatic Quartet to restart negotiations, the Palestinian bid for United Nations membership, and the exchange of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.� In February, a text declaring the illegality of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory � a major factor in the stalled negotiations, in the view of many � failed to win adoption due to a United States veto.

Issuing 14 press statements, the Council condemned major terrorist attacks in various countries around the world, while continuing to monitor compliance with counter-terrorism resolutions through its subsidiary bodies.� On 2 May, following the death of Osama bin Laden, the Council urged States to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts against terrorism.

Continuing its practice of undertaking missions to gather first-hand information on key situations, Council members visited sub-Saharan Africa in May, stopping in Northern and Southern Sudan just before the latter�s independence, and in Addis Ababa, where cooperation with the African Union was discussed, and in Nairobi, Kenya, where the focus was on developments in neighbouring Somalia.

The General Assembly elected Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan and Togo to serve two-year terms as non-permanent members of the Security Council, starting on 1 January 2012.� They replaced Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria, which concluded their terms on 31 December 2011.� Colombia, Germany, India, Portugal and South Africa will complete their terms at the end of 2012.� China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States are permanent members.

Following are summaries of Council activities in 2011:

Africa

Burundi

Central African Republic

C�te d�Ivoire

Democratic Republic of Congo

Guinea-Bissau

Liberia

Libya

Sierra Leone

Somalia

Sudan and South Sudan

Central African Region

West Africa

Western Sahara

Council Mission

Peace and Security in Africa

Americas

Haiti

Asia

Afghanistan

Nepal

Timor-Leste

Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cyprus

Kosovo

Middle East

Iraq

Lebanon

Syria

Yemen

Question of Palestine

Thematic Debates

Annual Report

Children and Armed Conflict

International Court of Justice

International Criminal Tribunals

Maintenance of International Peace and Security

Non-Proliferation

Peacekeeping Operations

Post-conflict Peacebuilding

Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

Regional Cooperation

Threats to International Peace and Security, Including Terrorism

Women, Peace and Security

Working Methods

Africa

Council Mission

In Nairobi, the mission had met with representatives of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and others.� Kenyan officials, for their part, had described the situation in Somalia as a threat to regional peace and security, and reiterated their request for a strengthening of AMISOM troop levels to 20,000.� They had also asked for greater assistance in the fight against piracy originating in Somalia and pervading the East African coast, as well as for help with the influx of refugees from the strife-torn neighbouring country.� (See Press Release SC/10271.)

Peace and Security in Africa

Holding to its traditional practice regarding Africa, the Council addressed, in addition to issues relating to specific countries and subregions, matters considered vital to peace and stability throughout the continent.� In the first of its four relevant meetings, the Council heard a briefing by Zachary Muburi-Muita, Under-Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union.� Created by the General Assembly in 2010, the Office integrates all activities of the former United Nations Liaison Office, the former African Union Peacekeeping Support Team and the former United Nations Planning Team for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).� (See Press Release SC/10288.)

Addressing the Council for the first time in his new capacity, Mr. Muburi-Muita discussed the efforts under way to broaden the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union on a range of shared issues, including peacekeeping and post-conflict peacebuilding, and raising the world body�s profile as a vital partner for capacity-building with African regional entities.� He reported that the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), with the active involvement of the Department of Field Support, was making solid transition towards a �new, lean, self-sufficient operation� based in Addis Ababa, and would have recruited 61 of its authorized 63 staff members by 31 July.

�Our experience on cooperation between the two organizations shows that we do better in addressing crises on the continent when we stand together and speak in one voice,� he said.� At the same time, no one knew better than Security Council members that conflict mediation was a �challenging business, particularly when we are faced with a multiplicity of actors, initiatives and organizations playing their respective roles�.� That was why one of UNOAU�s key objectives was to strengthen coordination with African Union institutions and enhance their capacity to deliver peace on the continent.

As Council members took the floor during that meeting, Nigeria�s representative stressed the importance of acknowledging that, while regional bodies like the African Union had the necessary political will, they were insufficiently resourced to undertake long-term peacekeeping operations.� All too frequently its members mustered sufficient numbers of peacekeepers but saw their efforts undermined by the lack of resources.� Today�s armed conflicts required nuanced, heightened responses, she continued, stressing that greater support did not create dependency.� Indeed, stronger partnership and cooperation in deploying expert civilian personnel was central to that partnership, she said, expressing hope that the opening of UNOAU would lead to a more systematic, less reactive approach to joint peacekeeping operations.

Meeting on 19 October to consider the increasing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the Council welcomed the Secretary-General�s decision to deploy an assessment mission to examine the scope of the growing problem and make recommendations on anti-piracy efforts, including in the broader context of organized crime and drug trafficking.� That meeting also included briefings by the Gulf of Guinea Commission�s Deputy Executive Secretary for Political Affairs and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.� (See Press Release SC/10415.)

In his address, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there was an increase in reported cases of piracy and armed robbery aboard vessels along the West African coast.� The threat was compounded by the limited capacity of Gulf of Guinea States to ensure safe maritime trade, freedom of navigation, the protection of marine resources and the safety and security of lives and property.� �We must approach the issue in a holistic manner, focusing simultaneously on security, the rule of law and development,� he said.� �Responses that fall short of these requirements will only exacerbate the problem.�

Less than two weeks later, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2018 (2011), by which it condemned all acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea committed off the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.� It also called upon ECOWAS States, members of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and those of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, in conjunction with flag States and those of victims or perpetrators of acts of piracy or armed robbery at sea, to cooperate in the prosecution of alleged perpetrators, including facilitators and financiers of such acts.� It further welcomed the intention to convene a summit of Gulf of Guinea Heads of State to consider a comprehensive response.

On 5 December, the Council�s attention was drawn to the situation in the Horn of Africa.� Concerned about the potential use of Eritrea�s mining sector as a financial source in destabilizing the East African subregion, the Council reinforced the sanctions regime imposed on that country to prevent funds derived from mining from contributing to its continued violations of those measures.� (See Press Release SC/10471.)

Adopting resolution 2023 (2011) under Chapter VII of the Charter, by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions ( China, Russian Federation), the Council demanded that Eritrea cease all direct or indirect efforts to destabilize States.� It decided that States would �undertake appropriate measures to promote the exercise of vigilance� in business dealings with Eritrea�s mining sector.� To that end, it requested its Sanctions Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea to draft, with the assistance of the Somalia/Eritrea Monitoring Group, due diligence guidelines for optional use by States.

The Council also decided to expand the mandate of the Monitoring Group to cover the provisions of the new text, as well as its demand that Eritrea make available information on the Djiboutian combatants missing in action since 10 to 12 June 2008.� It called on all States to report within 120 days on steps taken to implement the resolution, and on the Secretary-General to report within 180 days on Eritrea�s compliance under the sanctions regime.� The Council affirmed that it would keep Eritrea�s actions under continuous review, and its readiness to strengthen, modify or lift the sanctions on the basis of compliance.

Burundi

As the Council continued to monitor Burundi�s path towards stability and socio-economic health, it became clear during two joint briefings that, despite extreme poverty, spiralling unemployment and isolated violent incidents, the East African country�s overall political and security landscapes were �calm�, with much anticipated for the Government�s long-term vision.� �The road out of past violence is a long and difficult one,� said Karin Landgren, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the year-old United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB), on 7 December.� For a country that had experienced many years of conflict, Burundi deserved to be commended for its efforts.� (See Press Release SC/10473.)

Of particular note, she continued, was the Government�s desire for dialogue with extra-parliamentary parties, the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as the passing of a bill to establish a truth and reconciliation commission.� She expressed concern, however, that the bill did not consider national recommendations to include non-Burundians and representatives of civil society, among others, as members of the commission.� Also of concern were restrictions on independence in the media, civil society and the judiciary, she said, noting also that politically motivated killings had marred efforts to consolidate peace.� BNUB had documented a further 11 cases of suspected extrajudicial killings, bringing the total number to 57 in the period between 1 January and 30 November 2011, she added, urging all actors to reject violence.

Adolphe Nahayo, Director of Regional and International Organizations in Burundi�s Ministry of External Relations and International Cooperation, told the same meeting that part of his country�s problem of violence was the ready availability of illicit arms, which was exacerbated by porous borders and previously existing arms caches.� Regarding justice and the rule of law, he reassured Burundi�s partners that cases pending before the courts would be concluded, despite funding constraints that had sometimes slowed the judicial process.

When the Council met earlier in the year, Paul Seger ( Switzerland), Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission�s Burundi configuration, said the most important recent development was completing the outcome document from the review of the Strategic Peacebuilding Framework, which should now be merged with the national poverty reduction strategic paper.� Yet, the Commission could not do everything, he cautioned, pointing out that consolidating a culture of dialogue and democracy while fostering good governance and the rule of law was the primary challenge.� �I think we�re on the right track, but work still needs to be done,� he added.� (See Press Release SC/10254.)

The Council closed out the year by adopting resolution 2027 (2011) by which it extended until 15 February 2013 the mandate of BNUB to continue its support for the Government in the areas of socio-economic development, reintegrating conflict-affected populations and deepening the country�s regional integration.� (See Press Release SC/10496.)

Central African Region

Cross-border threats to Central Africa such as the Lord�s Resistance Army (LRA), piracy, illicit small arms and drug trafficking, resource poaching and massive refugee returns were the focus of two briefings by Abou Moussa, head of the newly established United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA).� On 18 August, Mr. Moussa called on the Council to provide consistent support for efforts by his Office and regional States to stem those threats.� (See Press Release SC/10363.)

Taking up UNOCA�S first report and a special report of the Secretary-General on LRA-affected areas on 14 November, the Council issued a presidential statement condemning and demanding an immediate end to attacks by the armed group notorious for its widespread abduction of children and the displacement of some 450,000 people across the region.� On the same day, Mr. Moussa said that military operations conducted by affected States should be coordinated to ensure the LRA�s containment rather than its dispersal.� The emerging regional architecture for peace and security should help in that and other regional efforts and deserved international support, he said.� (See Press Release SC/10446.)

Central African Republic

In the first of the Security Council�s three meetings on the Central African Republic, the senior United Nations official there sounded a warning that an implosion there in that country � at the intersection of critical conflict zones and impacted by insecurity in neighbouring Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo � would have a �cataclysmic impact throughout the region, negating investments made in securing the neighbouring countries�.� Margaret Vogt, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Central African Republic (BINUCA), noted, however, that barring �the worst-case scenario�, much had been accomplished in the two years since the establishment of BINUCA in January 2010.� (See Press Release SC/10311.)

A number of governance institutions had been created and key legislation had been introduced, she said, adding that freedom of the press had been expanded, despite recent setbacks involving the arrest of two journalists, and adding that the overall security situation remained calm, though unstable, especially outside Bangui, the capital.� She emphasized that the country still faced serious challenges, including extreme poverty, weak national institutions, corruption, a high rate of violent crime perpetrated by armed movements and brigands, as well as human rights violations and impunity.� In the current context, she stressed, the two most immediate challenges were the political dispensation following the legislative and presidential elections, the implementation of peace agreements with rebel groups, and the sustainable disarmament and reintegration of former combatants as part of overall security-sector reform.

In mid-December, Ms. Vogt returned to the Council with another warning:� that while the positive dynamic initiated between the Government of the Central African Republic and politico-military groups offered �a real chance for peace�, a lack of funding to complete the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants and launch phase two of security-sector reform could put the country back �on the brink of disaster�.� (See Press Release SC/10488.)

She warned further that failure to find the resources to conclude disarmament in the north and north-east, where all the politico-military parties were anxiously awaiting the disarmament of their forces, may lead to a major resurgence of violence and further undermine security in a region where movement was highly impacted by insecurity even under normal circumstances.� The Government needed some $3 million to complete national disarmament and about $19 million for reintegration, she said, reiterating the Secretary-General�s urgent appeal for the international community�s support, to be found in his latest report on the Central African Republic and BINUCA�s activities (document S/2011/739).

Jan Grauls (Belgium), addressing the same meeting in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission�s configuration on the Central African Republic, agreed, describing the uncertainty surrounding the financing of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts as a �major and pressing� challenge.� Discussing prospects for the future, based on his October visit to the country, he stressed that it was the promise of support for reintegration that had enabled the Government to disarm and demobilize the rebels in the west, and to sign an agreement with the Convention des patriotes pour la justice et la paix (CPJP).

Implementation of that pledge was highly desirable, he said, adding that the Peacebuilding Fund and the World Bank would consider ways to contribute accordingly and other potential donors should also do so.� While the Government had already made considerable strides in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, and had brought the CPJP to the negotiating table so that it could join the Libreville Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the country�s security situation was linked to that of the wider subregion, which could potentially undo the fragile progress achieved so far, he cautioned.� Destabilizing threats included the LRA and new mercenaries from Libya, who often joined armed groups.� Heads of neighbouring States had an important opportunity to address the problem of subregional insecurity and its impact on the Central African Republic, he stressed.

The Council wrapped up its consideration of the Central African Republic for the year by adopting resolution 2031 (2011), expressing its concern at the security vacuum in many parts of the country and continued reports of human rights violations.� It also extended the mandate of BINUCA until 31 January 2013.� The resolution welcomed the finalization of the national strategy for the reintegration of former combatants, but noted with concern the absence of a �credible and viable national strategy for security-sector reform�.� It called on the Government to re-engage in meaningful dialogue with BINUCA on that issue, taking into consideration the road map it had drafted to help revive the process.� (See Press Release SC/10501.)

C�te d�Ivoire

The new year began with C�te d�Ivoire still in the midst of a dramatic political crisis sparked by contested presidential elections in late November 2010.� Long-time President Laurent Gbagbo had lost a run-off to former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara, but even as the latter claimed victory, his rival, alleging fraud, had refused to hand over power and had had himself sworn in.� The Council reacted to the violence that had erupted in the wake of the stand-off by deploying an additional 2,000 troops for the United Nations Operation in the country (UNOCI), until 30 June 2011 (see Press Release SC/10156).

Unanimously adopting resolution 1967 (2011) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council also extended until 30 June the deployment of hundreds of military and police personnel, as well as the temporary redeployment to UNOCI, by four additional weeks, of three infantry companies and two military helicopters from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).� It also decided to authorize the temporary transfer to UNOCI of three armed helicopters with crews from UNMIL for four weeks.� Barely a month later, the Council extended that temporary deployment for another three months, under resolution 1968 (2011).� (See Press Release SC/10176.)

By late March, forces loyal to the leaders of the deadlocked political camps were waging gun battles in the streets of Abidjan and in the town of Tiebissou, and thousands of people were fleeing the country.� Expressing its deep concern, the Council demanded an immediate end to the surge in violence against civilians and targeted Mr. Gbagbo and his close associates with stiff sanctions, while reaffirming UNOCI�s mandate to protect civilians, including by preventing the use of heavy weaponry against them.� (See Press Release SC/10215.)

By the terms of resolution 1975 (2011), the Council cited five persons, including Mr. Gbagbo, listed in an annex to the text, who met the criteria set out in resolution 1572 (2004) for persons who obstructed the peace process and national reconciliation, obstructed the work of UNOCI, and committed serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.� It also condemned Mr. Gbagbo�s decision not to accept the overall political solution proposed by the African Union High-level Panel, and urged him to �immediately step aside�.

Five days earlier, Atul Khare, Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, had conveyed to the Council a request by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for more stringent measures against Mr. Gbagbo.� He noted that UNOCI had reported 462 killings between mid-December and 23 March, in addition to at least 502 arbitrary arrests and detentions, some involving torture, and at least 72 disappearances.� Mr. Khare said regional leaders had made it clear that the deteriorating security situation and �grave� human rights conditions were a �direct consequence of the refusal of outgoing President Mr. Laurent Gbagbo to cede power to Mr. Alassane Ouattara, the universally recognized winner of the 28 November 2010 election�.� (See Press Release SC/10212.)

The deadly four-month stand-off ended on 11 April with the capture and arrest of Mr. Gbagbo following a heavy siege of his Abidjan compound.� In the first of two Council meetings that month, Choi Young-Jin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOCI, told the 15-member body that the crisis had been �utterly unnecessary�.� C�te d�Ivoire now faced critical challenges, including the restoration of order, the prevention of further human rights abuses, national reconciliation and the rebuilding and completion of the peace process.� �Eleven April 2011 must be remembered as the end of a demagogic and Orwellian perversion by a regime that tried to cling to power by military means,� he said.� (See Press Release SC/10223.)

Also present at that briefing were Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, who told the Council that despite Mr. Gbagbo�s arrest, �the humanitarian situation remains deeply troubling�.� Having just returned from a visit also covering neighbouring Liberia, she said the crisis in C�te d�Ivoire had far-reaching effects in the region which would not subside without significant and sustained effort from the humanitarian community.

The Council quickly followed up by adopting resolution 1980 (2011), which renewed until 30 April 2012 its arms embargo and diamond-trade ban on the West African nation, as well as targeted sanctions restricting the travel and financial dealings of individuals threatening peace and national reconciliation there.� It also decided to review those measures no later than 31 October 2011, with a view to possibly modifying, lifting or maintaining all or some of them amid progress in the peace process, developments relating to human rights violations and parliamentary elections.� (See Press Release SC/10236.)

In its two subsequent meetings on C�te d�Ivoire, the Council focused on bolstering UNOCI�s mandate in the aftermath of the crisis.� On 13 May, by resolution 1981 (2011), the Council extended the Operation�s mandate until 31 July 2011, and authorized the Secretary-General to extend until 30 June 2011 the temporary redeployment of equipment from UNMIL to UNOCI.� It also authorized the temporary redeployment of three infantry companies, one aviation unit comprising two military utility helicopters and three armed helicopters with crews.� (See Press Release SC/10251.)

On 27 June, the Council again extended the temporary redeployment of infantry and aviation units from UNMIL to UNOCI, this time through 31 July.� Adopting resolution 1992 (2011), the Council welcomed the joint operations and planning implemented by those missions, in C�te d�Ivoire and along it�s border with Liberia, and extended the deployment of 2,000 more military personnel.� It also extended the deployment of additional military and police capabilities authorized under resolution 1942 (2010), while authorizing, as well, the extended deployment, until 30 September, of three armed helicopters with crews from UNMIL to UNOCI.

Prompting the Council�s action was the Secretary-General�s concern over the fragile security situation inside C�te d�Ivoire and along its western border with Liberia.� In a letter to the Council (document S/2011/351), he said that, while the military utility helicopters were to have been returned to UNMIL before 30 June, the Secretariat was exploring various options for deploying a replacement unit, at least for the duration of the legislative elections, given the extremely fragile security situation and the high risk of renewed conflict or violence that would require adequate transportation capacity for the rapid deployment of the UNOCI force reserve.

Special Representative Choi returned to the Council on 18 July, warning that while national reconciliation efforts, preparations for legislative elections and steps towards economic recovery were moving in the right direction, the rapid restoration of law and order was of �primordial� importance in ensuring that all those other tasks could be carried out.� �We feel confident, as President Ouattara and his team, who have shown remarkable patience and sang-froid during the crisis, are working day and night to successfully meet the post-crisis challenges for the benefit of the Ivorian people,� he said, adding that a clear vision for the establishment of a national security structure must be developed to allow the effective deployment of police and gendarmerie elements, as well as the military�s return to barracks.

At the same meeting, Youssoufou Bamba ( C�te d�Ivoire) said the events of 21 May that had seen President Ouattara�s installation had marked the official return of the rule of law and normal life.� A new Government comprising all political parties � except Mr. Gbagbo�s Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), which had chosen not to participate � had met with the President on 5 and 6 July to develop 14 short-term strategies aimed at meeting immediate needs.

Emphasizing that President Ouattara had inherited a state of impunity in which everything must be reconstructed, he said that was why the new leader had created the Ministry of Human Rights and Public Liberties, aimed at ensuring compliance with international security-sector standards while reinforcing judicial, administrative and police capacity.� The aim, however, was not to treat members of the former regime inhumanely, he stressed, reaffirming the President�s determination to ensure respect for all human rights.

Regarding the legislative elections, he asked that UNOCI�s certification role be maintained and that the mission continue to support the Independent Electoral Commission.� He also emphasized that youth employment would be indispensable, pointing out that UNOCI�s quick-impact projects would help economic revival.� The Operation�s mandate must be extended because C�te d�Ivoire was still reliant on United Nations assistance, he said.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Roger Meece, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, told the Council on 8 February that, despite progress in consolidating stability, international support must be maintained to end violence against civilians and facilitate upcoming elections.� �With this support, and while cognizant of the ongoing challenges and difficulties, I remain optimistic that with sustained engagement, we are on a path towards achieving the kind of security and stable conditions which the people of [the Democratic Republic of] the Congo and region richly deserve,� he said.� (See Press Release SC/10166.)

The greatest difficulties were presented by foreign and domestic armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, said Mr. Meece, noting that they �continue to act as predatory forces, often incorporating the use of rape and other violence as a weapon against civilians�.� Meanwhile, there had also been �too many reported cases of abuses committed by members of the Congolese Armed Forces and the Congolese national police�.� MONUSCO had been working closely with the national authorities to address such abuses and the number of suspects arrested in that connection had increased significantly.

Following that briefing, Atoki Ileka ( Democratic Republic of the Congo) confirmed the �good relationship� between his Government and MONUSCO, saying that many things had been accomplished with the Mission�s help, although significant challenges nonetheless remained.� Violence against women and the impact of HIV/AIDS on peace and security were key areas of Government concern, he said, expressing optimism over the outcome of the visit by Margot Wallstr�m, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The return of total peace was the only way to �put an end to [acts of violence against women], which we all deplore.�� That was why strenuous efforts to end all the activities of foreign armed groups must continue, he continued, noting on that point that positive events in the Central African Republic and Sudan would make it possible to enhance the coordination of initiatives against the LRA.� Efforts to counter the actions of largely Rwandese foreign groups in the east, �and my own countrymen who have become outlaws�, were also continuing, he added.

The Council next held an open debate in early May featuring addresses by Secretary-General Ban-Ki-moon, Raymond Tshibanda, Minister for International and Regional Cooperation, as well as officials of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the European Union.� (See Press Release SC/10257.)

The Council concluded that meeting by issuing a presidential statement (document S/PRST/2011/11), which stressed the need for a strong partnership between the United Nations and the Congolese Government for the next phase of the country�s emergence from civil war.� Regarding the November presidential and legislative elections, to be followed by provincial and local elections in 2012, the Council urged the Government and other parties to ensure an environment conducive to free, fair, peaceful and credible polls.� It called on MONUSCO and other international actors to support the training and equipping of Congolese police for that purpose.

Returning to the Council on 9 June, Mr. Meece cautioned:� �We have no illusions regarding the magnitude of the challenges of organizing successful elections and there are no guarantees of success.�� He pointed out, however, that the same risk factors had been present during the 2006 election cycle, which had been held successfully.� In addition to the logistical challenges, he noted with concern several reports of harassment, intimidation and violence centred on electoral activities, particularly those involving opposition parties.� (See Press Release SC/10275.)

Preparations for the elections had been under way for some time, he noted, with more than half of the projected total of 31 million eligible voters already registered.� In addition, a timetable had been announced by the National Independent Electoral Commission.� MONUSCO had been actively supporting the process, transporting thousands of tons of materials, providing ongoing technical support in a variety of areas, and generally helping the national authorities meet the ambitious timetable.� For the next budgetary year, however, the Mission would need supplementary financial resources to continue its extensive electoral support without negatively impacting other activities.

Meeting again three weeks later, the Council, stressing the significant challenges posed by the ongoing presence of armed groups in the restive eastern provinces, adopted resolution 1991 (2011) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, extending MONUSCO�s mandate until 30 June 2012.� It demanded that all armed groups � the LRA and the Forces d�mocratiques de lib�ration du Rwanda (FDLR) in particular � immediately cease all forms of violence and human rights abuses, including rape and other forms of sexual abuses against civilians, particularly women and children.� (See Press Release SC/10299.)

With election day rapidly approaching, the Council heard another briefing in early November, in which Mr. Meece warned that sporadic security threats by armed groups had triggered a need for additional funding for military helicopters and police training.� Stressing that there were no �short-term solutions� to the challenges confronting MONUSCO, he told the Council:� �We need consistent commitment from you, which is vital to the people of Congo and the region.� With continued support, we can make genuine progress towards attaining common objectives.�

Those common goals included a peaceful election, he said, pointing out that security still presented a great concern and citing recent reports of violence and incidents involving armed groups.� Countering such actions required non-lethal equipment for trained police units, which remained outside the Mission�s budget, he stressed, adding that a shortage of helicopters had imposed �severe limits on the nature and level of military operations�, leading to the emergence or strengthening of several armed groups.� Restoring strong military pressure on foreign armed groups was important in protecting civilians and eliminating threats, he said.

In its final meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2011, the Council renewed until 30 November 2012 the arms embargo and related sanctions imposed on the country, and requested the Secretary-General to extend the mandate of the Group of Experts monitoring those measures.� Unanimously adopting resolution 2021 (2011), the Council also requested the Secretary-General to appoint a sixth expert, on natural resources, and asked the Group of Experts � established under resolution 1533 (2004) � to report back by 18 May 2012, and again before 19 October 2012.� (See Press Release SC/10464.)

Also by that text, the Council condemned the continuing illicit flow of weapons within and into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.� It recommended that all States, particularly those in the region, regularly publish full import and export statistics for natural resources � including gold, cassiterite, coltan, wolframite, timber and charcoal � and enhance regional information-sharing, as well as joint action to investigate and combat regional criminal networks and armed groups involved in the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

Guinea-Bissau

Until the end of the year, with Secretary-General Ban calling on 27 December for respect for Guinea-Bissau�s lawful civilian authority following reports of arrests and clashes in the capital, the Council remained concerned about the consolidation of stability in the West African country, which has experienced much unrest since its independence in the 1970s, including the assassination of its President in 2009.� On 21 December, the Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) until February 2013 to support peace consolidation, urging the Government and other political actors to work together towards that goal.� (See Press Release SC/10500.)

On 3 November, Joseph Mutaboba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNIOGBIS, told the Council that, while there had been progress in police reform and other areas, it was critical to meet other challenges such as judicial reform and providing pensions for former ex-military personnel.� It was equally important to build upon recent gains ahead of legislative elections planned for 2012.� (See Press Release SC/10434.)

Mr. Mutaboba had struck a similar note in his first briefing of the year, on 25 February, when he pointed to progress on national dialogue and planning for security-sector reform, despite a �complex and tenuous� political and security situation (see Press Release SC/10183).� On 28 June, however, he said progress was being hampered by the �uncertain commitment� of the national authorities to address impunity, drug trafficking and organized crime (see Press Release SC/10300).

The Council also heard from officials of the Peacebuilding Commission, which has Guinea-Bissau on its agenda, and of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, who addressed members during briefings held this year.

Liberia

The Council dedicated five meetings to Liberia, beginning the year by deciding to end the authorization for a special deployment of 150 United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) personnel, charged in 2005 with guarding the facilities of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.� Their deployment officially ended as the Council adopted resolution 1971 (2011) on 3 March.� (See Press Release SC/10190.)

Nevertheless, the Council heard just weeks later that, while Liberia was indeed �much stronger today� than it had been eight years ago, the situation was becoming increasingly complex as the election process geared up and refugees flooded in from neighbouring C�te d�Ivoire.� Briefing on 16 March, Ellen Margrethe L�j, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIL, stressed that the international community must not take for granted the years of unbroken peace since the end of Liberia�s protracted civil war in 2003.� Sustained international attention was still needed, she added.� (See Press Release SC/10197.)

Ms. L�j briefed the Council again on 13 September, emphasizing that free, fair and peaceful elections were critical for Liberia�s full emergence from its brutal civil war.� However, even if such a referendum was successfully achieved, joint Liberian and international rebuilding efforts were not yet finished, she noted.� �Liberians will still require considerable assistance and support in rebuilding their lives and their country,� she said, urging all partners to �stay the course�.� (See Press Release SC/10380.)

The Council heeded those warnings on 16 September when, in the face of remaining �significant challenges�, it unanimously adopted resolution 2008 (2011), by which it extended UNMIL�s mandate for one year, until 30 September 2012.� (See Press Release SC/10388.)

Meeting again on 14 December, the Council went a step further to renew a standing arms embargo imposed on the country, as well as restrictions on persons deemed to pose a threat to Liberia�s peace and security.� (See Press Release SC/10485.)

Libya

In 19 formal meetings spanning the conflict�s duration, the Council�s most significant actions included imposing sanctions on the Qadhafi regime, approving the no-fly zone and authorizing the use of �all necessary measures� to protect civilians.� Its formal engagement in the situation began with a briefing on 25 February, during which the Secretary-General issued a warning that �fundamental peace and security issues are at stake�, urging Council members to consider concrete action to stop the violence and end the killing.� (See Press Release SC/10185.)

In a swift, decisive action on 26 February, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1970 (2011) under Article 41 of the United Nations Charter�s Chapter VII, demanding an end to the violence and referring the situation to the International Criminal Court.� It imposed an arms embargo on Libya; a travel ban and a freeze on assets belonging to the Qadhafi family and certain Government officials; and authorized all Member States to seize and dispose of military-related materiel banned by the text.� It called on them to facilitate the return of humanitarian agencies to Libya and to make humanitarian and related assistance available in the country.� It also established a committee to monitor the sanctions.� (See Press Release SC/10187/Rev.1.)

Demanding an immediate ceasefire on 17 March, the Council adopted resolution 1973 (2011) by 10 votes in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions ( Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russian Federation).� Foreign Minister Alain Jupp� of France introduced the text, describing the situation on the ground as �more alarming than ever, marked by the violent re-conquest of cities that have been released�.� The Council could not stand by and �let the warmongers flout international legality�, he said.� (See Press Release SC/10200.)

After the vote � which set in motion an air campaign by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to enforce the no-fly zone � representatives who had supported the text agreed on the necessity for strong action since the Qadhafi regime had not heeded the Council�s initial steps and was on the verge of even greater violence against civilians.� However, the representatives of China and the Russian Federation called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, with the latter noting that the text left many questions unanswered, including how and by whom the measures would be enforced and what the limits of engagement would be.� His Chinese counterpart stressed that he had refrained from blocking the action with a negative vote in consideration of the wishes of the League of Arab States and the African Union.

�The international community has acted together to avert a potential large-scale crisis,� Secretary-General Ban said in a briefing to the Council on 24 March.� There was no evidence to support repeated claims by the Libyan authorities that they had instituted a ceasefire and otherwise taken steps to carry out their obligations under relevant resolutions, he said, emphasizing that in all his meetings since the adoption of the �action� resolution, he had taken �special care to stress that action taken under resolution 1973 (2011) is governed by an overriding objective � to save the lives of innocent civilians�.� (See Press Release SC/10210.)

Emphasizing the need for the international community to come together in support of the quest for a solution, Abdul Ilah al-Khatib, the Secretary-General�s Special Envoy, told the Council during a briefing on 4 April following his second mission to Libya that it was still �very difficult� to know how long it would take to resolve the conflict.� He said he had reiterated the international community�s demand for the full implementation of resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011) in meetings with Libyan officials on 31 March.� (Press Release SC/10217.)

Briefing the Council again on 3 May, he said both the Libyan authorities and the opposition forces had informed him that they were �ready and willing� to implement a ceasefire, but on different terms.� The Government was insisting that a ceasefire must be accompanied by a halt to aerial attacks by NATO, and the National Transitional Council was asserting that no ceasefire would end the conflict unless it was directly linked to Qadhafi�s departure.� (See Press Release SC/10240.)

On 4 May, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, told the Council of his intention to seek arrest warrants against three Libyans who appeared to bear �the greatest criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity� committed during the brutal, months-long crackdown against the uprising.� Laying out evidence in support of the charges, he also said there was credible information that an estimated 500 to 700 persons had been killed in February alone, when security forces had fired live ammunition at demonstrators gathered in Benghazi�s High Court Square.� (See Press Release SC/10241.)

Pressing for a temporary end to hostilities on 9 May, Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said �humanitarian agencies must have access to all people, regardless of where they are and under whose control they happen to find themselves�.� Briefing the Council, she said more than 746,000 people had fled the country, some 5,000 were stranded at border crossings and some 58,000 internally displaced were living in makeshift settlements in eastern Libya.� The total number of casualties since the beginning of the crisis was still unknown, and the reported use of cluster bombs, sea and landmines, as well as aerial bombings showed a �callous disregard� for the physical and psychological well-being of civilians�, she said.� (See Press Release SC/10244.)

On 15 June, the representative of a high-level African Union panel told the Council that the regional body would never �hide from its responsibilities� to help resolve the conflict.� The time to articulate a solution that would protect civilians, ensure a democratic transformation and promote lasting peace was overdue, said Hamady Ould Hamady, Mauritania�s Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the organization�s High-level Ad Hoc Committee on Libya.� �We cannot simply be spectators to calamities that befall us,� he added.� Reporting on the Extraordinary Summit held on 25 May, and on a road map prescribing the immediate cessation of hostilities, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, the protection of foreigners and political reform, he said those steps were intended to allow all Libyan parties to fulfil their political aspirations.� (See Press Release SC/10280.)

B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, briefed the Council on 31 May, saying that United Nations priorities in Libya included protecting civilians, securing a commitment to indirect negotiations, and planning for post-conflict peacebuilding in Libya, where the human rights situation remained �deeply troubling�.� He cited the previous day�s condemnation of brutal Government measures by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as �shocking reports of sexual violence against women, including gang rapes by military forces�.

Three months since the crisis had begun, he continued, fighting between the Government and opposition forces continued, particularly in the western part of Libya, while the NATO operation had intensified amid repeated Government claims of civilian casualties.� Looking ahead, he said the political process, aimed at indirect negotiations based on proposals from both sides, were crucial in efforts to find a lasting solution, responsive to the �legitimate demands of the Libyan people�.� (See Press Release SC/10266.)

On 27 June, Mr. Pascoe reported that the International Criminal Court had issued warrants of arrest for Colonel Qadhafi, his son Saif al-Islam Qadhafi, and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi on charges of crimes against humanity.� However, the authorities and opposition leaders remained far from agreement, although a nascent negotiation process had begun.� �It must be given space to grow and bear fruit,� he stressed.� �We have an obligation to protect the people of Libya and that is the goal of current international efforts.�� Jose Filipe Moraes Cabral ( Portugal), Chairman of the Committee established to monitor the sanctions imposed on Libya, also briefed the Council meeting.� (See Press Release SC/10297.)

The Under-Secretary-General returned to the Council on 28 July, to report that the five-month-old war in Libya had basically stalled behind the posturing of both sides.� A ceasefire tied to transitional arrangements was still the only sustainable political solution to the crisis, he said, spotlighting activities aimed at advancing the political process and outlining efforts by the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, who had pressed ahead with a parallel approach to Government officials in Tripoli and National Transitional Council representatives in Benghazi.� He also provided details on the humanitarian situation, saying that more than 630,000 people, including some 100,000 Libyans, were believed to have fled the country since the start of conflict.� (See Press Release SC/10346.)

The following weeks saw heavy fighting, including in and around Tripoli, as rebel elements in the capital, supported by NATO, launched the so-called �Operation Mermaid Dawn� uprising on 20 August.� By 22 August, Tripoli was largely believed to have fallen as rebel forces from outside poured into the city, with little resistance from Qadhafi troops.� The so-called Battle for Tripoli reached a climax in mid-August, during which time the Qadhafi family was believed to have abandoned its fortified compound.

The Secretary-General reported in a 30 August briefing to the Council that fighting had begun to wind down and the National Transitional Council appeared to be largely in control of Tripoli and other cities, although fighting continued in Sirte, Sabha, Zuwara and points south.� Expressing hope for �a quick conclusion to the conflict�, he said the most important job for the United Nations was ensuring that multilateral, regional and international efforts complemented each other and were responsive to Libyan wishes.� �In our response to the post-conflict challenge, we must be proactive and effective,� Mr. Ban said.� �Yet, at the same time, we must be sensitive to the complex needs and desires of the Libyan people themselves�, acting �quickly and decisively to meet the considerable challenges ahead�.� (See Press Release SC/10374.)

Two weeks later, the Council established a support mission in Libya, unanimously adopting resolution 2009 (2011) on 16 September.� The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) would be authorized for an initial period of three months and would assist national efforts to restore public security, promote the rule of law, foster inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, and embark on constitution-making and electoral processes.

It would also support national efforts to extend State authority, strengthen institutions, restore public services, support transitional justice and protect human rights, and initiate economic recovery.� In support of those objectives, the Council partly lifted the arms embargo imposed on Libya and the assets freeze targeting entities connected to the regime, under resolution 1970 (2011).� It emphasized its intention to keep the no-fly zone agreed in resolution 1973 (2011) under review.� (See Press Release SC/10389.)

Following the adoption, Council members congratulated Ibrahim Dabbashi, Libya�s representative, on assuming his seat on behalf of the National Transitional Council.� He responded by describing the occasion as a historic day for Libyans, an indication that dictatorship and terror had ended and that the blood of 30,000 martyrs had not been shed in vain.

Briefing the Security Council on 26 October, Ian Martin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNSMIL, said the �new Libya� could move forward to build a modern nation-State, based on the principles embraced by the revolution � democracy, human rights, the rule of law, accountability, respect for minority rights, empowering women and promoting society.� He said he was confident that the past would be addressed through proper judicial and truth-seeking processes and that, despite violations committed in the heat of battle, the National Transitional Council�s leadership was committed to �avoiding revenge, achieving reconciliation and overcoming the manipulation of tribalism and regionalism � which the former dictator promoted to entrench his own power � thereby ensuring that the past would never be repeated�.� (See Press Release SC/10422.)

Following the briefing, Mr. Dabbashi affirmed that a new phase of building democracy had begun and Libya would maintain neighbourly relations with other nations.� Had it not been for the solidarity of the United Nations and all the States that had stood by the country and its people in the past months, they would not have achieved what they had done, and the number of victims would have been far, far higher, he added.

The Council voted on 27 October to end NATO�s civilian-protection mandate in Libya following the formal declaration of liberation on 23 October, unanimously adopting resolution 2016 (2011) to terminate the provisions of resolution 1973 (2011).� It also strongly urged the new Libyan authorities to refrain from reprisals, including arbitrary detentions, and underscored the leadership�s responsibility for the protection of the entire population, including African migrants and other foreign nationals.� The Council looked forward to the establishment of an inclusive, representative transitional Government, underpinned by democratic principles, according to the text.� (See Press Release SC/10424.)

On 31 October, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2017 (2011) calling for action by the interim authorities, neighbouring countries and other relevant Member States to stem the proliferation of portable surface-to-air missiles and other arms from Libya.� It also authorized the Libya sanctions committee to propose a strategy to ensure that such materiel was kept out of the hands of terrorists and others.� (See Press Release SC/10429.)

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo told the Council on 2 November that his Office was galvanizing efforts to ensure that former intelligence chief Senussi would face justice, in light of Colonel Qadhafi�s death on 20 October.� He also said that information had been received that a group of mercenaries might be endeavouring to facilitate the escape from Libya of Saif al-Islam Qadhafi.� He called on States to do all that they could to disrupt any such operation, saying:� �It is up to the United Nations Security Council and States to ensure that they [the sons] face justice for the crimes with which they are charged.�� (See Press Release SC/10433.)

There was broad agreement among Council members taking the floor during the meeting that the decision to refer the Libyan case to the Prosecutor�s Office reflected the importance that the international community attached to ensuring accountability for the systematic attacks against Libyan civilians.

Secretary-General Ban, in his report to the Council on 22 November (document S/2011/727), said the revolutionary fighters, many of them young people, had earned great respect, and commended the transitional authorities and all Libyans for their historic accomplishment.� �I believe that the leaders of the new Libya are truly committed to building a society based on respect for human rights,� he said, adding that the Libyan people had created for themselves an extraordinary opportunity and now faced extraordinary challenges.� �They look to the United Nations to be key partners as they address these challenges, and we must devote our best efforts to supporting them.�

On 2 December, the Council stressed the importance of continued United Nations support for the transitional Government in addressing immediate priorities, as it extended UNSMIL�s mandate until 16 March 2012.� Unanimously adopting resolution 2022 (2011), it laid out the elements of that mandate, which included assisting national efforts to address the proliferation of arms, man-portable surface-to-air missiles, in particular.� (See Press Release SC/10469.)

During the Council�s last meeting on Libya, on 22 December, Mr. Martin said the United Nations now had partners to whom it was offering its support and who were responding to a changing public mood increasingly focused on issues that were central to the demands of the revolution. �(See Press Release SC/10503.)

Sierra Leone

The Council�s two briefings on Sierra Leone focused mainly on the West African nation�s fragile progress following its emergence from a decade-long civil war in 2002.� Describing its recovery in the past nine years as �truly remarkable�, Michael von Schulenburg, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General in Sierra Leone and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), told Council members on 24 March that the country � once the �symbol of a failed State� � was now becoming a model for overcoming divisions and developing into a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country.� (See Press Release SC/10208.)

He said he was encouraged by the headway made in the exploitation of mineral resources over the last six months, pointing to the �vital endeavour� of making Sierra Leone into a major exporter of mineral and hydrocarbon resources.� However, that transformation could test the country�s fragile cohesion and provoke greater social changes than were currently envisaged, he cautioned, stressing the need for continuing strong international support.

On 12 September, Mr. Von Schulenburg focused on the preparations for presidential elections in 2012, warning the Council of the critical need to avert a resurgence of the tensions that had helped to ignite the devastating civil war.� Noting that clashes had occurred recently between groups loyal to the two main political parties, he expressed hope that an agreement could quickly be reached on the legal framework for the upcoming elections, and on a new code of conduct governing election campaigns.� (See Press Release SC/10379.)

Unanimously adopting resolution 2005 (2011) just two days later, on 14 September, the Council decided to extend UNIPSIL�S mandate for one year, until 15 September 2012.� It determined that the Office should support the Government in holding fair, credible and democratic elections, while continuing to assist its efforts in conflict prevention and mitigation, tackling youth unemployment, promoting good governance and other related endeavours.� It also called on the Government to fight corruption, improve accountability and promote private-sector development.� In particular, it called on the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources to help mitigate the risk of resource-based conflict.� (See Press Release SC/10379.)

Somalia

After the withdrawal of the insurgent group Al-Shabaab from the capital, Mogadishu, and the launch of a road map to complete transitional tasks agreed upon at a long-awaited, broad-based consultative meeting, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was able to visit in December.� Reporting to the Council on his return, on 13 December, he said:� �We finally face a moment of fresh opportunities.� We must seize it.�� Beyond Mogadishu, he said, the insurgents were retreating under mounting pressure from Government forces and their militia allies, backed by Kenyan and Ethiopian forces, which represented a unique opportunity to help stabilize the country at large, but required full deployment of the authorized 12,000 African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops, as well as all other resources needed.� (See Press Release SC/10479.)

The year started off on an optimistic note on 14 January, with Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Political Office in Somalia (UNPOS), hailing the appointment of a �technocratic� and �professional� cabinet by Somalia�s Transitional Federal Government, as well as other gains in institution-building.� However, the constitution process, reconciliation and security remained major concerns as the August 2011 transition deadline drew near, he noted.� (See Press Release SC/10153.)

On 10 March, in a presidential statement issued after an open debate, the Council stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to deal with those challenges, for the reliable financing of AMISOM, and for adequate funding of humanitarian relief as a severe drought began to overtake many areas of the country, some of which had only restricted access due to domination by the insurgents.� (See Press Release SC/10193.)

The Council subsequently demonstrated less confidence in the Transitional Federal Government, issuing another presidential statement, on 11 May, in which members expressed their regret over its failure to attend a consultative meeting held in Nairobi in April (see Press Release SC/10246).� Some tensions within the Transitional Federal Government were resolved by the Kampala Accord, an agreement between the President and the Speaker of Parliament, which effectively extended the transitional period for one year, until August 2012.� On 24 June, the Council welcomed the Accord in a presidential statement that also called on its signatories to ensure �cohesion, unity and focus� in completing the transition (see Press Release SC/10294).

In the Council�s next briefing, held on 10 August, following Al-Shabaab�s unexpected withdrawal from Mogadishu, Mr. Mahiga was able to brief members via videoconference from the Somali capital, which had previously been too dangerous to host a United Nations presence.� He said the withdrawal opened up new opportunities but stressed that Somalis simply could not wait any longer for international support.� Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Catherine Bragg briefed on the spreading famine.� (See Press Release SC/10358.)

On 14 September, following the long-awaited broad-based consultative meeting earlier that month, Mr. Mahiga reported to the Council that �seeds of hope and progress have begun to sprout�.� He called on the international community to help the Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM consolidate gains.� Subsequently, the Transitional Prime Minister had reported that his Government was doing its best, within its limited resources, to fill the void left by Al-Shabaab with legitimate State authority, and to re-establish security.� (See Press Release SC/10384.)

In order to facilitate the provision of urgently needed humanitarian assistance, the Council decided on 17 March to ease its asset freeze on the country for 16 months (see Press Release SC/10198).� Authorizing a 12-month mandate extension for the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea on 29 July, the Council tightened measures on individuals and entities identified as users of child soldiers or involved in attacks against civilians (see Press Release SC/10348).� On 30 September, condemning attacks on both civilians and members of the Transitional Federal Government, the Council extended the authorization for AMISOM until 31 October 2012 (see Press Release SC/10399).

Much of the Council�s attention in the international fight against piracy off the Somali coast focused on building the regional capacity to prosecute the maritime criminals.� On 25 January, Jack Lang, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, said that, despite security efforts, pirates were expanding their activities and geographic reach, partly due to an inability to prosecute.� He proposed the establishment of specialized jurisdictions in the region, as well as the need to bolster forensic police work.� (See Press Release SC/10164.)� In a resolution adopted on 11 April, the Council decided urgently to consider the establishment of special Somali courts operating in the wider subregion (see Press Release SC/10221).� On 21 June, the United Nations Legal Counsel outlined considerations relating to such courts.� (See Press Release SC/10287.)

Following its 31 October consideration of a report of the Secretary-General citing evidence of the continued expansion of the reach of pirates, as well as their increasing violence and technical capabilities, the Council adopted a resolution renewing its call for further consideration of specialized courts.� (See Press Releases SC/10431 and SC/10419.)� On 22 November, it extended for another year the authorization for those cooperating with the Transitional Federal Government to use �all necessary means� to combat piracy.� (See Press Release SC/10454.)

Sudan and South Sudan

In the aftermath of the May advance by armed elements from both northern and southern Sudan into Abyei, and that town�s capture by the Sudanese Armed Forces, which the Council condemned alongside attacks on UNMIS through a press statement on 22 May and a presidential statement and 3 June (see Press Releases SC/10262 and SC/10268, respectively), the Council urgently authorized the deployment of the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNIFSA) on 27 June (Press Release SC/10298).� That action followed a 20 June briefing on a North/South agreement to pull all troops out of Abyei, as well as on bloody clashes between pro-South groups and Government forces in Southern Kordofan that had forced thousands of people to flee (see Press Release SC/10286).

On 27 July, the Council heard a briefing on the sped-up deployment of Ethiopian troops for UNISFA (see Press Release SC/10344).� On 14 December, it expanded the Force�s mandate to include facilitation of border negotiations (Press Release SC/10484), and on 22 December, extended the mandate for five additional months (see Press Release SC/10505).

In response to South Sudan�s security, rule-of-law and other peacebuilding needs, the Council also established the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on 8 July (Press Release SC/10314), formally authorizing closure of the previously mandated United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) on 11 July.� Its mandate had only been extended, on 27 April, until 9 July, the planned date of South Sudan�s independence, although some Council Members voiced regret at its withdrawal given the ongoing clashes in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan States (see Press Releases SC/10317 and SC/10233).

On 11 July, the Council had referred South Sudan�s application for United Nations membership to its Committee on Admissions and formally recommended its acceptance as the 193^rd Member State on 13 July.� In a subsequent meeting, the Secretary-General told the Council that, �like any other newborn, South Sudan needs help�, while Council Members pledged their support to the country, which they noted ranked at the bottom of nearly all human development indicators (see Press Releases SC/10322 and SC/10323).

Relief over the peaceful holding of the referendum, as well as warnings that unresolved Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues must be settled was first expressed in a formal Council meeting on 18 January by Benjamin Mkapa, Chair of the Secretary-General�s Panel on the Referenda in the Sudan, and Haile Menkerios, Special Representative of the Secretary-General.� (See Press Release SC/10155.)

On 26 January, Atul Khare, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said the early vote count pointed to broad support for South Sudan�s secession, but in Abyei, where a required referendum had not yet taken place, tensions remained high between the agricultural Ngok Dinka and the pastoral Misseriya communities.� (See Press Release SC/10165.)

The Council issued a presidential statement on 9 February, welcoming the 7 February announcement of the final result of the South Sudan referendum, in which 98.83 per cent of voters had chosen independence, and called on the international community to lend its full support to a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese people.� (See Press Release SC/10169.)

However, briefers continued to warn of increased violence unless outstanding Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues were addressed.� With rumours of impending attacks and actual military action in Abyei and in the two border states, senior peacekeeping officials told the Council on 31 May that agreement was needed to avoid �an acrimonious divorce� between Sudan and South Sudan.� Similarly, the leaders of the Council�s 19-26 May mission to Africa reported on 6 June that it was critical to reach accord on Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues before South Sudan�s independence.� (See Press Releases SC/10267 and SC/10271.)

Bloodshed had remained localized in the border regions when South Sudan�s independence had finally been declared, but in briefings throughout the remainder of the year, speakers warned that, without a resumption of talks on outstanding issues, and given the heightened rhetoric, the fragile border situation could lead to violence with a regional impact, as stated, for example, by Herv� Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who, noting recent border incidents on 8 December, urged the two countries to establish the joint border monitoring mechanism they had agreed upon in July.� (See Press Release SC/10477.)

The Council called for a halt to fighting in Southern Kordofan State in a press statement following a closed-door briefing by Under-Secretary-General Amos on 15 July, amid reports of aerial bombing of civilians and mass graves following fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and cadres of the Sudan People�s Liberation Army (SPLA).� On 8 June, decrying the appointment as Southern Kordofan�s Governor of Ahmad Harun, an indictee of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moren-Ocampo, its Chief Prosecutor, said the President Omer al-Bashir of Sudan had learned to defy the Council, stressing that genocide and crimes against humanity continued unabated in Darfur (see Press Release SC/10274).� Those crimes could be ended by the arrest of indictees, including President Bashir, he said on 15 December (see Press Release SC/10489).

While many of the briefings on the situation in Darfur pointed to a continuing humanitarian tragedy, meetings on the western Sudan region described progress in negotiations taking place in Doha, Qatar, and in �broad-based� talks that had started in Sudan, including the All Darfur Stakeholders Conference, held on 31 May.� (See Press Release SC/10229.)

On 22 July, Ibrahim Gambari, Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur, hailed the 14 July Doha Document signed by the Government and major opposition movements, stressing that it was vital for hold-out movements and the Government to end continuing hostilities in the north, south and west of Darfur.� (See Press Release SC/10336.)

Extending for one year the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), on 29 July, the Council called on the mission to make full use of its capabilities to protect civilians, but recognized that, given the continuing violence, the situation was not yet conducive to open dialogue, as called for by the Doha Document, and known as the �Darfur-based Political Process�.� (See Press Release SC/10349.)

On 25 October, the Council was told that a road map for peace, making the Doha process more inclusive and leading to the end of hostilities was being created in consultations with all stakeholders (see Press Release SC/10421).

The Council also issued several press statements throughout the year condemning attacks on UNAMID peacekeepers.� On 17 May, it extended for one year the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring sanctions on those impeding peace in Sudan, particularly in Darfur (see Press Release SC/10253.)

West Africa

The Security Council held several meetings on the regional situation in West Africa.� On 25 March, Atul Khare, Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, briefed on the political unrest in C�te d�Ivoire during a meeting in which the Council heard about reported grave human rights violations in that country.� They allegedly included the use of heavy weapons against civilians by forces loyal to former President Laurent Gbagbo, which had resulted in hundreds of killings and arbitrary arrests, as well as the displacement of up to 1 million people.� The deteriorating situation had taken a serious toll on the lives of the Ivorian people, Mr. Khare said, conveying a request by regional leaders for more stringent measures against Mr. Gbagbo.� Also calling for stronger Council action was the representative of C�te d�Ivoire, who stressed that the obligation and responsibility to protect civilians lay at the heart of current international concerns.� (See Press Release SC/10212.)

Meeting again on 8 July, the Council welcomed the resolution of the Ivorian and other political crises in the region.� Citing in particular the peaceful end to the protracted post-election crisis in C�te d�Ivoire, Said Djinnit, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), said there had been positive developments throughout the region.� The invitation extended to the democratically elected leaders of C�te d�Ivoire, Niger and Guinea was a signal that the international community firmly supported that progress, he added.� However, he stressed that the region would still require assistance in dealing with an array of challenges, including chronic food insecurity in Niger, new institutional reforms under way in Guinea and the flood of migrants returning to Mali and Niger from North African countries in a state of transition.� In addition, he warned that elections scheduled before the start of 2013 had the potential to ignite simmering tensions that could lead to renewed violence and instability, and that the region�s progress could be derailed unless drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism were effectively countered.� In that context, the Council must remain vigilant and work to prevent conflicts, he stressed.� (See Press Release SC/10315.)

In a press statement also issued on 8 July, the Council expressed concern that West Africa�s progress remained fragile.� Welcoming the adoption of the Praia Declaration on Elections and Stability in West Africa, which had been adopted at a recent regional conference, it also stressed the importance of strengthening trans-regional and international cooperation to support West Africa in combating recurrent threats to peace and security.� The statement further encouraged engagement by the international community to ensure that progress made in preventing conflict and consolidating democracy in the region was sustained.� (See Press Release SC/10316.)

Western Sahara

In a single meeting to consider Western Sahara on 27 April, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1979 (2011), by which it extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year, until 30 April 2012.� By that text, it called on Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front) to adhere fully to military agreements reached with MINURSO.� It called on both parties to continue to show political will and to work in an atmosphere propitious for dialogue.� (See Press Release SC/10234.)

By other terms of the resolution, the Council welcomed the parties� commitment to continuing to hold small, informal talks in preparation for a fifth round of negotiations.� It further welcomed the establishment of a National Council on Human Rights in Morocco, including the proposed component regarding Western Sahara, as well as Morocco�s commitment to ensuring unqualified and unimpeded access to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council.� Additionally, the Council welcomed the implementation of the enhanced refugee protection programme developed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in coordination with the Polisario Front.

Americas

Haiti

The Council considered the situation in Haiti in four meetings, beginning with a briefing by Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who urged members on 20 January to help prevent the electoral process from distracting from earthquake-recovery efforts.� While the security situation remained calm, he said, there were pockets of violence related to political tensions amid widespread accusations of voting fraud.� The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) had continued its work with the Haitian National Police to maintain public order and protect civilians, he added.� (See Press Release SC/10159.)

During the same meeting, Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, reported that more than 1 million people had received shelter and adequate water supplies.� While the cholera fatality rate had dropped, intensive efforts must continue through 2011 to stave off the epidemic, as well as malnutrition and other severe problems, she warned.

On 6 April, the Council issued a presidential statement (document S/PRST/2011/7), recognizing the interconnected nature of long-term recovery and development challenges and expressing concern for the most vulnerable populations.� It also stressed the importance of completing the electoral process in such a way as to consolidate democracy, complete the constitutional reform process and create a strong basis for continued reconstruction.� The Council urged donors to disburse funds already pledged.� (See Press Release SC/10218.)

During the day-long debate, speakers applauded Haiti�s peaceful holding of presidential and legislative elections, while stressing the need to remove the million metres of rubble left by the earthquake so as to facilitate the development of school sanitation systems, power grids and communities.

However, during a meeting on 16 September, Mariano Fernandez, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSTAH, told the Council that the transition had not been smooth.� The rejection of President Michel Joseph Martelly�s nominations for Prime Minister had prompted a political stalemate that was preventing the installation of an effective Government.� He stressed the need to extend the Mission�s mandate, albeit with reduced troop numbers, given the fragile security situation, noting also that high food and fuel prices, as well as the continuing cholera epidemic, were still wreaking havoc on an already devastated population.� (See Press Release SC/10387.)

With that in mind, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2012 (2011) on 14 October, authorizing a one-year mandate extension for MINUSTAH, until 15 October 2012.� Consistent with recommendations in the Secretary-General�s latest report on the Mission�s work (document S/2011/540), the resolution also called for reducing military and authorized police personnel.� (See Press Release SC/10411.)

Asia

Afghanistan

As the Council met on 17 March to consider the situation in Afghanistan for the first time in 2011, Mr. De Mistura urged full international support for the planned transition to Afghan responsibility for security, governance and development in the troubled country.� The beginning of the transition meant an end to �business as usual�, he added.� (See Press Release SC/10199.)

During the same meeting, Zahir Tanin (Afghanistan) submitted his Government�s request for greater coherence in the work of the United Nations, as well as a comprehensive review and reshaping of UNAMA�s mandate, due to expire on 23 March, around the transition to full Afghan responsibility countrywide.� � Afghanistan cannot stand on its own two feet if its State institutions remain weak and are undermined by various parallel structures, and if capacity is not strengthened,� he said.

In the ensuing debate, Council members, as well as representatives of other interested countries strongly supported a transition to full Afghan responsibility, as well as related aspects of the so-called �Kabul Process�.� Most of them prioritized building the capacity of Afghan institutions, particularly those related to security, the rule of law and other services.

On 17 June, in a move designed to stay in step with the evolving security situation and defeat terrorism, the Council split the regime governing the sanctions imposed on Al-Qaida and the Taliban, and extended by 18 months the term of the Ombudsperson to oversee the Al-Qaida List, by unanimously adopting resolutions 1988 (2011) and 1989 (2011) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.� Several delegates welcomed those actions, saying that distinguishing between Al-Qaida and the Taliban was an acknowledgement that the terrorist threat had evolved, and the distinct regimes presented a means of separating extremists from those who might participate in the Afghan reconciliation process.� (See Press Release SC/10285/Rev.1.)

With Afghanistan set for the launch of its two-year transition process � covering security, governance and efforts to bring opposition groups into the political mainstream � Mr. De Mistura told the Council on 6 July that the �train is on track and moving forward�, but cautioned that, to be successful, it must be underpinned by the socio-economic development that the Afghan people so desperately needed and deserved.� (See Press Release SC/10309.)

Declaring that �peace is never smooth�, the Special Representative told the Council on 29 September that precious ground gained in taking the transition and national reconciliation processes forward would not be undermined by the assassination of chief peace negotiator Burhanuddin Rabbani.� Afghanistan and its people were going through a �terrible, terrible time� following Mr. Rabbini�s killing by suicide bomb, he said, adding that, while his murder had been a major blow, the Afghan people had repeatedly shown their capacity to recover from tragedy and sad losses.� (See Press Release SC/10398.)

Unanimously adopting resolution 2011 (2011) under Chapter VII, the Council authorized on 12 October a one-year mandate extension for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), ending on 13 October 2012, and welcomed an agreement to transfer lead security responsibility for the entire territory to the Government by the end of 2014.� (See Press Release SC/10408.)

The international community�s commitment to enduring engagement with Afghanistan through its transition and transformation � voiced at the 5 December Bonn Conference � was the subject of a debate and presidential statement on 19 December.� The 15-member body welcomed the declaration in Bonn that the so-called Process of Transition, to be completed by the end of 2014, should be followed by a Decade of Transformation (2015-2024), in which Afghanistan would consolidate its sovereignty by strengthening a fully functioning, sustainable State in the service of its people.� (See Press Release SC/10494.)

Presenting the Secretary-General�s latest report on that occasion was Herv� Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who declared:� �The United Nations is committed to supporting the Afghan Government and its people for the long term.� We have been in Afghanistan for more than half a century assisting the Afghan people and we will be there far beyond 2014, as the Afghans need us.�

Nepal

In her final briefing to the Council as Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIN, Karin Landgren said on 5 January that, while the peace process was incomplete, the Mission had performed its mandated tasks and contributed significantly to peace against a complex backdrop of dramatic political gains, and the growing risk of a people�s revolt following a stalemate occasioned by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal�s resignation in June 2010.� (See Press Release SC/10145.)

Expressing concern about who would take over UNMIN�s monitoring duties, she said the Mission would have benefitted from a review of its mandate after the 2008 elections, adding that stronger support for the peace process should have been considered more seriously.� Warning that stalled efforts to implement land reform and establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, among others, could hobble progress, she noted that Nepal�s peace process would remain on the Council�s agenda for a further three years.

Gyan Chandra Acharya ( Nepal) told the Council that the Mission had helped, and the country was now working hard on moving the peace process forward, including the reintegration of former combatants and shaping a new constitution.

On 14 January, the Council issued a presidential statement (document S/PRST/2011/1) calling on all political parties to �resolve expeditiously� the outstanding issues surrounding the peace process.� It pledged the Council�s continued support for the process and encouraged Nepal to complete its new constitution, calling on all parties to �redouble their efforts to continue to work together in the spirit of consensus to fulfil the commitments they made in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and other agreements�.� (See Press Release SC/10152.)

Timor-Leste

Welcoming recent progress in many sectors, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1969 (2011) on 24 February, extending the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) until 26 February 2012 at the current authorized troop levels.� (See Press Release SC/10181.)

The Council stressed the importance of holding peaceful and credible elections in 2012, and urged all political parties to continue to work together and engage in dialogue.� It requested the Mission to support the further institutional development of the national police force, and to help Government efforts in further building and reforming the justice sector, coordinating international assistance, reducing poverty and improving education, among other tasks.

Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIT, told the Council on 22 November that Timor-Leste was indeed a �very different place today�, noting that calm and stability were paving a smooth road ahead to the �democracy fest� anticipated for the landmark 2012 elections.� Envisioning a peaceful transition to a new Government, she expressed optimism that conditions would allow for UNMIT�s departure by 31 December 2012.� However, significant challenges remained, she cautioned, citing institutional capacity-building, strengthening the security sector, and socio-economic issues such as youth employment.� (See Press Release SC/10455.)

Also addressing the Council was Zacarias Albano da Costa, Timor-Leste�s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, who cited recent gains while noting the need to make a long-term effort for progress.

Council members hailed UNMIT�s planned departure in 2012 as a significant milestone after a decade of assistance.� Echoing a common view, the United Kingdom�s representative said 2012 would be a pivotal year, but the Mission�s scheduled withdrawal would not mean a lessening of the Council�s interest in Timor-Leste.

Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 9 May, he presented his fifth report, noting that, during the period from 16 October 2010 to 20 April 2011, an upsurge in nationalist rhetoric had challenged the Dayton Peace Agreement and there was still no prospect of forming a State-level Government seven months after general elections.� If the current crisis deepened, it would have negative consequences for the entire region, he warned.� (See Press Release SC/10243.)

As Council members expressed alarm at the worsening conditions and particular concern over challenges to the Dayton accords, Ivan Barbalić ( Bosnia and Herzegovina) said the High Representative still had an important role in supporting the strengthening of State institutional capacity and Euro-Atlantic integration.� He called for regional cooperation to ensure mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

Returning to brief the Council on 15 November, Mr. Inzko said political stagnation and instability had continued during the period 21 April to 15 October.� Challenges to the Dayton accords had continued.� One year after general elections, the State-level budget had not been passed and the Council of Ministers was yet to be formed.� He thus recommended that the Office of High Representative, as well as the European Union multinational stabilization force (EUFOR ALTHEA) remain operational.� (See Press Release SC/10449.)

Mr. Barbalić ( Bosnia and Herzegovina), describing the situation in his country as �complex, but not unresolvable�, said that, given a positive security situation, and with 2011 economic data showing improvements, there was a way to overcome the current situation.

Calling on political leaders in the country to form a new Council of Ministers, refrain from divisive rhetoric, and make further concrete and tangible progress towards European Union integration, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2019 (2011) on 16 November, authorizing a one-year extension of EUFOR ALTHEA until 15 November 2012.� Reiterating that all the Federation�s authorities bore primary responsibility for the further implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the Council reminded the parties that they had committed themselves to full cooperation with all entities involved in implementing the peace settlement.� (See Press Release SC/10451.)

Cyprus

The Council twice extended the mandate of the 47-year-old United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).� In meetings on 13 June and 14 December, members called on both sides in the disputed island nation to continue to engage on the demarcation of the buffer zone separating the two rival communities, as a matter of urgency, and to reach agreement on other outstanding issues.� (See Press Releases SC/10279 and SC/10486.)

Kosovo

Briefing the Council on 16 February before stepping down in June, Mr. Zannier emphasized the pressing need to launch a dialogue on reconciliation, noting that both parties had expressed readiness to do so.� Unresolved issues threatened the security situation, he said, adding that other challenges included fiscal difficulties, recent attacks on minority returnees in northern Mitrovica, and allegations of illegal human organ trafficking involving members of the Kosovo Liberation Army.� On the latter point, he noted that the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) was ready to undertake an investigation.� (See Press Release SC/10177.)

Reporting on developments on 12 May, Mr. Zannier said he was hopeful that Pristina and Belgrade would demonstrate the resolve needed to find solutions to outstanding problems.� However, he expressed concern that a stagnant economy was an obstacle to the return of refugees.� He also supported a call by the Council of Europe�s Parliamentary Assembly for an independent investigation into organ-trafficking allegations.� (See Press Release SC/10250.)

Briefing the Council on 30 August, however, Farid Zarif, Acting Special Representative and Head of UNMIK, said the situation had soured following the postponement of talks due to disagreements over boundary-related issues.� Violence had erupted at boundary crossing points in northern Kosovo after Pristina had effectively placed Serbian goods under embargo and attempted unilaterally to deploy a special police unit, he said, adding that strengthened dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade was imperative to reducing chances for further destabilization.� He also reported on the selection of the EULEX task force to investigate organ trafficking allegations.� (See Press Release SC/10371.)

However, in a 15 September meeting urgently requested by Serbia and the Russian Federation, Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, appealed to the authorities in Kosovo and Serbia to maintain calm to avoid exacerbating tensions over a plan to hand over authority on boundary crossing points to the European Union mission in the presence of Kosovo customs officials.� (See Press Release SC/10386.)

During the year�s final briefing, on 29 November, Mr. Zarif, confirmed as the new Special Representative and Head of UNMIK, reported that incidents involving roadblocks mounted by northern Kosovo residents to keep boundary crossings into Serbia closed had deteriorated into violent confrontations with the multinational Kosovo force (KFOR).� The precarious situation warranted the Council�s attention and leadership.� Updates on the EULEX investigation included a meeting between the lead prosecutor and leaders from Kosovo, Albania and Serbia, he said, prompting much debate in the Council as some members called for witness-protection guarantees and others recommended that the Council play a more significant role.� (See Press Release 10462.)

Middle East

Question of Palestine

Leading up to that decision was another calendar year fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles to a resumption of negotiations.� The Council began its consideration of the situation as it had done in past years � hearing a senior United Nations official voice serious concern at the lack of progress.� �Peace and Palestinian statehood cannot be further delayed,� B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, emphasized in his briefing on 19 January.� Despite international efforts to restart the stalled peace talks, they were still deadlocked and the goal of reaching a framework agreement on final-status issues remained elusive, he said.� Helping to undermine trust and bolster prejudice was the sharp increase in settlement expansion on the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following Israel�s lifting of its 10-month partial freeze on building in September 2010, he added.� (See Press Release SC/10157.)

A month later, however, on 18 February, the Council failed � by a vote of 14 in favour to 1 against (United States) � to adopt a resolution that would have described Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 as �illegal�, while reiterating its demand for an immediate cessation of all settlement activity.� (See Press Release SC/10178.)

Where was the international community? Lebanon�s representative demanded before the vote.� Where was the respect for international law?� The Israeli occupation authorities had approved a plan to construct 1,400 new settlements just south of East Jerusalem, he noted, adding that there were also plans to erect settlements throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory.� Indeed, since the suspension of the 10-month partial freeze, the rate of building had just about doubled, he said, pointing out that Israel continued to destroy buildings and other structures in East Jerusalem that were part of the Palestinian identity.

Palestine�s Permanent Observer said the situation must be remedied lest the prospects for a negotiated two-State solution be placed in permanent jeopardy.� The situation was intolerable and the status quo untenable, he stressed.

Israel�s representative said the text should never have been submitted as direct negotiations remained the only way to resolve the long-standing conflict.� The Council should have called on the parties to return immediately to the negotiating table, without pre-conditions, in order to reach a final settlement of all outstanding issues.

The representative of the United States, who had exercised the veto, said her country rejected the legitimacy of settlement activity in the strongest terms, but emphasized that every action must be measured against the standard of its capacity to bring the parties closer or take them further from negotiations and agreement.� The text had risked hardening positions on both sides, she said, adding that it could have encouraged the parties to stay away from the negotiations or to return to the Council whenever they reached an impasse.

Briefing the Council on 24 February, Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, pointed out that, in stark contrast to the dramatic political transformations in the Middle East, the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations remained at a standstill, with each party sceptical of the other�s intentions and of the international community�s seriousness.� �I must in all frankness report low confidence and trust in each other and in international efforts to help them overcome their differences,� he said, calling for �credible and effective international intervention� to get the process back on track.� (See Press Release SC/10182.)

A sharp spike in Israeli-Palestinian violence informed the briefing on 22 March, when Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, described as �alarming� rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel and the subsequent Israeli air strikes that had left three Palestinians dead.� Important achievements, especially those relating to the Palestinian Authority�s State-building agenda, would be at risk if the political impasse continued, he warned, reiterating the urgent need to break the political deadlock and calling for decisive action by the diplomatic Quartet and the wider international community to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

He reported that, during the previous month, the Quartet had continued its efforts to help the parties find a way back to direct negotiations.� As per the February agreement reached in Munich, Quartet envoys had met separately with Palestinian and Israeli negotiators and were giving serious consideration to their views on how to re-start talks on all core issues, including borders and security, he said, adding that the envoys planned to engage both sides further.� The Quartet Principals were scheduled to meet in April in the hope of setting the stage for renewed talks.� (See Press Release SC/10204.)

Opening a day-long Council debate on 21 April, Mr. Pascoe said both parties should be concerned that the political track was falling behind the significant progress of the Palestinian Authority�s State-building agenda.� In the six areas in which the international community was most engaged, governmental functions were now sufficient for a viable State, he said, citing a recent United Nations report.� In parallel, Israeli measures to facilitate movement had supported economic activity and access to basic services.� At the same time, he pointed out that the reporting period had seen the highest levels of violence in Gaza and Israel in two years.� (See Press Release SC/10230.)

Deadly clashes, as well as Palestinian reconciliation and State-building efforts, showed that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was not immune to the political changes sweeping across the Arab world, Mr. Serry told the Council in a 19 May briefing.� �One way or another, change will come to it, too,� he said, adding:� �This change must be shaped to positive ends.�� Unfortunately, the search for a two-State solution was �stuck� and there was a genuine lack of trust between the parties, he noted.� In the absence of negotiations and amid the continuing expansion of Israeli settlements, the Palestinians were preparing to approach the United Nations in September to seek recognition as a State, he reported.� (See Press Release SC/10261.)

On 23 June, Mr. Serry cited United States President Barack Obama�s speech of 19 May, saying it offered a framework for resuming negotiations and seeking agreement.� Stressing the urgent need to resume meaningful negotiations, he described the standstill in the Israeli-Palestinian political process as �dangerous�.� (See Press Release SC/10290.)

Mr. Serry further warned the Council on 26 July that without a credible path out of the profound, persistent deadlock, coupled with far-reaching steps on the ground, the viability of the two-State solution and the Palestinian State-building agenda were in jeopardy.� �I cannot but describe the situation where Palestinian State-building has matured in the West Bank, but the political track has failed to converge, as dramatic,� he said.� (See Press Release SC/10340.)

Briefing the Council on 25 August, Mr. Pascoe said that recent terror attacks and escalating violence in the Middle East showed the urgent need for progress, but the political deadlock persisted.� Profound differences remained over the terms in which to frame negotiations, he said, cautioning that �mistrust is deepening�.� Calm was necessary if meaningful negotiations were to have a chance, but without a political breakthrough, and with Israeli settlement activity continuing, the Palestinian leadership had confirmed its intention to approach the General Assembly and the Council for recognition in September, he reported.� (See Press Release SC/10367.)

With Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon presiding on 27 September, Mr. Pascoe told the Council that Palestinian and Israeli positions remained far apart after a week of �intensive diplomacy�, but the existence of some �building blocks� � a clear timetable, expectations that the parties must put forward proposals, and an active role by the Quartet � could make negotiations more effective.� �It will not be easy, but now is the time for everyone to give diplomacy a chance,� he said.

Prime Minister Mikata said the �winds of change� were blowing in the Middle East, heralding the �Palestinian Spring� that had resulted in the previous week�s application for full United Nations membership.� The Palestinians had reaffirmed their willingness to negotiate, but the negotiations were still clashing with Israeli intransigence and violations of international law, he added.� (See Press Release SC/10396.)

On 28 September, the Council referred the Palestinian application to its Committee on the Admission of New Members, for �examination and report�.� According to a statement by Council President Nawaf Salam ( Lebanon), the Palestinian President had submitted the application in a letter dated 23 September and addressed to the Secretary-General (document S/2011/592).� He proposed that the Committee meet on 30 September, to consider the application.� (See Press Release SC/10397.)

There were renewed appeals for Palestine�s United Nations membership throughout a day-long debate in the Council on 24 October, as the Permanent Observer described attempts to postpone consideration of the application as unacceptable and the status quo as �illogical and unjust�.� Israel�s delegate said his country had accepted the Quartet�s call to re-start negotiations immediately, without preconditions.� Describing the suggestion that settlements were the cause of the conflict as �interesting�, he pointed out that the conflict had been raging for nearly half a century before a single settlement had sprung up in the West Bank.� The primary obstacle to peace was the Arab world�s refusal to accept the Jewish State, he reiterated.� (See Press Release SC/10420.)

Mr. Serry, returning to the Council on 21 November, warned:� �The viability of the Palestinian Authority and its State-building agenda � and, I fear, of the two-State solution itself � cannot be taken for granted.�� Both parties had engaged separately with the Quartet in the framework of the 23 September statement, but direct negotiations, without preconditions, in which the parties would be expected to table territorial and security proposals within 90 days, were still not taking place.� Instead, gaps in trust, perception and substance remained, he noted, appealing to the parties to de-escalate, refrain from provocations, adhere to their obligations, enter direct talks and advance concrete and negotiable proposals.� (See Press Release SC/10453.)

Delivering the last scheduled briefing on 20 December was Mr. Fernandez-Taranco, who said that credible progress in the search for peace between Israel and the Palestinians was more urgent than ever, but remained elusive in a context of tensions on the ground, deep mistrust and volatile regional dynamics.� �Our worry is that as the year draws to a close, the situation on the ground is deteriorating and the path towards peace remains dangerously uncertain.�� Those negative dynamics must not be allowed to prevail, he added, emphasizing that too much was at stake.� (See Press Release SC/10497.)

Iraq

Hamid Al-Bayati ( Iraq) declared: �My Government has worked hard in the last months to improve its defensive capabilities to stand in the face of terrorist attacks to protect international security and to save democracy.�� The country was poised to take on the great challenges and responsibilities that would follow the withdrawal of United States forces, he said.� Indeed, Iraq was witnessing a new era, in which �the foundations of democracy, personal and private freedom of the press, freedom of creating political parties, political diversity and peaceful transition of power are established,� he said.� (See Press Release SC/10472.)

The Council�s formal consideration of the situation in Iraq began on 8 April, when Ad Melkert, then Head of UNAMI, said citizens had protested across the country to demand the dividends promised by the New National Partnership, including employment opportunities for young people.� Iraq�s elected officials were taking those issues seriously, and had shown renewed determination to act decisively, he said, adding that the United Nations was also doing its part.

However, despite progress towards stability, security remained a concern, he said, pointing to the 25 security incidents reported the previous month and the 29 March terror attacks against a provincial government building that had killed 76 people and injured 100.� �As [ United States] forces prepare to Leave, Iraq should not be forgotten and the international community should stand ready to continue support,� he said.� (See Press Release SC/10220.)

Briefing on earlier developments on 19 July, Mr. Melkert said real progress had been achieved in replacing Iraq�s ruthless dictatorship with institutions mandated by constitutional principles, which laid the ground for �cautious optimism� about the future.� In some important aspects, he said, Iraq was at the heart of fundamental changes in the region, as its system of government had incorporated a power-sharing Constitution that guaranteed the participation of women and minorities while nurturing a culture of constitutional debate.� (See Press Release SC/10330.)

On 28 July, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2001 (2011), extending UNAMI�s mandate for another 12 months.� Recognizing that the security of United Nations personnel was essential for the Mission to carry out its work, the Council called on Iraq and other Member States to provide it with security, logistical support and sufficient resources.� (See Press Release SC/10345.)

Lebanon

In the wake of the 27 May and 26 July attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Council, on 30 August, extended its mandate for one year, until 31 August 2012, condemning all terrorist attacks against it in the strongest terms.� Unanimously adopting resolution 2004 (2011), the Council called for the rapid finalization of Lebanon�s investigation into the attacks, and urged all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel.� It strongly called upon all parties concerned to respect the cessation of hostilities, prevent any violation of the �Blue Line� and cooperate fully with UNIFIL.� It urged Israel to expedite immediately the withdrawal of its Army from northern Ghajar, and called for cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces.� (See Press Release SC/10373.)

During the portion of the regular monthly briefing on the Middle East devoted to Lebanon, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, said on 20 December that several incidents in UNIFIL�s area of operations had raised concerns.� He recalled in that vein that the Secretary-General had condemned all indiscriminate rocket attacks and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

In a positive development he reported the 30 November announcement by Prime Minister Mikati that he had transferred his Government�s share of the 2011 budget for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.� Inaugurated in March 2009, the court�s primary mandate was to try the people accused of carrying out the attack on 14 February 2005 in which 23 people, including former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, had been killed and many others and injured.� (See Press Release SC/10497.)

(Summaries of additional relevant meetings of the Council can be found in Press Releases SC/10453, SC/10420, SC/10396, SC/10367, SC/10340, SC/10290, SC/10261, SC/10230, SC/10204, SC/10182, SC/10178 and SC/10157).

Syria

Prior to the Council�s involvement, Secretary-General Ban condemned, on 23 March, the violence against peaceful demonstrators in Dera�a, which had killed several people and injured many more.� He called on the Syrian authorities to refrain from violence and abide by their human rights commitments (see Press Release SG/SM/13472).� With the situation intensifying, he again condemned violence against peaceful demonstrators on 25 April, and reminded the Syrian authorities of their obligation to respect international human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and freedom of the press.� He called once more for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings.� (See Press Release SG/SM/13521.)

The Security Council considered the situation formally in four meetings, beginning on 27 April with a briefing by B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.� He said that, despite the promise of reform contained in a spate of announced legislative and legal changes, the crackdown against the anti-Government protesters had intensified dramatically.� �Repression is not the solution,� he said, adding that inclusive dialogue and genuine reforms were required to address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and restore confidence, social peace and order.� (See Press Release SC/10235.)

On 30 June, the Council met to consider the Secretary-General�s report (document S/2011/359) on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which recommended an extension of its mandate by a further six months.� The Force was established to supervise the disengagement agreement of 31 May 1974 between Syrian and Israeli forces.� The Secretary-General said that, although the situation in the Israel-Syria sector remained generally quiet, the serious events that had occurred in the UNDOF area of operation were of grave concern.

Unanimously adopting resolution 1994 (2011) that day, the Council also expressed grave concern, fearing that those serious events, occurring on 15 May and 5 June, could jeopardize the long-standing ceasefire between Israel and Syria.� (See Press Release SC/10305.)

Following the adoption, the United Kingdom�s representative stressed that the situation in Syria was unsustainable, and his delegation would continue to press for a stronger resolution on the matter.� However, the Russian Federation�s representative pointed out that Syria was not on the Council�s agenda.� China�s delegate said the matter was an internal one and should be left to the parties concerned.

Syria�s representative, while pledging his Government�s commitment to do its utmost to maintain the safety of mission officials, said he was puzzled by attempts to cite internal events in a technical draft resolution pertaining to the extension of UNDOF�s mandate.

Israel�s representative said the need to respect the disengagement line had never been clearer, given the prevailing regional instability.� Outlining the events of 15 May and 5 June, he said the Syrian regime�s fingerprints �were all over it�.

In a presidential statement on 3 August (document S/PRST/2011/16), the Council expressed �profound regret� over the many hundreds of deaths in Syria and condemned the authorities� widespread violations of human rights against civilians.� Calling for an immediate end to violence, it urged all sides to act with utmost restraint.� (See Press Release SC/10352.)

But on 4 October, the Council failed to adopt a draft resolution condemning Syria�s crackdown on anti-Government protestors, owing to vetoes by the Russian Federation and China.� The text would have demanded that Syrian authorities immediately stop using force against civilians and allow the exercise of the freedom of expression.� It would also have warned of options for action to be considered against the Government, including measures under the section of the Charter on sanctions.� (See Press Release SC/10403.)

Following the vote of 9 in favour to 2 against ( China, Russian Federation), with 4 abstentions ( Brazil, India, Lebanon, South Africa), opponents of the text stressed their concern over the violence, but said the threat of sanctions was counter-productive, maintaining that the Council should instead prioritize dialogue between the parties.� They also stressed the importance of the principle of non-intervention in domestic affairs.

The Russian Federation�s representative expressed alarm that compliance with Council resolutions on the situation in Libya had been considered a model for future actions that could involve the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).� �We�re not advocates of the Assad regime,� he said.� Stressing that the violence was unacceptable, he noted, however, that a portion of the Syrian opposition movement had not hidden its extremist bent and hoped for foreign sponsors.� The opposition was acting outside the law and killing people who complied with law enforcement, he added.

However, supporters of the draft resolution countered by saying that the proposed text had included a call for national dialogue; it did not threaten Syria�s sovereignty but aimed to stop the brutality against civilians exercising their rights.� They cited condemnations by the League of Arab States and others in the region as evidence of international support for Council action.� The representative of the United States expressed outrage over the Council�s failure to take minimum steps to protect civilians in Syria, after long, hard negotiations.

Yemen

In its consideration of the Middle East, the Council devoted one meeting to the situation in Yemen, unanimously adopting resolution 2014 (2011) on 21 October.� In that text, it expressed profound regret at the hundreds of deaths in the country, mainly of civilians, including women and children, following months of political strife.� The Council demanded that the Yemeni authorities immediately allow the exercise of the fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and expression, and that they end the attacks.� It also called for a commitment to a peaceful transition of power, based on proposals advanced by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.� The Council also expressed its concern over the presence of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as its intention to address that threat.� (See Press Release SC/10418.)

Thematic Debates

Children and Armed Conflict

�Places of learning and places of healing should never be places of war,� Secretary-General Ban said on 12 July as the Council adopted resolution 1998 (2011), by which the Council declared schools and hospitals off-limits to armed groups and military activities.� Hailing the text as a significant advance on the Council�s previous efforts, he said that it sent a consistent and clear message:� protecting children in armed conflict was a peace and security issue, and the international community would not tolerate grave violations of that principle.� (See Press Release SC/10319.)

Calling for all parties attacking such facilities to be held accountable and placed on the Secretary-General�s annual list of those committing grave violations against children, the resolution built on more than a decade of contributions towards a comprehensive framework for protecting children affected by conflict.� By its terms, the Council urged all parties to refrain from any actions that impeded children�s access to education and health services, and expressed its readiness to adopt �targeted and graduated measures against persistent perpetrators�.

The action followed a day-long debate, during which Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, said that the decision to add attacks on schools and hospitals as listing criteria had been taken as such actions were became more frequent and appalling.� The Council had begun a journey of great promise in 1999, she said, noting that Governments and non-State actors had begun to respond to its calls for action.� Hopefully, the text �will help usher in an era where children can study, play and learn in an atmosphere of safety and dignity�, she added.

International Criminal Tribunals

On 6 June, during its first meeting of 2011 to consider the Tribunals, the Council commended the arrests of high-profile fugitives, including former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladić, a suspect in the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bernard Munyagishari, former leader of Rwanda�s Interahamwe militia.� (See Press Release SC/10269.)

Despite that and other progress in the fight to end impunity, however, the Presidents of each Tribunal said their future work would be hampered unless the Council addressed urgent, unprecedented challenges.� Judge Patrick Robinson of Former Yugoslavia Tribunal said the most pressing issues were staff retention, as well as support for a victims� trust fund and for the enforcement of sentences.� �The staffing problem is so bad that it can now be described as chronic, systemic and endemic; we are in a staffing crisis:� c-r-i-s-i-s,� he emphasized.� Judge Khalida Rachid Khan of the Rwanda Tribunal called on the Council to find sustainable solutions to critical challenges, including staffing issues, the resettlement of acquitted persons and the relocation of those convicted.

Briefing the Council again on 7 December, the two Tribunal Presidents said those challenges had worsened, threatening the timely completion of their mandates.� Limited resources, lack of State cooperation in critical areas and ongoing staff crises were the main obstacles.� (See Press Release SC/10476.)

As Council members expressed frustration over delays in winding up the Tribunals� work, the Russian Federation�s representative said their cause was unclear.� Noting that the Former Yugoslavia Tribunal�s latest report showed that the trials of Mr. Mladić and arrested fugitive Goran Had�ić had been scheduled to start in 2012 and 2013, respectively, and that appeal proceedings for some individuals would last until 2016, he said there was no significant reason for that lengthy time frame.� Many members supported the Tribunals� work, with some expressing concern about staff retention and other issues.

Meeting on 29 June to deal with operational matters, the Council extended the terms of 17 judges with the Former Yugoslavia Tribunal, adopting resolution 1993 (2011).� (See Press Release SC/10304.)

Unanimously adopting resolutions 2006 (2011) and 2007 (2011) in two meetings on 14 September, the Council reappointed Hassan Bubacar Jallow as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and Serge Brammertz as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.� (See Press Releases SC/10382 and SC/10383.)

The Council also unanimously adopted resolution 1995 (2011) on 6 July, allowing ad litem judges to be candidates or voters in elections for President of the Rwanda Tribunal.� The President would have responsibility for ensuring that the arrangement was compatible with judicial independences and impartiality, did not give rise to conflicts of interest, and did not delay the delivery of judgements.� (See Press Release SC/10308.)

In a unanimous action on 14 October, the Council adopted resolution 2013 (2011), making a one-time exception to allow Rwanda Tribunal Judge Bakhtiyar Tuzmukhamedov to undertake outside judicial work.� (See Press Release SC/10412.)

International Court of Justice

No decision was made on one candidate after three rounds of balloting on 22 November as the Council repeatedly elected incumbent Abdul Koroma of Sierra Leone, while the majority of the Assembly elected Julia Sebutinde of Uganda.� Both organs achieved an absolute majority on 13 December, after nine rounds of balloting in the Council.� (See Press Releases SC/10444, SC/10456 and SC/10482.)

Regional Cooperation

The Council commended the European Union�s efforts to help realize United Nations peace and security goals in a wide range of situations around the world, following a briefing on 8 February by Catherine Ashton, the bloc�s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.� (See Press Release SC/10168.)

Emphasizing that security, development and democracy, good governance and respect for human rights were all interlinked, she called for more investment in the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts while addressing their underlying causes.� People in North Africa were demanding greater freedom, democracy and accountability, she said, adding that a recent meeting of European Union Heads of State and Government had offered assistance to governmental transitions in that context.

Following a 15 February briefing on by Audronius A�ubalis, Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the Council praised that body�s work in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan.� (See Press Release SC/10175.)

Detailing priority areas for 2011, he said the OSCE would seek tangible progress in addressing protracted conflicts, including those in the Republic of Moldova and the South Caucasus.� Recent crises demonstrated an urgent need to strengthen capabilities across the entire conflict cycle, he said, adding that early warning must be followed by early action, as demonstrated by the OSCE�s quick response to events in Albania.

Working Methods

During the Council�s 30 November open debate on its working methods � the fourth such meeting in the body�s nearly 66 years of existence, the wider United Nations membership discussed the crucial necessity of making its activities more open and transparent, while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.� Many of the 34 speakers taking the floor said Council deliberations on everything, from the content of its resolutions to sanctions and peacekeeping mandates, should be open to genuine input from all Member States.� (See Press Release SC/10466.)

The need to bring the Council into the twenty-first century was a common thread during the day-long debate, with many speakers agreeing with the proposals by the so-called group of five �small countries� (Costa Rica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Singapore and Switzerland) formed to support improvement of the Council�s working methods.� Switzerland�s representative, speaking on their behalf, recalled that the Council�s current working methods dated back to the provisional rules of procedure adopted at its first meeting in 1946.

Among the many calling for greater transparency was India�s representative, who said the Council�s composition and working methods were �divorced from the contemporary reality of international relations�.� Several Council members, while expressing support for many suggestions, maintained that closed meetings without records would remain necessary.� France�s representative said that, since most Council meetings were held in public or semi-public formats, and the number of open debates had increased, the public format for meetings should be enhanced.

The United Kingdom�s representative said the Council must also be flexible regarding new technologies, noting that social media networks had played a critical role in the �Arab Spring�.� If the Council wished to stay abreast of developments, it should consider using available new technologies, by which rapid assessments on the ground could enable it to act more quickly, he said.

Most non-Council members, as well as some elected members, proposed a range of suggestions, with South Africa�s representative noting that, while progress had been made in enhancing and strengthening the Council�s partnership with the African Union, conflict-prevention, management and resolution efforts should be further addressed.� Many speakers agreed with Germany�s representative, who said that focusing only on working methods was a �Band-Aid approach� when the Council really needed to represent the United Nations membership more fairly.

Finland�s representative called for pursuing enhanced relations with troop-contributing countries, who should be closely engaged at all stages of decision-making relating to peacekeeping operations.� Many speakers also called for a closer relationship with the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission; regular consultations with regional and subregional organizations such as the African Union; and more �Arria formula� meetings, with the opportunity to hear the views of non-member stakeholders and civil society groups.

Annual Report

On 27 October, the Council unanimously adopted its annual report to the General Assembly for the period 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2011(document A/66/2).� Peter Wittig ( Germany) said it contained a comprehensive account of all meetings and activities of the Council, as well as its discussions covering a range of thematic issues.� (See Press Release SC/10425.)

Maintenance of International Peace and Security

Under this broad agenda item � encompassing transnational crime, pandemics, economic fragility and extreme weather in an �unholy brew� with the potential to create dangerous security vacuums � the Council met six times, beginning on 11 February with a day-long debate that culminated with a presidential statement.� (See Press Release SC/10172.)

Opening that debate, Secretary-General Ban said recent world events were �a sharp reminder of the need for political stability to be anchored in peace, opportunity, decent standards of living and the consent of the governed�.� Members stressed the need to take into account the economic and social dimensions of conflict, in addition to the political factors of maintaining international peace and security.� It stressed the need, in helping a country emerge sustainably from conflict, for a comprehensive and integrated approach aimed at strengthening coherence between political, security, development, human rights and rule-of-law activities, while also addressing the underlying causes of each conflict.

Among the 60 other speakers was Eugene-Richard Gasana ( Rwanda), Chair of Peacebuilding Commission, who emphasized the critical importance for the Council to mandate multidimensional peacekeeping missions.� There was broad agreement that there could be �no security without development and no development without security�, he said, cautioning at the same time that the Council should not be directly involved in development activities, which were beyond its competence.

On 7 June, by its unanimous adoption of resolution 1983 (2011), the Council reaffirmed its previous commitment to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic as a threat to international peace and security, and encouraged the incorporation of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support into the implementation of peacekeeping mandates.� Welcoming the adoption, the Secretary-General recalled that, before the adoption of resolution 1308 (2000), uniformed personnel had been viewed in terms of the risk they might pose to civilians.� �Now we understand that United Nations troops and police are part of prevention, treatment and care.�� (See Press Release SC/10272.)

In a presidential statement on 20 July, the Council expressed concern that the possible adverse effects of climate change could aggravate certain threats to international peace and security, and that the loss of territory to rising seas, particularly in small low-lying island States, could have possible security implications.� (See Press Release SC/10332.)

Following a day-long debate on the impact of climate change on global peace and security, the statement noted the importance of �conflict analysis and contextual information� on the �possible security implications of climate change�, among other things, when climate issues drove conflict, challenged the implementation of Council mandates or endangered peace processes.

Reporting to a 22 September Council meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government on the topic �Preventive Diplomacy:� Delivering Results�, the Secretary-General called for adequate, predictable and timely financial support for rapid preventive responses to emerging crises, as well as further investment in �preventive diplomats� on the ground, and for an expanded pool of highly skilled envoys and mediators who could be deployed rapidly to situations of concern.� �Preventive diplomacy may not be effective in all situations, yet I firmly believe that better preventive diplomacy is not an option; it is a necessity,� he said, introducing his first-ever report on the subject.� (See Press Release SC/10392.)

The Council issued a presidential statement in which it expressed its determination to enhance United Nations effectiveness in preventing the outbreak of armed conflicts, their escalation or spread when they occurred, and their resurgence once they ended.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers agreed that preventive diplomacy should be the priority in the maintenance of international peace and security.� Some expressed regret that little attention had been paid to prevention and the root causes of conflict, and at the over-emphasis on the military dimensions of peacekeeping.

Taking up the issue of security-sector reform on 12 October, particularly in the context of prospects and challenges in Africa, the Council emphasized that establishing an effective, professional and accountable security sector was the cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.� (See Press Release SC/10409.)

Before the Council President read out that statement to cap a day-long debate, Herv� Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, said on behalf of the Secretary-General that �an ineffective and poorly governed security sector is one of the major obstacles to stability, poverty reduction, achievement of sustainable development and peacebuilding�.� He noted that several African countries were assisting in security-sector reform efforts on the continent and contributing to the international security architecture.� The African Union was at the forefront in developing a security-sector reform framework, he added.

On 23 November, Secretary-General Ban said that the Council � so central to the international community�s ability to keep the peace � must keep pace as the nature of threats such as transnational crime, pandemics, and climate change evolved.� As the Council considered new challenges to peace and security and conflict prevention, he said that, although none of those threats were new, they were increasingly transnational, increasingly acute, and with even greater implications for human, State, regional and international security.� No country or region, no matter how powerful, could �go it alone�, he stressed.� (See Press Release SC/10457.)

Non-Proliferation

Unanimously adopting resolution 1977 (2011), the Council requested the Secretary-General to establish a group of up to eight experts to assist the Committee, known formally as the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004).� By that text � heralded by some as a �global effort to lock down all vulnerable nuclear materials� � the Council imposed binding obligations on all States to establish controls preventing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as the means of their delivery.� (See Press Release SC/10228.)

Meeting earlier, on 22 March, the Council heard a report by N�stor Osorio (Colombia), Chair of the Committee established in 2006 to monitor sanctions imposed on Iran in relation to its nuclear programme � the 1737 Committee � who said outlined two new cases of alleged violations as he delivered the seventeenth report since the Committee�s creation.� The alleged violations were related to the ban on exporting items that could contribute to Iran�s uranium-enrichment, reprocessing or heavy-water activities, or to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, he explained, adding that the Committee and its Panel of Experts were examining the cases.� The increased number of reported violations was a matter of serious concern, he said, adding, that the readiness of Member States to report them should be encouraged.� (See Press Release SC/10206.)

On 9 June, the Council extended for one year the mandate of the Committee�s Panel of Experts, created in 2010 to help monitor implementation of the sanctions.� Adopting resolution 1984 (2011) by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (Lebanon), the Council also set up a schedule for the work of the Panel authorized by resolution 1929 (2010), which tightened the sanctions on Iran by including a ban on arms sales and all items that could contribute to the enrichment of uranium, and imposed an asset freeze on targeted entities.� (See Press Release SC/10276.)

The representatives of the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom said the Panel�s work was far from complete because Iran continued to evade full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as confirmed by the Agency in its latest report.� Germany�s representative emphasized that the dual-track strategy, entailing pressure on as well as dialogue with Iran, could only be effective if the existing sanctions regime was carried out effectively.

Explaining his abstention, Lebanon�s representative acknowledged the technical nature of the resolution, but said he had voted in accordance with his position on resolution 1929 (2010).� He reaffirmed the importance of the balance in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) between non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful acquisition of nuclear energy by developing countries, particularly those in the Middle East, and said he looked forward to the day when that region would be free of nuclear weapons.

On 10 June, the Council extended until 12 June 2012 the mandate of the Panel of Experts helping to monitor sanctions imposed on the Democratic People�s Republic of Korea.� Unanimously adopting resolution 1985 (2011), it maintained the current mandate of the group it had established in June 2009.� At that time, the Council condemned a nuclear weapons test explosion conducted by the East Asian country and tightened the sanctions regime, calling for stricter inspections of cargo suspected of containing banned items related to the country�s nuclear and ballistic-missile activities (See Press Release SC/10277.)

Briefing the Council on the Iran sanctions committee on 23 June, Mr. Osorio ( Colombia) reported three new alleged violations as several concerned Council members urged Tehran to scale back the activities in dispute and seek a diplomatic solution.� Following the briefing, several Council members expressed alarm over Iran�s announcement that it would significantly boost its enrichment activities and that it had successfully launched a second satellite into orbit.� (See Press Release SC/10292.)

In his next briefing, on 7 September, Mr. Osorio ( Colombia) reported that investigations into previously reported sanctions violations were ongoing, and that there were new complaints about Iran�s launching of ballistic missiles.� Council members welcomed the Committee�s work, but some criticized the delay in publishing the latest report of the Panel of Experts, calling for its immediate issuance.� Several speakers expressed heightened concern following the release of the IAEA�s most recent report, saying that it showed Iran�s continued flouting of its obligations under the NPT and related Council resolutions.� (See Press Release SC/10376.)

Presenting his twentieth 90-day report on 21 December, Mr. Osorio ( Colombia) informed the Council that the Committee was considering holding an open briefing to discuss its mandate and activities, against a backdrop of growing concern about the nature of Iran�s nuclear programme, and amid questions of transparency surrounding the non-publication of the report by the Panel of Experts.� The representative of the United States called the report�s non-publication an �appalling failure of transparency�, and described the IAEA�s recent conclusion that Iran remained in non-compliance of its obligations as �damning�.� Similarly, the United Kingdom�s representative pointed out that United Nations Member States had paid for the Panel�s report and had a right to see it.� As far as Iran was concerned, �unambiguous evidence� had been provided, and the military dimension of its nuclear programme was �compelling�, she said.� (See Press Release SC/10502.)

Peacekeeping Operations

Despite �serious shortcomings and abundant imperfections, it is evident that peacekeeping and peacekeepers have delivered results�, according to a concept note � titled �Peacekeeping:� taking stock and preparing for the future� � for the Council�s meeting on 26 August.� Prepared by the Permanent Representative of India, it said that a major question was the extent to which peacekeeping missions could be used as instruments of innovation in the application of international law and norms.� Such innovations, it stated, must be clarified in light of the critical peacekeeping principles of consent of the parties (with its implications for State sovereignty), limits on the use of force, and impartiality.� As peacekeepers were often asked to make life-or-death decisions and tough moral choices, they must operate in an environment of legal certitude, the note said.� (See Press Release SC/10368.)

In a presidential statement issued after a day-long debate on the issue, the Council reaffirmed that respect for fundamental peacekeeping principles � including consent of the parties, impartiality and the non-use of force except in self-defence, or in defence of a Council mandate � was essential to the success of operations.� The Council also committed itself to strengthening its partnership with countries contributing military and police contingents to peacekeeping operations, and recognized the need to provide adequate resources for the fulfilment of mandates.

On 27 July, the Council held a discussion with the military commanders of key operations in Africa and the Middle East, who highlighted their strategies for overcoming the challenges they faced in unpredictable settings and under the impact of everything from sporadic armed conflict and unfriendly local populations, to lingering political tensions, long-term humanitarian needs and inclement weather.� (See Press Release SC/10343.)

Post-conflict Peacebuilding

The Council held four meetings on the topic, beginning on 21 January, when it issued a presidential statement stressing the need to continue to support countries emerging from conflict in order to sustain peace by creating national bodies that would promote democratic processes and socio-economic development.� (See Press Release SC/10160.)

Opening the debate on that day, Secretary-General Ban noted a mixed track record of international support for post-conflict institution-building.� �We can do better,� he said, pointing out that international efforts often failed to recognize that building effective institutions was a long-term effort, even in relatively stable conditions.� While some progress could be made in three to five years after the end of a conflict, expectations, including those of the Council, must be realistic, he stressed.� It was also necessary to ensure, right from the start, strong engagement with other international actors, including international financial institutions and regional organizations so that there would be a smooth transition of power when Council-mandated missions ended.

Presenting the Peacebuilding Commission�s 2010 report on 23 March, Peter Wittig (Germany), its outgoing Chairperson, said the challenge facing that organ in realizing its full potential as an advisory body that increased the collective capacity to aid fragile, post-conflict countries was ensuring that its work was backed by a higher level of political commitment from Member States and the senior United Nations leadership.� Council members praised the Commission�s efforts, but also acknowledged the five-year-old body�s growing pains as it endeavoured to meet the extremely high expectations placed on it.� (See Press Release SC/10207.)

For its debate on 12 May, the Council had before it the independent review on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict prepared by the Secretary-General�s Senior Advisory Group.� It recommended several ways to strengthen national ownership of peace processes, broaden the international civilian pool and make United Nations support more appropriate, timely and effective.� In one of three briefings to the Council, Jean-Marie Gu�henno, Chair of the Advisory Group, said the international community too often missed the immediate post-conflict window of opportunity to provide basic security, deliver peace dividends, build confidence in political processes and strengthen core national capacities in the lead-up to peacebuilding efforts.� (See Press Release SC/10249.)

Later in the year, Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, told the Council on 31 October that the United Nations agenda for action on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict � when threats to peace were often greatest � was beginning to yield promising results on the ground.� The Organization�s peacebuilding agenda, she recalled, had been developed with the understanding that a coordinated, system-wide approach to the issue was required, given the multitude of actors whose involvement was needed.� (See Press Release SC/10428.)

Welcoming the Commission�s progress, Council members stressed that national ownership was key to peacebuilding, and that the international community should assist countries while maintaining full respect for their priorities.� Peacekeeping and peacebuilding should be seen as two parts of an integrated effort, they said, emphasizing that the relevant activities should begin as soon as the situation permitted.

Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

The unprecedented crises in the Middle East and parts of North and sub-Saharan Africa in early 2011 drove home the need for the Council to implement its five resolutions intended to protect civilians trapped in the crossfire of armed conflict.� �The events of the last few months have provided a compelling reminder of the fundamental and enduring importance of the Council�s protection-of-civilians agenda,� Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Council on 10 May.� (See Press Release SC/10245.)

Noting, however, that the Council�s responses to the crises in Libya and C�te d�Ivoire had raised questions, she said it was not clear, for example, whether the imposition of measures on C�te d�Ivoire similar to those later imposed on Libya would have prevented the former situation from deteriorating further.� Similarly, while the Council�s authorization of the use of force in Libya had prevented civilian deaths and injuries, there were concerns that such a move could undermine the civilian-protection agenda in future crises.� Council decisions must not go beyond promoting and ensuring civilian protection, she emphasized.

At the outset of a debate on 9 November, Secretary-General Ban noted that women, girls, boys and men in conflicts around the world were still subjected to blatant and frequent violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, not because they were �collateral damage�, but because they were deliberately targeted.� Protection was essential, but it was important not to lose sight of the need also to address the causes of conflict and not just the symptoms, he said.� (See Press Release SC/10442.)

Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the same meeting that a �people�s spring� was thawing the global landscape, with the election of a new Government in C�te d�Ivoire, the birth of South Sudan as a new nation and the dawn of a new era in Libya.� Where basic human rights were trampled and peaceful demands for change were met with brutal force, people were eventually compelled to exercise recourse, she said.� And where national authorities failed to investigate credible allegations, it was incumbent upon the international community rigorously to establish the facts.

She said the adoption of resolution 1973 (2011), authorizing the use of force and other protection measures in Libya had prevented civilian deaths and injuries, but it had also raised concerns about potentially undermining the civilian-protection agenda.� In addition to scrupulous compliance with international humanitarian law, the implementation of Council decision must be limited exclusively to promoting and ensuring civilian protection, she stressed.

Also addressing members that day was President Anibal Antonio Cavaco Silva of Portugal, whose country held the Council�s November presidency.� He said that when civilians were targets and national authorities or conflicting parties failed to protect them, the United Nations � and especially the Security Council � �has the duty to speak up and the obligation to act�.

While many speakers in the ensuing debate agreed, some did not.� They argued that using the concept of civilian protection in order to remove Governments in developing countries was �immoral�, as was foreign intervention in a country�s internal affairs under a similar guise.� The notion of �responsibility to protect�, they said, had provided the pretext for aggression, in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.� The case of Libya emblematic in that regard, they said.

Threats to International Peace and Security, Including Terrorism

The Council heard a briefing on 24 June by Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), who warned that illicit drugs and organized criminal networks were wreaking havoc in many countries � even holding the stability and development of entire regions hostage.� Piracy in Somalia or the ongoing struggle against a subversive and still-thriving opiate trade in Afghanistan were stark examples of how the vast sums of money generated by transnational organized crime destabilized transitions, disrupted political processes and obstructed development, he said.� (See Press Release SC/10295.)

In a presidential statement on 28 February, the Council welcomed the first report of the Ombudsperson � installed by resolution 1904 (2009) to ensure fair and clear procedures for those designated, or �listed� by the Committee established pursuant to Council resolution 1267 (1999) as subject to a global sanctions regime entailing such measures as asset freezes and travel bans.� Kimberly Prost, a former Judge on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, was appointed the first Ombudsperson (See Press Release SC/10189.)

Meeting next on 2 May, in the wake of Osama bin Laden�s death, the Council recalled the �heinous� terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 in the United States, as well as the numerous attacks perpetrated by the Al-Qaida network around the world, and welcomed news of the terror group leader�s demise.� In a presidential statement, it urged States to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts.� It stressed that no cause or grievance could justify the murder of innocent people, and that terrorism would not be defeated exclusively by military force, law-enforcement or intelligence measures.� Trouncing the threat required a sustained, comprehensive approach involving all States, relevant international and regional organizations, the statement said.� (See Press Release SC/10239.)

In the first of two briefings by the Chairpersons of its counter-terrorism subsidiary bodies, the Council heard on 16 May that, despite Bin Laden�s death, the three committees must strengthen their efforts through enhanced effectiveness and cooperation.� Peter Wittig ( Germany), Chair of the so-called �1267 Committee�, noted that Bin Laden�s death was a turning point but neither the end of Al-Qaida nor of terrorism.� He said the Committee had discussed the possible implications of political dialogue in Afghanistan, and its sanctions regime must not become a stumbling block to peace and security in the region.� (See Press Release SC/10252.)

Indeed, in a move designed to keep pace with the evolving security situation and defeat terrorism, the Council unanimously adopted resolutions 1988 (2011) and 1989 (2011) on 17 June, under Chapter VII of the Charter, splitting the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regimes and extending the Ombudsperson�s term for 18 months to oversee the Al-Qaida List.� (See Press Release SC/10285/Rev.1.)

On 14 November, following updates on the three committees� work, Council members said that the United Nations, led by the Council, must adapt in order to find the most appropriate tools with which to fight the continuing terrorist threat, since terrorists adapted to new situations, using new technologies such as the Internet for recruitment and incitement.� Terrorist networks had proved adaptable and resilient, shifting tactics and identifying new financing sources and methods, they said, emphasizing that effective global cooperation was, therefore, more important than ever.� (See Press Release SC/10447.)

The Council also issued numerous press statements concerning terrorist attacks in Nigeria on 27 December (Press Release SC/10507), 8 November (Press Release SC/10437) and 26 August (Press Release SC/10370); Syria on 23 December (Press Release SC/10506); Afghanistan on 7 December (Press Release SC/10474), 31 October (Press Release SC/10432) and 21 September (Press Release SC/10391); Somalia on 4 October (Press Release SC/10402); India on 7 September (Press Release SC/10377) and 13 July (Press Release SC/10325); Iraq on 18 August (Press Release SC/10362); Norway on 25 July (Press Release SC/10337); Morocco on 29 April (Press Release SC/10238); and the Russian Federation on 24 January (Press Release SC/10162).

Press statements were also issued concerning attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 9 December (Press Release SC/10478), 26 July (Press Release SC/10341), and 27 May (Press Release SC/10264); and against peacekeepers in Darfur on 8 November (Press Release SC/10439), 11 October (Press Release SC/10407), and 8 August (Press Release SC/10355).

The Council also issued press statements on attacks against diplomatic premises in Syria on 15 November (Press Release SC/10448) and 12 July (Press Release SC/10321) and against the United Kingdom�s diplomatic premises in Iran on 29 November (Press Release SC/10463).� On 9 September, it issued a press statement on the tenth anniversary of 11 September 2001 (Press Release SC/10378).

Women, Peace and Security

On 14 April, Margot Wallstr�m, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, told the Council that civilian-protection initiatives such as those taken in Libya would not be comprehensive unless they systematically included efforts to end sexual violence before it began.� �Even in the tyranny of emergency, before hard evidence emerges, and though it may not be obvious what gender has to do with arms embargoes or no-fly zones, we must remember women.�� (See Press Release SC/10226.)

She said that �from the way sexual violence spans the history of war, it should be automatically and systematically included in protection measures�.� Unfortunately, resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011) on the protection of civilians in Libya made no mention of the risk of sexual violence, despite the emergence of reports that it was occurring.� She also described the activities of her Office, including visits to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and India to discuss the contributions of peacekeepers in efforts to end sexual violence in conflict.

She expressed optimism, however, that resolution 1960 (2010), which calls for such protection measures and reporting mechanisms on conflict-related sexual violence in situations on the Council�s agenda, would shift the terms of the debate from reaction to prevention.� She urged the Council to use its influence to ensure that any ceasefire agreement reached in relation to Libya or C�te d�Ivoire would also stipulate the cessation of sexual violence as a tactic of war.

On 28 October, the Council reviewed progress on implementation of its landmark resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, issuing a presidential statement which stressed the importance of promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls, and of increasing women�s participation in conflict prevention and resolution, and peacebuilding.� At the same time, the Council voiced concern over �persistent gaps and challenges that seriously hinder the implementation of [the resolution]�, including continued low numbers of women in formal conflict-prevention institutions, especially in preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts.� It not only stressed the need to bolster the role of women in that regard, but also to incorporate the gender perspective into United Nations field missions.� (See Press Release SC/10426.)

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* The project abstract is drawn from the PAD, SAR or PGD and may not accurately reflect the project’s current nature.
**Total project cost includes funding from World Bank and non-bank sources in US$ millions. Active and Closed projects show commitment at Board approval. It does not reflect any cancellations. Proposed (pipeline) and dropped projects show the forecast amount. The commitment amount for projects in the pipeline is indicative and may be modified during the project preparation.

* The project abstract is drawn from the PAD, SAR or PGD and may not accurately reflect the project’s current nature.
**Total project cost includes funding from World Bank and non-bank sources in US$ millions. Active and Closed projects show commitment at Board approval. It does not reflect any cancellations. Proposed (pipeline) and dropped projects show the forecast amount. The commitment amount for projects in the pipeline is indicative and may be modified during the project preparation.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the 12 January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Secretary-General would like to honour the memory of the more than 200,000 people who perished in the tremor, including 102 United Nations personnel.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the Government and people of Haiti who have made important strides in rebuilding their country. �Despite considerable achievements, including in the areas of rubble removal and the resettlement of displaced persons, many Haitians remain in need of international assistance. �The Secretary-General, therefore, calls on the international community to continue its vital support.�

The Secretary-General spoke by phone to President Michel Joseph Martelly today and reiterated the United Nations continued commitment to accompany the Government and people of Haiti on the path to a secure and prosperous future. �He told the President that as Haiti moves from crisis to recovery and long-term development, the United Nations looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the country to ensure effective support and funding for Haiti’s priorities.

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On Wednesday, 11 January, the Security Council received a briefing from Lynn Pascoe, Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, on the situation in Somalia, including a briefing on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to AMISOM and expressed their continued appreciation for the commitment of troops by the troop contributing countries. �They commended the efforts of AMISOM and the Somali security forces and recognized the significant sacrifices these forces have made. �The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of predictable, reliable and timely resources to AMISOM and called on the international community to provide uncaveated support to AMISOM in order for it to strengthen its capability and to better fulfil its mandate. �They noted the recommendations on Somalia of the African Union Peace and Security Council of 5 January 2012 and the intention of the Secretary-General to submit a report. �They underlined their intention to keep the situation under review. �The members of the Security Council also stressed the importance of international assistance to develop the Somali security forces.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support for the Djibouti Agreement as the basis for the resolution of the conflict in Somalia, the Kampala Accord and the road map to end the transition in Somalia by August 2012. �They commended the unity of purpose demonstrated at the recent Garowe Constitutional Conference and encouraged inclusive and representative dialogue with the Somali people on the constitution. �They urged the Transitional Federal Institutions to remain united, demonstrate strong political will, and focus on the timely implementation of the road map. �They noted that future support to the Transitional Federal Institutions would be contingent on completion of these tasks and noted the Secretary-General�s view that further extension of the road map would be untenable. �The members of the Security Council expressed their readiness to support action against spoilers that seek to undermine the peace process, and peace, security and stability in Somalia.

The members of the Security Council stressed their grave concern at the continuing dire humanitarian situation in Somalia and the famine affecting the country and took note of the protracted nature of the crisis. �They thanked humanitarian workers for their tireless efforts, welcomed the international response so far and urged Member States to contribute to the United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia. �The members of the Security Council urged all parties and armed groups to ensure full and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, and to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and supplies. �Members urged all concerned actors to redouble their efforts to find long-term solutions for refugees and internally displaced people.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their grave concern about the situation in Somalia. �They stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy in Somalia to address the political, humanitarian and security problems in Somalia and the problem of piracy, including hostage taking, off the coast of Somalia through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. �In this regard, they reiterated their full support to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Augustine P. Mahiga, and their work with the African Union and international and regional partners to address these challenges, including through the upcoming London Conference.

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Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s remarks at the Group of 77 chairmanship handover ceremony in New York on 11 January:

Happy New Year to you all!

I am pleased to join you as we mark the handover of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China.� I commend the Argentine Republic, and especially you, Ambassador [Jorge] Arg�ello, for your successful leadership of the Group this past year.

During that time, the world witnessed continued financial turmoil; weak economic recovery; multiple social and environmental crises.� But the Group of 77 remained resolute in its commitment to multilateralism.� You worked together and reached out to find ways to address our common challenges.� I thank you for your commitment and support.

Today, I am pleased to see Algeria assume leadership of the group.� Minister [Mourad] Medelci, I congratulate your Government for taking on this responsibility.� Please know that in the coming year, you can count on the full cooperation of the Secretariat.� I am confident that your leadership will build on the efforts of previous chairpersons in fostering cooperation within the Group of 77, and between the Group of 77 and other partners.

In 2011, the international community advanced action for development.� The Durban Conference on Climate Change made progress in a number of key areas; the Busan Forum on Aid Effectiveness established a framework for development cooperation for the coming years; the Fourth Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Istanbul called for intensified efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.� The leadership of the Group of 77 will be fundamental to transforming these and other commitments into concrete action.

This year we have a historic opportunity to address one of the main challenges facing humanity: �building a sustainable world.� The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the future we want.

We need to develop strategies to foster sustainability on a global scale.� We need to connect the dots between policy challenges � climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women�s empowerment.� Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.� Group of 77 leadership is fundamental in ensuring that concrete actionable measures are adopted at Rio. �I will continue to support the process in every way I can.

Safeguarding the environment is a fundamental priority of the Rio process.� But it requires simultaneous action in the economic and social pillars.� Promoting balanced and stable economic growth and ensuring social equity is essential.� Yet the challenges loom large.

The debt crisis continues in Europe and elsewhere.� Markets are volatile.� Budgets are getting squeezed.� Unemployment is unacceptably high.� Inequality is growing, both among and within countries.� Social unrest is on the rise in many corners of the world.

The United Nations, with the full commitment of its membership, must act resolutely and decisively.� Once again, the role of the Group of 77 is an important part of the global effort to mobilize political will to achieve sustainable development.

The Millennium Development Goals remain a blueprint towards achieving our development objectives.� Our target date of the year 2015 is fast approaching.� We are on the last stretch and we must make the final push to achieve our commitments.

Yet, we must also begin thinking about the next steps beyond 2015.� I invite the Group of 77 and China to be active in the dialogue regarding the post-2015 international development agenda.

In the coming year and beyond, we have a historic opportunity to reshape the way we think about development.� We have the responsibility to make the most of this moment.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Group of 77 and China in our collective efforts to address our collective global challenges.

* *** *

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s remarks today at the opening of an exhibition of calligraphy by United Nations staff and Chinese artists:

It is a great pleasure to join you.

I thank everyone involved in making this exhibition possible.

Calligraphy is one of the world’s long and great artistic traditions. �It is also a common cultural heritage of China, Japan and Korea.

I have long been a fan of calligraphy. �I did a bit of calligraphy when I was a very young little boy in elementary school.

But that was more than 50 or 55 years ago. �Most of you were not born yet. �Today, I look at calligraphy with new eyes. �Let me tell you why.

Over the past couple of weeks, my wife and I have been taking lessons from Professor Zhou Bin.

I thank Ambassador Li [Baodong] and particularly Madame Li for introducing me to Professor Zhou Bin.

Professor Zhou is a master who teaches many people, not only Chinese or Asians, but many people at the United Nations. �And I met today the teacher of Teacher Zhou Bin and I don’t know what the relationship of me to him is. �He is the grandmaster of calligraphy and I thank him very much!

Professor Zhou Bin is putting up with my modest efforts. �I feel like a very young school boy in practicing calligraphy, just trying to learn on my own feet!

People may think that calligraphy is just simply a lovely form of handwriting that involves no exertion at all.� But that�s not true.

Let me tell you, calligraphy is very difficult and hard, very hard.

You have to have your hands in the right place. �You have to hold the brush with the right grip.� [�]

Believe it or not, the horizontal stroke is also very difficult. �Just simply drawing a line horizontally, my hand used to tremble all the time.

                                          FOR MORE READING. . . .

Biographical Note

(Based on information provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service.)

The new Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations, Martin Sajdik, presented his credentials on 4 January to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Until his appointment, Mr. Sajdik served as Austria�s Ambassador to China, Mongolia and the Democratic People�s Republic of Korea from 2007.

From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Sajdik served as Director-General for Economic Affairs and European Integration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. �From 1997 to 2003, he was Head of Department for European Union Enlargement, Trade, Trade Relations with Non-EU Countries and Central Asia.

From 1994 to 1997, he headed the Department for Property Management.� Before that (1991-1994) he worked for the Austrian Construction Company Maculan Group as Director for International Business at Maculan Holding.� He was also a Member of the Board of Directors of Maculan International GmbH, as well as General Director of a joint venture company in Yakutsk, Russian Federation.

Mr. Sajdik also served as Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Austrian Embassy in Moscow (1989-1991); Head of Representation of the Austrian Bank Creditanstalt-Bankverein in Moscow (1987-1989); and was Head of the Press Department of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) Third Follow-up Conference�s Executive Secretariat in Vienna (1986-1987).

From 1980 to 1985, he served in his country�s Embassy in Moscow as Counsellor and Press Attach�; and from 1978 to 1980, as Second Secretary at Austria�s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva.� Having joined the Austrian foreign service in 1975, he held training positions in the different departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until 1978.

The new envoy did post-graduate studies in international relations at John Hopkins University, Bologna, Italy (1973-1974); post-graduate studies in international law at Lomonosow University in Moscow (1972-1973); and law studies at the University of Vienna where he obtained his Doctor of Law degree (1967-1971).

Born on 14 January 1949, Mr. Sajdik also speaks English, Russian, French and Italian.� He is married with four children.

* *** *

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s remarks today to the Economic and Social Council in New York:

Let me begin by wishing all of you a very healthy and prosperous New Year.

I would like to thank Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe and the Bureau for ably leading the Council over the past year.� I extend my warmest congratulations to you, the new President and incoming Bureau.� I am confident that you will steer this Council successfully in the period ahead.

Two thousand and twelve is an important year for all of us.� We have many milestone events on the calendar, above all, the � Rio+20� Conference.� Immediately following the Rio Conference, the Economic and Social Council will hold two very timely events: its Annual Ministerial Review and Development Cooperation Forum.� Let us make the most of these opportunities.

At the General Assembly last September, I set out a vision for the next five years � a vision of solidarity for an era of austerity and uncertainty.� I identified five global imperatives to chart the future we want.� The Economic and Social Council is instrumental for each one.

The first and greatest of these is sustainable development.� We must deepen our efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, our main framework for development to 2015.� We must intensify our efforts to ensure a successful outcome at Rio.� And we also need to reflect on and plan for the post-2015 development agenda, perhaps with a new generation of goals that reflect the sustainability dimension.

The Council has a critical role to play on all of these issues, as well as the continuing challenge of climate change.� When I came to office five years ago, I was determined to raise climate change to the top of the global agenda.� We have made significant progress � from Bali to Copenhagen to Canc�n, and now Durban.� Looking ahead, we must build on the Durban spirit of cooperation to advance on climate-change financing and, in particular, our new initiative: �Sustainable Energy for All.

The Annual Ministerial Review and Development Cooperation Forum can promote wider engagement at all levels and encourage greater accountability for our commitments.� The Development Cooperation Forum should also have a central place in the development cooperation framework as we take forward the recommendations of the recent High-level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan.

A second great opportunity is prevention.� To prevent runaway damage from natural disasters, we must foster better disaster-risk reduction and preparedness.� The Economic and Social Council�s role in deliberating on humanitarian emergencies � as mandated by the General Assembly � is, therefore, important.� So, too, is its vital coordinating role.

A third imperative: �building a safer and more secure world.� Last year, we were sorely tested around the world � in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, C�te d�Ivoire, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Middle East, Somalia and elsewhere.� We know that addressing such critical priorities as decent work, migration, population pressures and other issues provides the underpinning for development.� The Economic and Social Council�s role in promoting global dialogue on economic and social issues in post-conflict countries can help achieve our goals.

The fourth big opportunity: �supporting nations in transition.� Last year�s Arab Spring was a wake-up call for the world.� The transition from recovery to development is a crucial period for any country.� The United Nations can support nations in transition by working to restore justice and build up public institutions and services.� The Council can support such transitions by sharing its experiences in post-conflict peacebuilding, as well as the success of its ad hoc advisory groups with the Peacebuilding Commission.

Fifth, we can accelerate our efforts by empowering women and young people.� Women are the bedrock of families, communities and societies.� Youth play a vital role in contributing to the process of sustainable development.� We must find ways to create decent jobs and wider opportunities for women and young people to participate and thrive at all levels, in all contexts.� I am encouraged to note that this year�s Annual Ministerial Review addresses this theme.

As we seek responses to these extraordinary challenges, we need one thing above all else: �solidarity.� You can count on the full support of the Secretariat in your work.

In that spirit, I wish you a most productive session of the Council in 2012.

* *** *

GENEVA (ILO News) – What is the link between enterprise competitiveness and social progress? What key factors will define the business environment for the 21 ^st Century? How can more and better jobs be created through promotion of entrepreneurship and enterprise development? What leading edge human resource practices have been found to support long-term competitive advantage?

These and other vital issues will be debated by some 600 CEOs, government, corporate and labour leaders and economic experts at the second “Enterprise Forum” organized by the International Labour Office on 5-6 November at ILO headquarters here with the theme “A New Spirit of Enterprise of the 21 ^st Century.”

“Enterprise Forum 99″ will examine the changing face of enterprise and work, explore how companies and workers can enhance their competitive edge in an increasingly globalized market place and why an increasing number of enterprises engage in corporate citizenship and social practices.

“Globalization has brought both prosperity and inequalities, which are testing the limits of collective social responsibility,” says Juan Somavia, Director-General of the ILO. “If we are to avoid a serious backlash against the process of globalization, concerted action is needed.”

The ILO is keenly aware of the need for a more inclusive process for defining the emerging rules of the global market place to achieve a balanced development which maximizes market potential and social justice, competition and community. The Forum will focus on themes ranging from good corporate citizenship to new human resource-based competitive strategies and the employment potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The ILO Director-General, Mr. Juan Somavia will open the Forum on 5 November. Key speakers will include Charles Handy, a leading expert on management and social development, Paul Evans, Professor of organizational behaviour at INSEAD, Robert Taylor of the Financial Times, Thomas Kochan of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and James Baker of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.

Mr. Somavia will give a press conference on Forum themes on Thursday, 4 November, at 15:15 hours, in room VII (on R2 level) of the ILO headquarters building (4, rue des Morillons, CH-1211 Geneva). For further information, please contact: Mr. Fabrice Leclercq, ILO/ENTREPRISE, at +41.22/799-7582 or the ILO Bureau of Public Information at +41.22/799-7940.

GENEVA (ILO News) – The Governing Body of the International Labour Office (ILO) concluded its 300th session following wide-ranging discussions among its government, employer and worker members on basic labour rights in Myanmar, Belarus and other countries as well as the impact of climate change on jobs, corporate social responsibility, and the implications of United Nations (UN) reform on ILO technical cooperation.

The Governing Body was in session between 1-15 November under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva.

The Working Party on the Social Dimension of Globalization held a panel discussion on climate change and decent work including Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme, Mr. Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization, Mr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Mr. Mathew Farrow, Head of Environment Policy, Confederation of British Industry and Mr. Joaquín Nieto, Secretary for Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, Comisiones Obreras Trade Union , Spain.

The Working Party encouraged the ILO to promote a socially just transition to green jobs. It discussed preparations for a joint ILO/World Trade Organization Secretariat study on the links between globalization, trade and informal employment as a follow-up to the joint study on trade and employment published in March 2006 (for further information see the report of the Working Party: GB.300/18).

Among other issues, the Committee on Social and Employment Policy examined collective bargaining and the Decent Work Agenda andthe implementation of the ILO’s Global Employment Agenda (GB 300/15).

The Subcommittee on Multinational Enterprise updated the Governing Body members on corporate social responsibility related activities worldwide and participation of ILO constituents in the UN Global Compact’s local networks (GB.300/14). The Committee on Technical Cooperation reviewed the implementation of the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programmes, technical cooperation priorities with respect to UN reforms, including UN agencies “delivering as one” in eight pilot countries and the ILO/United Nations Development Programme partnership (GB.300/17).

The Governing Body decided to place on the agenda of the 97th Session (2008) of the International Labour Conference an item on “Strengthening the ILO’s capacity to assist its Members’ efforts to reach its objectives in the context of globalization” (GB300/2/1). It also considered the ILO Action Plan for Gender Equality 2008-09 and the ILO’s support for gender equality in the world of work (GB 300/5).

The Governing Body examined the situation of forced labour in Myanmar on the basis of reports by the ILO Liaison Officer in Yangon, and follow-up on actions of the Government of Belarus to comply with ILO recommendations related to freedom of association.

Myanmar

The Governing Body reviewed the Understanding reached between the ILO and the Government of Myanmar in February 2007 on a mechanism for victims of forced labour to seek redress without having to fear reprisals. Noting the progress in the operation of the Understanding between Myanmar and the ILO up to the time of public demonstrations and their suppression at the end of September 2007, the Governing Body, however, expressed its serious concern at the Government’s crackdown in response to the recent peaceful protests.

In this respect, it noted with deep regret the imprisonments of persons exercising their fundamental right to freedom of association and the freedom of expression it entails, and called on the Government to comply fully with its responsibilities in accordance with Convention 87, which it has ratified. The long prison sentences given on 7 September 2007 to six activists should be reviewed and the persons concerned released. The Governing Body also noted with concern the detention of persons associated with the facilitation of forced labour complaints under the Understanding.

Recognizing that the situation in Myanmar is unstable, the Governing Body urged the Government to continue the dialogue process, in a balanced and results orientated manner, towards domestic reconciliation and forward looking solutions to the current difficulties.

The Governing Body called on the Government of Myanmar to make at the highest level an unambiguous public statement that all forms of forced labour are prohibited throughout the country and will be duly punished. The Government should ensure that the mechanism provided by the Understanding remains fully operational with no further detention or harassment of complainants, facilitators or others, and that it fully applies to the military authorities. Full attention should be given to preventing the recruitment of child soldiers.

The Governing Body further called for the putting into place of an appropriate network towards ensuring nationwide application of the Understanding, including in the combat zones, and to ensure that forced labour victims are able to easily access the complaints mechanism. It instructed the International Labour Office to undertake a full review of the operation of the Understanding for submission to the Governing Body at its March 2008 Session together with recommendations for both the Understanding’s future and the ILO’s ongoing role in Myanmar.

Belarus

The Governing Body considered trade union rights in Belarus for the fourth time, in particular measures taken to implement recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry and ILO mission to the country in June 2007.

Taking note of the information given by the Minister of Labour of Belarus, the Governing Body welcomed the Government’s stated intention to reach an agreement between all parties concerned on the question of trade union legislation. It underlined that solutions based on consensus and dialogue have to be aimed at the full implementation of the recommendations of the 2004 Commission of Inquiry. All trade unions and employers’ organizations should be able to function freely and obtain recognition in law and practice.

While expecting that significant progress towards satisfactory solutions will be made in Belarus, the Governing Body decided to review developments in the country with respect to freedom of association at its March 2008 session.

The Governing Body also adopted a report of the committee set up to examine the representation alleging non-observance by France of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98), the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) and the Termination of Employment Convention, 1982 (No. 158), made under article 24 of the ILO Constitution by the French trade union Confédération générale du travail – Force ouvrière.

It invited the Government, in consultation with the social partners, to take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that the exclusions from the protection provided by the laws and regulations implementing the Termination of Employment Convention, 1982 (No. 158), are in full conformity with its provisions; and to give effect to Article 4 of the Termination of Employment Convention, 1982 (No. 158), by ensuring, in accordance with that Convention, that “contracts for new employment” can in no case be terminated in the absence of a valid reason.

Freedom of association

The Governing Body approved the 348th Report of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, drawing special attention to the cases of Colombia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Indonesia.

In the case of Colombia, the Committee examined the numerous murders over the years of trade union officials and members, and a climate of impunity that has reigned in the country in respect of acts of violence against trade unionists. It took note of certain encouraging steps, such as the creation of a sub-unit for trade union matters in the office of the Prosecutor-General, and expects that the measures adopted will lead to positive outcomes in a greater number of investigations, including all the unresolved cases, and bring an end to the intolerable situation of impunity. The Committee also requested further information from both the complainants and the Government in respect of the alleged links between the Administrative Department for Security (DAS) and paramilitary groups, including a plan to eliminate the trade union movement.

Noting that it had not replied to an earlier request, the Committee urged the Government of Djibouti to provide its observations without delay concerning a number of very serious allegations, including the repeated harassment of trade unionists, the arrests and dismissals of trade union officials, the lack of response by the courts to trade union complaints, the dismissal of Mr. Hassan Cher Hared following his participation in an ILO training course in Turin and the barring from entry of an international trade union solidarity mission. The Committee noted that the Government had accepted an invitation for a direct contacts mission and requested the Government to keep it informed of further developments in this regard, as well as measures taken to give effect to its recommendations concerning the above allegations.

The case of Ethiopia concerns the violation of the right to organize for teachers in the public sector, interference in the administration and activities of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA) and harassment, arrest, detention and maltreatment of teachers affiliated with ETA. The Committee urged the Government to ensure that ETA may carry out its activities without any government repression, and that any ETA members detained on the basis of their trade union activities or membership are immediately released and granted adequate compensation for any damage suffered. In view of the seriousness of the allegations of torture of Messrs Getnet and Mengitsu during their detention, the Committee urged the Government to initiate an independent inquiry without delay. It also asked the Government to accept a direct contacts mission to examine the matters raised in this complaint.

In two cases concerning Guatemala, the Committee examined allegations of murders and other acts of violence against trade unionists, as well as anti-union dismissals, non-payment of wages and benefits ordered by the judicial authorities in cases of anti-union discrimination and obstacles to collective bargaining. In particular, the Committee requested the Government to inform it as a matter of urgency of the developments in the inquiries and proceedings under way with respect to the murders of Rolando Raquec and Luis Quinteros Chincilla, the failed assassinations of Marcos Alvarez Toq and Imelda Lopez de Sandoval, and measures to safeguard the lives of the late Mr. Raquec’s wife and children. In a second case concerning Guatemala, the Committee urged the Government to do everything in its power to step up the current investigation into the murder of the port workers’ trade union official Pedro Zamora and the wounding of his son.

The case of Indonesia concerns allegations of anti-union discrimination and harassment, including repeated police interrogations of the union President and two union members following a strike, who were finally charged with “unpleasant acts” against the company. The Committee requested the Government to institute an independent inquiry into this latter matter and, if it is found that the charges were brought on the basis of the organization or participation in a peaceful strike, to ensure that they are immediately dropped. To address the problems of anti-union discrimination, the Committee urged the Government to take steps, in full consultation with the social partners concerned, to provide for swift recourse to mechanisms permitting the imposition of sufficiently dissuasive sanctions against such acts and recalled that ILO technical assistance was available to it in this regard.

In addition, the Governing Body considered the case of Venezuela and the conditions of exercise of freedom of association of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Governing Body recalled that it is the Government’s obligation to ensure that employers’ and workers’ organizations can exercise their rights in an environment free from fear, intimidation and violence. It further noted that the Government had ignored the offer of ILO technical assistance to establish a system of labour relations based on the principles of the ILO Constitution and its fundamental Conventions.

* * *

The Governing Body is the executive body of the International Labour Office (the Office is the secretariat of the Organization). It meets three times a year, in March, June and November and takes decisions on ILO policy, the agenda of the International Labour Conference and the draft Programme and Budget of the Organization for submission to the Conference.

It is composed of 56 titular members (28 Governments, 14 Employers and 14 Workers) and 66 deputy members (28 Governments, 19 Employers and 19 Workers). Ten of the titular government seats are permanently held by States of chief industrial importance (Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States). The other Government members are elected by the Conference every three years.

* * *

For more information, please visit the new ILO Governing Body website: http://www.ilo.org/gb/lang–en/index.htm

All Governing Body documents referred to in this release can be found at: /gb/GBSessions/GB300/lang–en/index.htm/

9 January 2012

The following statement was issued on 9 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the passing of President Malam Bacai Sanha today in Paris.� The Secretary-General presents his condolences to the family of the late President and the people of Guinea-Bissau.� He pays tribute to President Sanha�s leadership in guiding Guinea-Bissau at a particularly difficult time in its history.

The Secretary-General trusts that the succession arrangements provided for in the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau will be fully respected.� He wishes to reassure the national authorities and the people of Guinea-Bissau of the full support of the United Nations.

* *** *

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For information media • not an official record

9 January 2012

The following statement was issued on 9 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the passing of President Malam Bacai Sanha today in Paris.� The Secretary-General presents his condolences to the family of the late President and the people of Guinea-Bissau.� He pays tribute to President Sanha�s leadership in guiding Guinea-Bissau at a particularly difficult time in its history.

The Secretary-General trusts that the succession arrangements provided for in the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau will be fully respected.� He wishes to reassure the national authorities and the people of Guinea-Bissau of the full support of the United Nations.

* *** *

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For information media • not an official record

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message on the centenary of the African National Congress, observed 8 January:

Three years ago, I had the great honour to meet Nelson Mandela.� I tried to thank him for all he had done, but he interrupted me.� The thanks, he said, should go to the millions of men and women in South Africa and around the world who stood up for freedom and justice and liberated South Africa from the bonds of apartheid.

Madiba�s words capture the essence of what we are celebrating this year: �a hundred-year struggle for the universal values of human dignity and equality.� The African National Congress (ANC) is more than a political party.� It is a movement � a tangible expression of a vision.� The commitment and sacrifice of its members led to the emancipation of a nation.� The justness of its cause attracted support from around the world, from all races and religions.� Overwhelmingly, people around the world, not just in South Africa, want this non-racial democracy to succeed.

Under the leadership of the ANC, the new South Africa has established firm foundations.� It has built a tradition of smooth democratic transition.� It has a progressive constitution that gives women one third of the seats in parliament and enshrines rights that even developed countries have yet to guarantee.� South Africa has a robust economy, and is an influential voice in continental and world affairs.� Last December, it hosted the important climate change negotiations in Durban.�

All these examples of progress are testament to the ANC�s success.� Yet with such success also comes great responsibility.� The power of the ANC lies not just in the numbers of people who vote for it, but the vision for which it stands.� This has always been the movement�s strength.� Today the people of South Africa and the world yearn to see the complete realization of this vision, and are relying on the ANC to achieve it.�

The struggle for freedom, justice, human rights and non-discrimination is a global battle.� I count on the ANC�s continued determination to defend the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.� Defeating racism, tribalism, intolerance and all forms of discrimination will liberate us all.

* *** *

9 January 2012

The following statement was issued on 9 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the passing of President Malam Bacai Sanha today in Paris.� The Secretary-General presents his condolences to the family of the late President and the people of Guinea-Bissau.� He pays tribute to President Sanha�s leadership in guiding Guinea-Bissau at a particularly difficult time in its history.

The Secretary-General trusts that the succession arrangements provided for in the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau will be fully respected.� He wishes to reassure the national authorities and the people of Guinea-Bissau of the full support of the United Nations.

* *** *

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For information media • not an official record

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon�s message on the centenary of the African National Congress, observed 8 January:

Three years ago, I had the great honour to meet Nelson Mandela.� I tried to thank him for all he had done, but he interrupted me.� The thanks, he said, should go to the millions of men and women in South Africa and around the world who stood up for freedom and justice and liberated South Africa from the bonds of apartheid.

Madiba�s words capture the essence of what we are celebrating this year: �a hundred-year struggle for the universal values of human dignity and equality.� The African National Congress (ANC) is more than a political party.� It is a movement � a tangible expression of a vision.� The commitment and sacrifice of its members led to the emancipation of a nation.� The justness of its cause attracted support from around the world, from all races and religions.� Overwhelmingly, people around the world, not just in South Africa, want this non-racial democracy to succeed.

Under the leadership of the ANC, the new South Africa has established firm foundations.� It has built a tradition of smooth democratic transition.� It has a progressive constitution that gives women one third of the seats in parliament and enshrines rights that even developed countries have yet to guarantee.� South Africa has a robust economy, and is an influential voice in continental and world affairs.� Last December, it hosted the important climate change negotiations in Durban.�

All these examples of progress are testament to the ANC�s success.� Yet with such success also comes great responsibility.� The power of the ANC lies not just in the numbers of people who vote for it, but the vision for which it stands.� This has always been the movement�s strength.� Today the people of South Africa and the world yearn to see the complete realization of this vision, and are relying on the ANC to achieve it.�

The struggle for freedom, justice, human rights and non-discrimination is a global battle.� I count on the ANC�s continued determination to defend the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.� Defeating racism, tribalism, intolerance and all forms of discrimination will liberate us all.

* *** *

He was killed Friday evening after being chased by several armed men, police said.

The state journalists’ association has condemned the attack and called on officials to find the killers.

Mexico, where 75 journalists have been murdered and several others have disappeared since 2000, is considered one of the world’s most dangerous countries for the media.

Nine journalists were murdered last year, the National Human Rights Commission said.

Imran was telling me he has been shortlisted by a multinational company after he got his B.Tech degree. But they would soon run a background check on him as part of routine procedure and then he knew he would draw a blank.“How am I to convince a multinational that I am not a terrorist when my own government is not willing to give me a clean chit ?” he asks me with a wry smile.

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Author: Afram, Gabi G.  ;  Document Date: 2012/01/01 Document Type: Publication Report Number: 66235 Volume No: 1 of 1 Country: India ;  Disclosure Date: 2012/01/06 Doc Name: The remittance market in India : opportunities, challenges, and policy options Keywords: access to payment, account transfers, account-to-account, across Borders, amount of remittances, amounts of remittances, Anti-Money Laundering, Average Remittance, Average Remittance Size, balance of payment, balance of payment crisis, balance of payments, bank account, bank accounts, bank customers, benefits of savings, border transfers, capita income, capital account, capital flows, cash payouts, cash remittances, cash transfers, cash-to-cash, Center for Immigration Studies, citizens, Clearing House, commercial banks, communities of origin, Consumer Protection, Cost of Remittances, Credit cards, credit constraints, debit cards, Deposit, depositors, Deposits, Determinants of Remittances, developing countries, Development Potential of Remittances, Diaspora, dissemination, domestic migration, domestic remittance, domestic remittances, economic uncertainty, Electronic Funds, emergencies, Emigration, Emigration Countries, exchange rate, exchange rates, external financing, families, Financial Access, Financial Flows, financial institution, Financial Products, financial service providers, Financial Services, foreign currency, foreign direct investment, foreign exchange, foreign exchange bureaus, foreign exchange earnings, future remittances, Global Remittance, gross domestic product, gross national income, health care, high school education, host countries, household level, Human Development, immigrant, immigrant population, immigrants, Immigration, Immigration Countries, Importance of Remittance Flows, Importance of Remittances, income, incomes, infrastructure development, internal migrants, International Bank, International Law, international migrant, International Mobility, International Remittance, international remittances, labor force, legal status, level of education, liquidity, liquidity constraints, local currency, Macroeconomic Determinants, market competition, Migrant, migrant populations, migrant remittance, migrant workers, Migrants, migration flows, migration patterns, minimum balance requirements, Money Gram, Money Laundering, Money Order, Money Transfer, Money Transfer Operator, Money Transfer Operators, Money Transfer Service, money transfer services, money transfers, National Council, nationals, native population, payment services, Payments Infrastructures, point of sale, policy goals, policy guidance, policy makers, Policy Research, Policy Research Working Paper, population estimates, post offices, postal money orders, practitioners, primary education, progress, proof of residence, Public Policy, recipient countries, recipient country, recipients of remittances, Regulatory Framework, religious institutions, Remittance, remittance business, remittance channels, remittance corridors, Remittance Costs, Remittance Flows, Remittance Industry, Remittance Inflows, Remittance Market, remittance outflows, remittance payment, remittance process, remittance providers, remittance receipts, Remittance Recipients, remittance sender, remittance sending, remittance sending countries, Remittance Service, Remittance Service Providers, Remittance Services, remittance transfer, Remittance transfers, remittance-receiving households, Remittances transfers, remittances · Remittances, remitters, rising consumption, Risk Management, rural areas, Rural Development, savings accounts, savings products, Savings · Savings, secondary education, securities, send remittances, service provider, skilled migration, skilled professionals, skilled workers, social development, special remittance, speed of delivery, technical assistance, tertiary education, transfer method, transfer money, transfer of funds, transportation, unemployment, unskilled labor, urban areas, using Money Transfer, wire transfers, worker remittances, world population Show More Language: English Region: South Asia ;  Rep Title: The remittance market in India : opportunities, challenges, and policy options Topics: Macroeconomics and Economic Growth ; Health, Nutrition and Population ; Finance and Financial Sector Development SubTopics: Remittances ; Access to Finance ; Debt Markets ; Banks & Banking Reform ; Population Policies Unit Owning: Finance & PSD Department (SASFP) Collection Title: Directions in development ; finance ISBN: 978-0-8213-8972-0 Show More

	Abstract
In chapter one, this report maps the patterns and characteristics of migration flows from India; in chapter two, it provides a detailed discussion of remittance flows to India in terms of their importance, sources, uses, trends, costs, and links to financial access. In chapter three, the report describes the remittance market (the players, the regulatory framework, as well as the existing operational schemes), setting the stage for chapter four, which presents a diagnostic of the remittance market based on the General Principles for International Remittance Services (GPs). The diagnostic covers the legal and regulatory framework, payment system infrastructure, market transparency and level of consumer protection, market structure, level of competition among remittance service providers, as well as market governance. It analyzes the existing situation in India and provides detailed recommendations (including lessons learned from international best practices) that are aimed at increasing competition in the remittance industry, providing broader access to payment system infrastructure, enhancing transparency, and ensuring a sound and predictable legal and regulatory framework. Several of the actions could set a basis for leveraging remittances to achieve other important public policy goals such as broadening financial access, expanding financial inclusion, and both strengthening and deepening the financial sector. The report was prepared through (a) background research (data research and mining, literature review, collection of relevant material and information, and background research), (b) a field visit in 2009 (a team of experts visited India and conducted interviews and focus groups with all relevant stakeholders and major institutions active in the remittance market), and (c) surveys of both the authorities and the market players. Show More

 

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A team led by the University of Oxford, University of Southampton, the National Oceanography Centre, and British Antarctic Survey while operating a robot submersible found a plethora of unidentified creatures.

“We were absolutely stunned to see the animal communities,” says expedition leader Alex Rogers. “They were so different from the hydrothermal vents seen elsewhere.”  Scientists are calling it a “lost world”.

These newly found communities of species previously unknown to science have been discovered on the seafloor near Antarctica, clustered in the hot, dark environment surrounding hydrothermal vents. They were living around volcanic vents deep beneath the Southern Ocean, where temperatures can reach 382C.

The new species found were the thick clusters of hairy yeti crabs, carnivorous seven-pronged starfish, and a new species of octopus. Camera-equipped submersibles captured hordes of strange creatures roaming in the dark waters 2,700 yards beneath the surface — a place where sunlight is incapable of penetrating and energy is instead provided by hydrothermal cracks in the sea floor.

A camera-equipped Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was sent on a series of dives on the East Scotia Ridge to depths of more than 2,000 metres. Highlights among the images captured, included huge colonies of a new species of yeti crab clustered around vent chimneys, and an undescribed predatory seven-armed sea star. A mysterious pale-coloured octopus, as yet unidentified, was also spotted nearly 2,400 metres deep on the seafloor.

Communities living near deep-sea vents are “unable to migrate to other parts of the globe’s sea floor.” Essentially, it means that vent biogeography is “far more complex than we had realized,” marine biologist Jon Copley says, and the ocean is endlessly more diverse than we could have imagined.

The following Security Council statement was issued today by Council President Baso Sangqu ( South Africa):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that occurred in Damascus, Syria, on 6 January 2012, causing scores of deaths and injuries.� They expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of this heinous act and to their families, and to the people of Syria.

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, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

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6 January 2012

 

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist bombing which left many dead and injured today in the Syrian capital of Damascus.� He extends his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims as well as to the Government and people of Syria.

The Secretary-General remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating situation in Syria, where thousands have lost their lives since March and people continue to be killed on a daily basis.� He reiterates that all violence is unacceptable and must stop.

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For information media • not an official record

On 6 January 2012, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) approved the addition of the four entries specified below to the Committee�s List (the 1988 Sanctions List) of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 1988 (2011):

A.                Individuals associated with the Taliban

TI.A.156.12. Name: 1: AHMAD 2: ZIA 3: AGHA 4: na
Name (original script): احمد ضیا آغا
Title: Haji  Designation: na DOB: 1974  POB: Maiwand District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan  Good quality a.k.a.: a) Zia Agha b) Noor Ahmad c) Noor Ahmed  Low quality a.k.a.: Sia Agha Sayeed  Nationality: na Passport no.: na  National identification no.: na  Address: na  Listed on: 6 Jan. 2012   Other information: Senior Taliban official with military and financial responsibilities as at 2011. Leader of the Taliban�s Military Council as of 2010. In 2008 and 2009, served as a Taliban finance officer and distributed money to Taliban commanders in Afghanistan/Pakistan border area.  

TI.R.157.12. Name: 1: FAZL 2: RABI 3: na 4: na
Name (original script): فضل ربيع
Title: na Designation: Senior official in Konar Province during the Taliban regime  DOB: a) 1972   b) 1975  POB: a) Kohe Safi District, Parwan Province, Afghanistan  b) Kapisa Province, Afghanistan  c) Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan  d) Kabul Province, Afghanistan  Good quality a.k.a.: a) Fazl Rabbi b) Fazal Rabi c) Faisal Rabbi  Low quality a.k.a.: na  Nationality: na Passport no.: na  National identification no.: na  Address: na  Listed on: 6 Jan. 2012   Other information: Represents and provides financial and logistical support to the Haqqani Network, which is based in Afghanistan/Pakistan border area. Member of the Taliban Financial Council. Has travelled abroad to raise funds on behalf of Sirajuddin Jallaloudine Haqqani (TI.H.144.07.), Jalaluddin Haqqani (TI.H.40.01), the Haqqani network and the Taliban. Believed to be in Afghanistan/Pakistan border area.  

TI.A.158.12. Name: 1: MOHAMMAD 2: AMAN 3: AKHUND 4: na
Name (original script):محمد امان أخوند
Title: na Designation: na DOB: 1970  POB: Bande Tumur Village, Maiwand District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan  Good quality a.k.a.: a) Mohammed Aman b) Mullah Mohammed Oman  Low quality a.k.a.: a) Mullah Mad Aman Ustad Noorzai b) Sanaullah  Nationality: na Passport no.: na  National identification no.: na  Address: na  Listed on: 6 Jan. 2012   Other information: Senior Taliban member as at 2011 with financial duties, including raising funds on behalf of the leadership. Has provided logistical support for Taliban operations and channeled proceeds from drug trafficking to arms purchases. Has acted as secretary to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar (TI.O.4.01) and as his messenger at senior-level meetings of the Taliban. Also associated with Gul Agha Ishakzai (TI.I.147.10). Member of Mullah Mohammed Omar�s (TI.O.4.01) inner circle during the Taliban regime.  

TI.W.159.12. Name: 1: AHMED JAN 2: WAZIR 3: na 4: na
Name (original script): احمد جان وزیر
Title: na Designation: Official of the Ministry of Finance during the Taliban regime  DOB: 1963  POB: Barlach Village, Qareh Bagh District, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan  Good quality a.k.a.: a) Ahmed Jan Kuchi b) Ahmed Jan Zadran  Low quality a.k.a.: na  Nationality: na Passport no.: na  National identification no.: na  Address: na  Listed on: 6 Jan. 2012   Other information: Key commander of the Haqqani Network, which is based in Afghanistan/Pakistan border area. Acts as deputy, spokesperson and advisor for Haqqani Network senior leader Sirajuddin Jallaloudine Haqqani (TI.H.144.07). Liaises with the Taliban Supreme Council. Has travelled abroad. Liaises with and provides Taliban commanders in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, with money, weapons, communications equipment and supplies.  

In accordance with paragraph 13 of resolution 1988 (2011), the Committee has made accessible on its website narrative summaries of reasons for listing of the above names, at the following URLs:

http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1988/NSTI15612E.shtml

http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1988/NSTI15712E.shtml

http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1988/NSTI15812E.shtml

http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1988/NSTI15912E.shtml.

The Committee�s List is updated regularly on the basis of relevant information provided by Member States and international and regional organizations. �This is the first update of the List in 2012. �An updated List is accessible on the Committee�s website at the following URL: �http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1988/list.shtml.

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Two years after the earthquake, Haiti still presents a huge challenge to the international community?

Michael Axmann: With 56 per cent of the population living in extreme poverty on less than US$1.25 a day, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. High rates of unemployment in the formal and a large informal economy dominate the labour market. The earthquake that struck on 12 January 2010 exacerbated an already challenging situation. Approximately 220,000 people were killed and another one million displaced in the metropolitan area of the Haitian capital. Damages and reconstruction costs are estimated to be USD 11.5 billion.

What is the impact on education and training?

Michael Axmann: The impact of the earthquake on education and training has been particularly devastating. According to government estimates, for the eastern region of Haiti which comprises more than half of the school facilities nationwide, over 80 per cent of schools were destroyed or seriously damaged. The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) facilities were also hard hit with 8 out of 9 public training institutions and all 11 of the private training institutions either destroyed or seriously damaged.

The damage caused a major setback to an already under-performing educational system. Approximately 40 per cent of children aged 6 to 15 are not in school. With less than 9 per cent of students continuing to training institutions and less than 1 per cent in higher education, education and skills development for the next generation in Haiti poses a major challenge.

How does this skills gap impact on the Haitian economy?

Michael Axmann: Low levels of educational attainment and training have resulted in a dearth of qualified workers for specific sectors in Haiti. According to government estimates, a mere 6 out of 1000 workers in the labour market possess a diploma or certificate within a technical or professional field. The sector in which this shortage is particularly acute is construction. Given the vast damage caused by the earthquake, the labour market demands within the construction sector have grown considerably over the past two years.

To address these shortages, workers with technical and management skills in construction have been brought in from other countries, including the Dominican Republic and Brazil. If Haiti wants to become less dependant on external expertise, a national training and employability initiative within the construction sector is urgently needed.

A possible ILO project would focus on the construction sector?

Michael Axmann: The ILO conducted a mission to Haiti in July 2011 to take stock of the demand-side of the training system and identify employment potential and skills needs in the construction sector. Through discussions with national stakeholders and regional staff, the mission confirmed the relevance of this sector as a starting point given the serious skills deficit and high potential for job creation therein.

The strategic focus of the project is organized into two main pillars, training and employability, to support workers in the informal economy prepare for better work in reconstruction efforts and to link training to employment opportunities and draws heavily on experiences, activities and projects carried out by the ILO CRISIS team in Haiti under the Coordinator of the ILO activities, Antonio Cruciani and his team, since September 2010.

Within the field of training and employability, the ILO has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise in a wide variety of country contexts. This includes national training system reforms, upgrading informal apprenticeships, training entrepreneurs and developing understanding about employment services. The ILO will draw on this expertise to adapt and integrate relevant concepts into the technical cooperation project in Haiti, and find synergies and complementarities with projects of other development agencies.

The project would be in line with the G20 Training Strategy?

Michael Axmann: During the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh in 2009, world leaders called for putting quality jobs at the heart of the recovery and asked the ILO, in partnership with other organizations and the social partners, to develop a training strategy for their consideration. The resulting G20 Training Strategy: A Skilled Workforce for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth highlights nine building blocks of strong training and skills development strategies: anticipating skill needs, participation of social partners, sectoral approaches, labour market information and employment services, training quality and relevance, gender equality, broad access to training, finance, and assessing policy performance.

One year later, at the G20 meeting in Seoul, Korea, it was decided that pilot countries would be identified in each region according to specified criteria. The ILO is building collaboration with other international organizations to improve coordination in responding to the request for the support in improving skills development. With the new government in place since 19 October 2011, better training and employment opportunities are high on the country’s agenda. Workers’ and employers’ organizations in Haiti have also expressed their strong support for improving skills and preparing for new job growth in reconstruction.

The US response to Iran’s threat to block the Strait of Hurmuz could be diplomatic or military, but it would spell trouble for India’s foreign policy. Why? Because then India will be forced to take sides, which it has brilliantly avoided so far by clubbing together a special foreign policy stance on the ongoing US pressure on Iran about what it sees as its nuclear weapons ambitions.

Considering its close energy and economic relations with Iran and its own nuclear weapon tests, India has so far refused to directly side with the US on its position that Iran must not be allowed to make the nuclear bomb.

India’s stated policy has been that Iran is a close friend and has every right to develop nuclear energy but it should not make a nuclear bomb because it has already signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). And when questioned about its own nuclear bomb, India’s argument is that it was justified in testing the bomb because New Delhi never signed the treaty.

So far this has proved to be a very smart policy. But now if the Iran/US situation grows suddenly into a stand-off in Hurmuz, then India will be compelled to do something it has avoided – take sides between Iran and the US.

India’s relations with the US have never been closer. Especially after the Indo-US nuclear pact that allows India to buy nuclear fuel for its power plants from any member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Club. Considering India’s efforts to develop blue water navy, there has also been a lot of discussion in Washington on how it can use India’s help in keeping the Ocean lines in South Asia secured and open and also to put an end to the piracy in the Indian Ocean.

So there is no doubt that if push comes to shove in the strait of Hurmuz and the US moves its navy to prevent Iran from closing the international passage, it will need, and definitely ask for, India’s help. And that is when India will be in hot waters because that will mean a direct defiance of Iran. And although Iran also needs India badly in Afghanistan, especially after the US troops leave in 2014, its relations with India obviously will be affected adversely if India took a stance against Iran in the Hurmuz crisis.

Besides trade worth billions of US dollars with Iran, New Delhi’s relations with Tehran have also been based on shared geopolitical interests and security issues and also on India’s latest strategic quest for “energy security” to maintain its more than seven percent growth rate. India has invested heavily in Iran’s gas fields in its strategic efforts to control the global oil and gas resources.

Also, following President Barack Obama’s decision to wind up the Afghan mission by 2014, India has sought Iran’s crucial help in ensuring that its interests in Afghanistan remain unaffected after the US pullout. Iran also has a justifiable interest in Afghanistan being its neighbour and has already made inroads into the Hazara region of Afghanistan.

Obviously, despite the not-so-good relations that currently exist between Iran and Pakistan, Indian strategists are wary of possible Iranian policy shifts towards Pakistan.

So, with so much at stake, officials in New Delhi’s South Block should be working overtime to tweak India’s foreign policy in a way that it doesn’t have to offend either the US or Iran. And only the coming weeks will tell how India emerges from this tight rope walk — one of the tightest in international relations and regional diplomacy.

(01.01.2012 – Ravi M. Khanna is a Washington-based observer of South Asia. He has headed the South Asia Desk at Voice of America newsroom. He can be reached at ravitheactor@yahoo.com)

May be the first step in this direction came this week when New Delhi and Islamabad agreed in principle to trade in electricity through a specially-built high voltage direct current link between Amritsar and Lahore. Right now the plan is to transfer 500 MW through the Punjab border with the tariff linked to the market rate.

If this kind of pragmatism spreads in the region, the region, given its potential, can become a bigger market than China and the whole of Europe and can also become self-reliant in a number of products and services that they now import from the West. And the West knows that, and may be that is why it does not encourage such logical moves that may not serve their self-interest.

Hopefully, the agreement between India and Pakistan is just the beginning. At at first glance, it seems each country has something it can share with the others for which they go outside the region to import. Just consider: rubber production in Sri Lanka, natural gas in Bangladesh and, with all its waterfalls, Nepal’s capacity to produce hydro-electricity.

Let us take Sri Lanka first. It produces almost 150,000 tonnes of rubber annually. This trend continues with Sri Lanka exporting about 20 percent – 30 percent of the rubber production in raw form while 70 percent-80 percent is used by domestic industries. So, given the quantity and quality of the rubber produced in Sri Lanka, they can even produce more quality tyres than the total demand of the South Asian countries and then even export some.

If its tyre industry gets a boost from SAARC, or just India, it can produce enough tyres itself and for the whole region. Then countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh will not have to import tyres from Western countries. They will also have to spend less on freight due to the proximity of the supplier.

Bangladesh is among the fortunate to have a substantial volume of natural gas resources. Part of it is discovered, and only part of discovered resources has been proven. But the natural gas situation in Bangladesh is a desperate situation because it is letting its gas fields to hibernate. So it needs swift development and production of natural gas in order not to allow it to hibernate. SAARC countries can help Bangladesh do it and at the same time produce fertiliser and also power in some sectors. Such a pragmatic move can help Bangladesh in producing power and also fertiliser to meet the demand of the whole region, eliminating the need for importing fertiliser from the West by India, the biggest importer of fertiliser in the region..

Power is also in shortage in Nepal that has a huge hydropower potential. In fact, the perennial nature of Nepali rivers and the steepness of the country’s topography provide ideal conditions for the development of some of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects there. According to some estimates, Nepal’s hydropower potential is more than 40,000 MW of which it has developed less than 1,000 MW. Therefore, bulk of this economically feasible generation has not been realised yet. SAARC countries can help Nepal generate enough hydroelectricity for domestic consumption and then also for export to neighbouring countries like Pakistan and India.

So, if the SAARC countries begin looking beyond their noses, they can prosper themselves and in the process make South Asia a self-reliant region, perhaps to the envy of the West.

(06.01.2012 – Ravi M. Khanna is a longtime South Asia observer. He has also headed the South Asia Desk in the Voice of America Newsroom in Washington and published a book called “TV News Writing Made Easy for Newcomers”. He can be reached at ravithenewsmanonline.com)

The ILO and UN DESA, in cooperation with FAO and IFAD, organized a meeting to strengthen coordination and joint work among international and national actors for “unleashing rural development through employment and decent work”. Participants called for acknowledging this rural potential as a core element in national and international strategies for growth and development.

Participation was broad, including representatives from a dozen agencies, six NGOs, academia and the media. A few had to withdraw at last minute, but indicated keenness to be part of follow-up activities.

A variety of innovative methodologies, used by a professional facilitator from the ILO International Training Centre – Turin, allowed maximizing exchanges, achieving consensus on strategic approaches and priorities, and agreeing on specific joint initiatives.

The first half of the meeting consisted of presentations, group work and consensus-building on a set of core themes: “Opportunities and challenges for promoting rural development”; “Creating an enabling environment for investment, employment and decent work in rural areas”; “Giving a voice to rural stakeholders”; “Youth as engines of rural development”; “Promoting integrated approaches”; and “Reaching strategic decision-making”.

Convergence occurred around specific priority approaches, particularly:

• seizing opportunities such as accrued interest in agriculture and rural areas, and emerging sectors and processes such as rural tourism, ITC, local energy production, agribusiness value chains, green activities;
• building local capabilities (at the individual, enterprise and institutional level);
• strengthening rural data;
• disseminating good practice;
• supporting entrepreneurship, particularly micro- and small enterprises, including cooperatives;
• tackling still widespread decent work-related challenges that impede realization of rural potential;
• appreciating, developing and using well the capacities of disadvantaged groups, particularly youth, women, disabled persons and indigenous populations;
• giving disadvantaged groups and employers’ and workers’ organizations a “voice”, and a place in policy-making and projects;
• using multi-dimensional, integrated approaches;
• considering rural-urban linkages;
• linking up knowledge building, technical cooperation, policy advice, media messages;
• working in partnership, based on respective comparative advantages;
• adopting a more positive/dynamic vision of rural areas and communities, so that investing in them is considered “good business” and working in them, attractive;
• building tight links with the media to develop and convey a positive vision, and giving a voice to rural stakeholders;
• partnering with key actors who can champion/drive rural development nationally and internationally;
• prioritizing decent work-based rural development/transformation, into core national decision-making and international events; and
• moving decisively from words to concrete (joint) action.

In the second half of the meeting, participants agreed on a set of priority topics for joint work:

• Rural cooperative enterprises as engines of rural development, employment and decent work
• Knowledge sharing
• Rural data
• Decent work in rural areas
• Promoting rural youth in Africa
• Media for rural development
• Capabilities and productive capacities for rural transformation

For each they identified specific concrete initiatives to be undertaken over the coming year, established commitments and a division of labour.

For more information, see Report of Expert and Inter-agency Technical Meeting on Broadening Coherence and Collaboration for Rural Development through Employment and Decent Work

* 2010 data incorporates seasonal adjustment factor to account for different number of weekdays and weekends in 2010 and 2011. Actual (i.e. non-seasonally adjusted) 2010 number was $32.589 billion.

“The 2011 online holiday shopping finished with slightly more than $37 billion in spending, up about 15 percent versus year ago,” said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni. “With brick-and-mortar holiday retail estimated to have grown about4 percent this year, it’s clear that e-commerce continues to gain market share from traditional retail due to the attractiveness of the Internet’s convenience and lower prices. Consumers were especially attracted to the deals and discounts available through digital channels – particularly free shipping, which occurred on well over half of transactions this season. Despite their continuing price sensitivity, consumers felt a bit more comfortable opening up their wallets this year, although this appears to have occurred as a result of a decline in the savings rate. Nonetheless, it’s clear that, at least on the basis of top line growth, this was a Merry Christmas for many online retailers. What will remain unknown until retailers report their financial year end results is whether the aggressive pricing and free shipping offers came at the cost of lower margins.”

Top 10 Online Spending Days of 2011 Holiday Season

Cyber Monday (Monday, Nov. 28) ranked as the heaviest online spending day of the year at $1.251 billion, the second consecutive year it has ranked #1 for the season. The 2011 holiday season was highlighted by ten individual spending days surpassing $1 billion in sales, as compared to just one day reaching that mark in 2010. The second heaviest spending day this season was Monday, Dec. 5 at $1.178 billion, followed by Green Monday (Monday, Dec. 12) at $1.133 billion. Tuesday, Nov. 29 ($1.116 billion) and Tuesday, Dec. 6 ($1.107 billion) rounded out the top five.

Weekly Online Holiday Retail Sales

About comScore

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4 January 2012

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the recent announcement that Fiji will lift its public emergency regulation as a positive step in the direction of the restoration of constitutional order.� He emphasizes that it is essential that Fiji�s authorities and all Fijian stakeholders engage in a constructive process of dialogue towards an inclusive election at the earliest.

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For information media • not an official record

4 January 2012

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the recent announcement that Fiji will lift its public emergency regulation as a positive step in the direction of the restoration of constitutional order.� He emphasizes that it is essential that Fiji�s authorities and all Fijian stakeholders engage in a constructive process of dialogue towards an inclusive election at the earliest.

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For information media • not an official record

4 January 2012

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the recent announcement that Fiji will lift its public emergency regulation as a positive step in the direction of the restoration of constitutional order.� He emphasizes that it is essential that Fiji�s authorities and all Fijian stakeholders engage in a constructive process of dialogue towards an inclusive election at the earliest.

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For information media • not an official record

The Gulf kingdom’s industrial sector achieved 15 per cent growth rate in 2011 and private sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to 49 per cent. Housing, road and railway projects are key sectors where Indian investments and workforce can make a mark, said The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Other potential sectors include information technology, telecommunications, education and training, healthcare services, tourism and hotel industry, banking and financial services, power generation, oil, gas and petrochemicals, said secretary general D.S. Rawat.

He said a 30-member trade delegation from India will visit Saudi Arabia later this month to meet key Saudi government officials and businessmen for exploring new business avenues. It will visit cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam during third week of January.

Before that, a high-level 44-member delegation led by president of the Council of Saudi Chambers Abdullah Saeed Almobty is visiting India to invite Indian investments in the cash-rich economy.

A total of 190 Indian companies are currently active in the Saudi market with investments totaling one billion dollars – 39 in industries, 54 in services and 93 in agriculture besides others in construction, information technology, designing, consultancy and financial services.

On the other hand, a total of 55 Saudi companies or joint ventures are operational in India with a total investment of 200 million dollars – mainly in paper manufacture, chemicals, granite processing, industrial products, machinery, cement and metallurgical industries.

“However, there is still an enormous potential to take this business further,” said Mr Rawat.

Saudi Arabia has the world’s second largest oil reserves and is a leading member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Two-way trade between India and GCC could exceed 130 billion dollars by 2013-14, up from 100 billion dollars in 2009-10.

The GCC countries – Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia – and India have identified various potential sectors for bilateral cooperation like petroleum oil and energy, gas and fertilisers, information technology, higher education, civil aviation and agriculture. A framework agreement for the FTA has already been signed.

The India-GCC FTA is expected to open a billion consumers’ market for Gulf countries. An FTA in the region will benefit India substantially as the six member countries control over 45 per cent of the world’s recoverable oil wealth and 20 per cent of gas resources. They supply about a fifth of the global crude output.

The FTA will remove restrictive duties and push down tariffs on goods being traded. This will provide Indian pharma and chemical industry to export their products to the Gulf region. India is the third country apart from Japan and the United States to have become a dialogue partner of the GCC.

Items having export potential from India to GCC countries include food products, pharmaceuticals, machinery and transport equipment, ceramic products, articles of apparel and clothing, cotton and woven fabrics, plastic and rubber products, essential oils, perfumery and cosmetics besides iron and steel articles.

3 January 2012

The following statement was issued on 3 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General commends the Palestinian and Israeli negotiators for meeting in Jordan today and expresses his appreciation to His Majesty the King of Jordan, as well as Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, for facilitating this meeting in the framework of the 23 September Quartet statement.� Special Coordinator Robert Serry joined other Quartet envoys and the Quartet representative in Amman for this occasion.

The Secretary-General encourages the parties to build on this meeting and to continue working to establish forward momentum towards a lasting peace.

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For information media • not an official record

Thirty-five United Nations personnel � 25 civilians, nine peacekeepers and a military adviser � were killed in 2011, according to the Staff Union Committee for the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service.� Four security guards working for the Organization were also killed.

In 2010, those killed in malicious attacks included five civilians and 10 peacekeepers, in addition to a number of contractors.� In 2009, 31 civilians and seven peacekeepers were killed in attacks directed at the United Nations.� �The United Nations staff members have become primary targets of attacks and unfortunately the Organization is not doing enough to protect its personnel,� Staff Union President Barbara Tavora-Jainchill said, emphasizing: ��One life lost is one life too many.�

She said the security and safety of United Nations premises and staff had to be taken more seriously, more funds must be made available for that purpose, and decisions regarding staff security should be independent of any economic or political consideration.� �The United Nations Staff Union will continue to fight so that the lessons learned from the tragic deaths we suffered in 2011 will move the Organization in the right direction as far as security decisions go,� she emphasized.� �Enough is enough.�

The three worst attacks took place in Afghanistan and Nigeria.� On 1 April, three staff members were killed in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif after a demonstration against the burning of a copy of the Koran in the United States turned violent and hundreds of people overran the regional office of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).� The victims were Joakim Dungel, 33, a human rights officer from Sweden; Filaret Motco, 43, a political officer from Romania; and Lieutenant Colonel Siri Skare, 53, a Norwegian military adviser.� In addition, four internationally contracted security guards from Nepal lost their lives while defending the compound � Min Bahadur Thapa, Chhabi Lal Purja Pun, Narayan Bahadur Thapa Magar and Dil Prasad Gurung.

In the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on 26 August, a car bomb struck the United Nations House, which hosts 26 humanitarian and development agencies of the world body, killing 11 staff members.� They were Ingrid Midtgaard, 30, a Norwegian associate expert with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and 10 Nigerians: �Rahmat Abdullahi, registry clerk, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Musa Ali, zonal logistics assistant, World Health Organization (WHO); Johnson Awotunde, monitoring and evaluation specialist, United Nations Children�s Fund (UNICEF); Edward Dede, national professional officer, WHO; Elisha Enaburekhan, driver, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); Ahmed Abiodun Adewale Kareem, shipping assistant, UNICEF; Iliya David Musa, receptionist, United Nations Common Services, UNDP; Felicia Nkwuokwu, receptionist, United Nations Common Services, UNDP; Stephen Obamoh, ERT radio operator/driver, UNDP; and Abraham A. Osunsaya, administrative assistant, WHO.� A twelfth staff member, Sunday Nwachukwu of UNDP, was severely injured in the attack and died on 9 October.� He had been transferred to a hospital in South Africa, where he was on life support.� A thirteenth staffer, Fred Simiyu Willis, a UNICEF health specialist from Kenya, died on 23 December in South Africa, where he had been on medical evacuation after the blast.

On 31 October, three Afghan employees of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) � Abdul Shakoor, 57, Nasratallah, 31, and Salah Mohammad, 39 � were killed and two others wounded when suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a compound in an organized assault in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan.

The Staff Union also detailed the following attacks:

� John James Okwath, a 26-year-old UNHCR driver, was struck in the chest on 4 February by a bullet during fighting between army elements in the Malakal area of South Sudan, and died later in hospital.

� Zahra Abidi, 33, of Sweden, a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) working as an information analyst with the United Nations Operation in C�te d�Ivoire (UNOCI), died on 31 March after being struck by a stray bullet that entered through a window of her home in a fifth-floor apartment in Abidjan, the city that had been the scene of fighting between forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo and those supporting Alassane Ouattara.

� Isatu Agnes Bangura, a police officer from Sierra Leone serving with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), was killed on 5 April after having been abducted in Northern Darfur State.� A group of armed men ambushed a mission patrol returning from the town of Fata Borno.� The peacekeepers returned fire, killing one of the attackers, but the remaining attackers managed to hijack a vehicle carrying three peacekeepers.� They later released two of them, who sustained injuries, but Ms. Bangura was found to have been killed.

� Santino Pigga Alex Wani, of South Sudan, a senior programme assistant working with the World Food Programme (WFP), was killed on 22 April during an attack by armed assailants near Duk Payuel in Duk County of Jonglei State in South Sudan.� He was on mission with members of WFP�s cooperating partner, Joint Aid Management, when the vehicle in which they were travelling came under attack.

� Farhan Hamsa, a WFP driver, was killed on 13 May in an ambush by unknown assailants in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.� He was on a monitoring mission with three colleagues when the vehicles in which they were travelling were attacked.� Another staff member was injured in the attack, and two others were kidnapped and subsequently released on 30 June.

� Four Ethiopian �blue helmets� with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) � Lance Corporal Abreham Asele, Private Lechisa Desalasa, Private Abebe Kebena and Corporal Tesfaye Negasa � were killed on 2 August and seven others injured after a landmine detonated while they were on patrol in Mabok, south-east of Abyei.� Three of the victims initially injured subsequently died.

� Corporal Gibriel Sheku Mansaray, a UNAMID peacekeeper from Sierra Leone, was killed on 5 August and another blue helmet wounded after unidentified gunmen ambushed a vehicle carrying five UNAMID troops in the village of Duma, north-east of Nyala, capital of South Darfur State.

� Two UNAMID peacekeepers � John Twahirawa, 37, and Samuel Ntakirutimana, 28, from Rwanda, and Mamadou Tour�, 59, a Senegalese UNAMID police adviser � were killed on 10 October, when their night patrol was ambushed by a group of unidentified armed men in Zam Zam, a camp for internally displaced persons on the outskirts of El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State.� Five other peacekeepers were injured.

� UNAMID peacekeeper Lance Corporal Ahmed Thomas was killed and two other Sierra Leonean blue helmets wounded when gunmen attacked a patrol on 6 November near Nyala, capital of South Darfur.� In total, six peacekeepers lost their lives in four separate incidents in Darfur during the year.

� Muhyedin Yarrow, 54, and Mohamed Salad, 28, of WFP, as well as an employee of the non-governmental organization Doyale, were killed by a gunman on 23 December in Somalia.� The attack took place in Mataban town in the central Hiran region, where the two staff members were on a mission to monitor the distribution of food aid.

In addition, peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were wounded in three roadside bomb attacks in southern Lebanon, six on 27 May, six on 26 July and five on 9 December.� UNOCI peacekeepers were also wounded in separate incidents � three on 12 January, one on 26 February and six on 2 April � and four of their UNAMID counterparts were wounded in West Darfur in two incidents � two on 22 March and two on 22 July.� Two personnel of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) were wounded when their compound in Abyei was shelled on 21 May.

Kidnappings of United Nations personnel also continued in 2011.� Three Bulgarian members of a helicopter crew working for the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) were kidnapped on 13 January by armed men at a landing strip in Um Shalaya, 60 kilometres (37 miles) south-east of Geneina, capital of West Darfur State.� They were freed on 6 June after nearly five months in captivity.

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The following statement was issued on 3 January by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Iraq this year begins a promising new chapter in its history.� The Secretary-General believes that this is an opportunity for Iraq to further strengthen its democratically-elected institutions and to promote peace and stability for the benefit of the Iraqi people.

At the same time, the Secretary-General wishes to express his concern about recent political tensions that could contribute to further insecurity in the country.� He therefore strongly supports calls for political dialogue to address outstanding issues in a spirit of partnership and national unity.� The Secretary-General urges all parties to work to resolve their differences peacefully through meaningful dialogue and compromise. �It is essential that pending political issues are resolved in a way that respects the constitution and its provisions for the separation of powers, the rule of law and an independent judiciary.

In accordance with its mandate, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), under the leadership of Special Representative Martin Kobler, will continue to consult Iraqi leaders and is ready to provide any assistance they require at this critical juncture.

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3 January 2012

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General was informed by Josette Sheeran of her decision to accept a position with the World Economic Forum as Vice-Chairman upon completion of her term, in April, as Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

The Secretary-General expressed his deep appreciation for her leadership over the last five years.  “Josette Sheeran has been an outstanding advocate for the United Nations and a champion of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people,” the Secretary-General says.  “She has brought enormous energy and dedication to a difficult and immensely important job.”  Last year, the World Food Programme helped feed more than 90 million people in 73 countries.

The Secretary-General wished Ms. Sheeran great success in her new assignment and looks forward to her continued engagement in the work of the United Nations family.

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For information media • not an official record

What does a parent from one of India’s historically marginalized castes do when his child is not allowed to sit with others in class? Or, if during the mid-day meal at school, his dishes are kept separate from others? Whom does a young mother turn to when a health worker refuses to enter her house? Where does she go when the village headman refuses to give her husband work under a mandatory job guarantee scheme? These are but a few examples of the harsh reality of everyday life for millions of poor and marginalized people in India.

Clearly, development cannot be achieved without justice. While India’s government has a number of programs to improve the lives of the poor, most marginalized people don’t know what they are entitled to, nor do they have the power and access to ensure that they get it. Not surprisingly, India has been promoting access to justice for marginalized people for the past five years and is in the midst of drawing up an ambitious program to modernize its courts. These can be an exceedingly long, complex and expensive process, with cases dragging on in the courts for decades.

To test the waters for the World Bank’s possible involvement in India’s ambitious plans for legal reform, , Anne Marie Leroy,  World Bank Group ’s General Counsel, visited India in late November and met India’s Minister for Law and Justice, government officials, and eminent lawyers. “A well-functioning legal and judicial system is essential, not only as an end in itself, but also as a means of facilitating the achievement of other development objectives,” she said. “That is why many World Bank projects contain legal and/or  judicial reform activities or components. The Bank, through its Legal VPU, is ready to assist India to accomplish its ambitious plans in this area.
Over the past two decades, the Bank has promoted adherence to the rule of law as a fundamental element of economic development and poverty reduction. It has recently piloted a program funded by AusAID, called Justice for the Poor, which provides Bank project teams and client countries with support in addressing justice issues in development projects, particularly in the context of plural legal systems, where traditional justice and dispute resolution mechanisms coexist with formal judicial institutions.

Moreover, in response to a long standing demand from developing countries, the Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency has recently launched the Global Forum on Law, Justice and Development (GFLJD) and is seeking active participation from donors around the globe. This is the first legal knowledge platform of its kind in the Bank Group, and aims to bring together legal practitioners and researchers from around the globe and promote the exchange of experiences in using law to solve development issues. The discussions with the Indian government, proved interesting, Anne-Marie said. “The minister mentioned to me the on-going computerization of India’s courts, and was particularly interested by my informing him about the Brazilian experience in this regard.” Obviously, a number of countries are interested in such a program.

Anne-Marie also visited the National Law School in Bangalore, India’s premier law school and partner of the Bank’s Legal VPU in the Legal Associates and Legal Interns Program to also seek its involvement in the GFLJD. “The School is one of the few in the world which has a number of departments that deal with the contribution of law to the well-being of minorities, children and socially excluded groups. The school’s involvement with the Global Forum would be very useful,” Anne-Marie said.  The School has now confirmed its participation.

As no trip to a client country can be complete without a field visit, Anne-Marie travelled to Bank projects in a Bangalore slum as well as the rural areas of the state. “It is essential for us in the Legal VPU to know the reality on the ground. I was inspired to see how rain water harvesting tanks are improving agriculture and the livelihood of farmers, and see how happy the farmers are.  It was also a moving experience to see efforts to bring water and sanitation to the slums.”

Contributed by the India Country Office and the Legal Vice Presidency

The world economy is showing some encouraging signs of a recovery. For countries like Cambodia, which are export-dependent, this is particularly good news.

But, while we have probably avoided another global Great Depression (thanks in part to government stimulus measures), policy makers can’t yet relax. The jobs crisis is far from over, and is at least as damaging to countries as the economic downturn that has received more attention.

The International Labour Organization – the UN agency dealing with work and workplace issues – has just released its latest World of Work report,¹ and the findings show clearly how important it is to avoid a premature or ill-conceived exit from such stimulus measures.

Like many economies, Cambodia has been hit severely by the global economic and jobs crisis. While the country’s economy grew by over 10 per cent per year between 2004 and 2007, as the impact of the crisis spread across the globe Cambodia’s growth slowed. It was 6.7 per cent in 2008 and international experts expect it to contract in 2009.

Because of this downturn, tens of thousands of people lost their jobs, particularly in key sectors such as garments, tourism, and construction.

In response, Cambodia, like other countries across Asia-Pacific, undertook a range of measures designed to address the labour market impact of the global economic crisis. In other Asian countries, such measures included spending on infrastructure to create jobs, supporting companies with subsidies to allow them to retain or train their employees, and strengthening social protection systems such as unemployment insurance.

In Cambodia, the response to the crisis included a stimulus package that was targeted to boost spending on infrastructure, social programmes and agriculture. In addition a tourism policy taskforce was recreated, with the aim of upgrading the industry and attracting more regional tourists. Other components of the recovery strategy included reducing the Central Bank’s reserve requirements, to encourage lending, and additional loans and grants to agricultural and related businesses.

But, if the economic recovery is underway why must Cambodia – and others – continue spending hard-earned funds on stimulus measures? Won’t the employment situation pick up naturally as the economy turns around?

Firstly, around the world the jobs crisis is much larger than the unemployment figures suggest. In addition to those who are out of work completely, millions of other people are currently on shorter hours or involuntarily working part-time. These people risk losing their jobs and sources of income entirely if companies become unviable, governments withdraw support or the economic rebound is not strong or swift enough. Millions more have moved of necessity into the informal economy where earnings and productivity are low (and low productivity undermines national economic competitiveness). Such informal economy work is usually not protected by law and frequently lacks social protection. Many times, workers in these kinds of jobs also have problems having their voices heard and being represented in decision making in the workplace.

Secondly, there is a significant risk that the jobs crisis will have long-lasting, negative social and economic implications. Workers without a job could become long-term unemployed or drop out of the labour market entirely.

Surprising as it may seem this crisis presents Cambodia, and other countries, with an opportunity; to improve their social protection system. Social protection serves many purposes for individuals, business and the state. If the spending is well-designed, not only can it address immediate needs, it can also help countries improve their social protection system and cope with future crises. Developing nations such as Cambodia are particular vulnerable to external shocks. Steps taken today can pay dividends in the long run. The Government’s initiative to develop a national social protection strategy is thus particularly timely.

It is also significant that the ILO and the Kingdom of Cambodia agreed last month on a national Decent Work Country Programme. This three-year programme lays out a cooperation framework and plan of action that aims to help the country recover from the global jobs and economic crisis. Initially, action will focus on employment creation – particularly for young people and retrenched workers – and social protection. Other areas of work will focus on the garment sector, a critical component of the country’s economy and an important source of jobs and income for many families.

In addition, the ILO will continue to work to ensure that Cambodia and its other member states structure their policies and stimulus measures in line with the approach outlined in the Global Jobs Pact.² The Pact, which was adopted by the ILO’s entire membership earlier this year, is designed to ensure that crisis response measures are employment-orientated and support decent work and social protection.

So while we should welcome the green shoots of recovery, we must be conscious that, in Cambodia and elsewhere, they remain fragile and that recovery can not be complete as long as the jobs crisis continues. An “early exit” from support measures may seem an attractive option, but it could lead to a sluggish recovery process that drags on for years. This is something the women and men in Cambodia looking for a job right now do not want or need.

1 The World of Work report 2009 was compiled by the International Institute of Labour Studies, the research arm of the ILO. It can be found at World of Work Report 2009: Global Jobs Crisis and Beyond

²Recovering from the crisis: A Global Jobs Pact

Implementation Status and Results Report (ISRR), Vol.	24-DEC-2011
Implementation Status and Results Report (ISRR), Vol.	08-JUN-2011
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