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7 August, 2004
 

Table Of Contents

 

Security Council: Sudan Must Act On Darfur In 30 Days Or Face Measures 1

The Security Council on 30 July adopted a resolution paving the way for action against Sudan in 30 days if it does not make progress on pledges to disarm the militias accused of indiscriminate murders, rapes and other attacks against civilians in the Darfur region _ a move that was immediately welcomed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

With China and Pakistan abstaining, and the other 13 members approving the text, the Council agreed to impose an arms embargo against the Janjaweed militias and all other non-governmental forces in Darfur, which has been described as the site of the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The resolution says the Council might take measures against Sudan if it does not show progress on achieving the commitments _ most notably the pledges to disarm the Janjaweed and restore security to Darfur _ it outlined in a joint communiqué with the UN on 3 July. Those measures include steps allowed under the UN Charter, such as issuing economic penalties, restricting transport and communications, and severing diplomatic relations.

The resolution also calls for the resumption of political dialogue between the Government and Darfur's two rebel groups, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

Mr. Annan, who visited Darfur early last month and was present at the signing of the communiqué, "looks forward to the swift and sustained implementation" by Sudan of its commitments, and hopes the resolution will ensure that a humanitarian catastrophe is avoided in Darfur, according to a statement read out by his spokesperson. The Secretary-General also welcomed the Council's backing of the efforts of the African Union (AU), which is trying to mediate a political solution to the crisis and has deployed human rights monitors as part of a mission in Darfur, a region roughly equal to the size of France.

In Accra, Ghana, African leaders said they discussed plans to significantly expand the number of troops in the AU's observer mission given the deteriorating security situation in Darfur. They also called on the international community to give financial and logistic support to that mission.

 Ambassador John Danforth of the United States, one of the sponsors of the resolution, said the Council had been forced to act because Government forces and the Janjaweed, which are allied to Khartoum, had killed 30,000 people since February last year. "The last thing we wanted to do was lay the groundwork for sanctions, but the Government of Sudan has left us no choice," he told the Council after it voted, calling the resolution essential to global efforts to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Humanitarian agencies estimate that 1.2 million people have become internally displaced within Darfur and another 200,000 live as refugees in neighbouring Chad because of the Janjaweed attacks and the fighting between Sudanese forces and the SLM/A and the JEM.

Sudan's Ambassador Elfatih Mohamed Ahmed Erwa told the Council his Government was in a "race with time" to implement the commitments laid out in the 3 July communiqué, adding it was extremely difficult to disarm the Janjaweed because Darfur is a region where almost everyone carries arms. Mr. Erwa said Khartoum had already made much progress, citing the deployment of more than 4,800 police to bolster security, the arrest and trial of 200 Janjaweed members, and the dispatch of rape investigation teams headed by female judges. Accusing the United States of pre-determining the facts, he said that when the joint communiqué with the UN was signed, it never occurred to Sudan that it would be used "as a springboard" to punish Khartoum.

Ambassador Wang Guangya of China, announcing his country's abstention before the vote, said the adoption of mandatory measures if commitments are not met is "not helpful in resolving the situation in Darfur and may further complicate the situation." Mr. Wang stressed the importance of listening to and supporting the AU as it attempted to resolve the Darfur dispute.

 

S-G: UN Will Maintain Pressure On Sudan Until Commitments Are Met 2

The United Nations will keep up the pressure on the Sudanese Government until it meets its commitments to disarm the militias responsible for deadly attacks in the troubled Darfur region and to restore security so that the estimated 1.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) feel it is safe to return home, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on 4 August.

While there has been progress on humanitarian access to remote Darfur, Khartoum has "much more" to do on improving security for the IDPs who have gathered in over 100 makeshift camps across the region, Mr. Annan told reporters after briefing the Security Council on his recent trip to Africa.

The Secretary-General stressed that last week's Council resolution required the Sudanese authorities to do no more than meet the pledges already made. "They should be able to take steps to calm the situation, to stop the attacks, to protect the people and continue the disarmament," he said.

"And there should be no confusion or excuses," he warned.

The Council gave the Government 30 days to show it was taking action on the commitments or face potential sanctions. Mr. Annan said, "The Council made it clear that if they fail to perform there will be consequences, and I hope that, if they do fail to perform, all the Council Members will be ready to act."

He also said the African Union (AU) was expanding the size of the force it was sending to Darfur to monitor the crisis. This, he said, was having "a positive impact" on dissuading the Janjaweed militias and others from further attacks on civilians.

Responding to questions, he said a large public protest in Khartoum on 4 August against the UN was not unexpected. "Sometimes governments use demonstrations to put pressure on the UN and to send a message to the international community."

At the same time, he cautioned, the Sudanese Government "also has to be aware that it has the responsibility for the protection of the UN staff and the UN facilities."

 

Security Council Urges States To Cooperate With UN War Crimes Tribunals 3

With United Nations war crimes tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia processing cases amid severe budget shortfalls, the Security Council on 4 August urged States support this effort and called on the courts to complete their work by 2010.

Ambassador Andrey I. Denisov of the Russian Federation, which holds the Council's rotating presidency for August, read out a statement reaffirming support for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).

He encouraged the two tribunals to meet the Council's completion strategy, which calls for the ICTR and ICTY to wind up their investigations by the end of this year, finish all trials at the first instance by 2008, and complete all work by 2010.

Welcoming recent commitments by the new Government in Serbia and Montenegro to cooperate with the ICTY, Mr. Denisov said all States should comply, particularly Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republika Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Many of these States have at-large indictees, and the statement named former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, former Bosnian Serb Gen.

Ratko Mladic and former Croatian Gen. Ante Gotovina. 

Referring to the ICTR, Mr. Denisov called for Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo as States to intensify their cooperation, and named the former businessman Felicien Kabuga as an indictee that should be brought before the court.

The statement also said the failure of some UN Member States to pay dues was "having a disruptive effect" on the work of the tribunals. Currently, ICTY has a budget shortfall of over $81.6 million while the ICTR's funding gap tops $50 million.

 

UNCTAD Chief Welcomes Breakthrough In Export Talks Between Rich And Poor 4

The decisions adopted last weekend by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to end export subsidies and reduce import tariffs around the world gives a welcome push to the deadlocked Doha negotiations that is of great importance to developing countries, especially in agriculture, the United Nations trade chief said on 3 August.

The round of talks on a Development Agenda was launched in 2001 in Doha, Qatar, but ran into an impasse over rich countries' export subsidies for their agricultural products, which developing countries said distorted the market for their own primary products. The talks broke down last September in Cancun, Mexico.

"It is encouraging that the decision brings the Doha negotiations back on the right track by focusing on the core agenda of multilateral trade negotiations of importance to developing countries, involving agriculture, non-agricultural market access and services," the Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rubens Ricupero, said in cotton-exporting Benin.

The West African country is the coordinator of trade affairs for the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Mr. Ricupero said he expected that the promise that cotton subsidies "would be addressed ambitiously, expeditiously and specifically" would be fulfilled for the benefit of the African LDC cotton producers already losing export income because of the subsidies to exporting cotton farmers in rich countries.

In the resumed Doha negotiations, UNCTAD would continue to give technical and analytical assistance to developing countries working to "derive development gains," he said.

 

Olympic Truce 5

With less than 10 days to go before the start of the Olympic Games, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Julian R. Hunte, on 4 August appealed to all States to demonstrate their commitment to peace by observing the traditional truce during the quadrennial competition.

"While conflicts in the world will not cease overnight, if we could have peace for 16 days, then, maybe, just maybe, we could have it forever," Mr. Hunte said in a statement. The XXVIII Olympic Games are set to open on 13 August in Athens, where the first modern competition was revived in 1896.

Mr. Hunte noted that the sacred Greek tradition of ekecheiria (truce) was the cornerstone of the Olympic Games in ancient times, providing safety and a peaceful environment for both athletes and spectators alike.

"Its very adoption was dictated by the oracle of Delphi as a way to put an end to the wars that at the time devastated the Peloponnese. The longest lasting peace accord in history was thus created," he said.

"In times of violence and uncertainty, of war and struggle, when security becomes a pressing concern, we must always remember that defensive mechanisms need to be paralleled by resolute efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples and governments and to adhere to the ideas for which the Olympic Truce stands," the General Assembly President said. 

 

S-G Condemns Hostage-Taking After 2 Pakistanis Killed In Iraq 6

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 30 July reiterated his condemnation of all hostage-takings and acts of violence against innocent civilians following the killing of two Pakistani nationals on 29 July in Iraq. 

"Such acts are utterly unacceptable and are aimed at undermining Iraq's political and economic reconstruction," said a statement issued by Mr. Annan's spokesman.

The spokesman said the Secretary-General was dismayed and saddened to learn of the brutal killing of the two contractors, who had been held hostage for several days, and conveyed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

 

S-G: Iraq's National Conference Must Be As Inclusive As Possible 7

Iraq's upcoming national conference must be as inclusive as possible, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on 4 August, pledging the Organization's support in reaching this goal.

"Every attempt should be made to bring into the tent some of those outside the tent," he told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.

He said the UN had discussions with various Iraqi officials and encouraged the Government to delay the conference in order to bring in more participants. "We felt it was more important to have a well-organized and inclusive process rather than organizing it on time, because you may organize it on time but get it all wrong," he explained. "And we are continuing the efforts, working with them to expand the participation."

Asked whether the UN has received pledges of troops to protect its workers in the country, he said that while there had been no firm offers, "We have been in negotiations with about half a dozen countries."

Mr. Annan noted that also under discussion is a Saudi proposal to deploy an Islamic force to protect UN staff and eventually take over from the multinational force and work with the Iraqis. "But even if that is going to happen, I think it is going to take some time," he added.

In a related development, a UN spokesman on 4 August reported that Carina Perelli, the chief of the UN's Electoral Assistance Division, has replied to press questions about possible delays in Iraq's elections by stating that planning is being undertaken on the assumption that the polling will take place by January next year.

 

S-G: More Work Needed To Repair Physical, Psychological Damage In Kosovo 8

While there has been some progress in reconstructing buildings and restoring community relations in Kosovo after March's deadly outbreak of ethnic violence, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says a lot "remains to be done to repair the physical and psychological damage."

Almost 2,400 people are still displaced from their homes and minority groups in the province continue to lack freedom of movement and access to public service, Mr. Annan says in his regular report to the Security Council on the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

He says the leaders of Kosovo's majority Albanian community must reach out to the minority groups, such as the Serbs, who were the target of two days of violence in March that left 19 people dead and hundreds of homes and religious and cultural sites damaged or destroyed.

The Secretary-General also calls on leaders of both the Albanian and Serbian communities to translate their joint declaration last month to reconstruct damaged houses and to help the internally displaced return home, from words into actions.

But he says he is concerned that the Kosovo Assembly's recent moves to amend the province's constitutional framework are beyond its powers and a sign that its members are not focused on tackling "Kosovo's immediate priorities."

Those priorities include the process of standards implementation, a UN-supervised plan which sets specific goals in such areas as the building of democratic institutions, the enforcement of rights for minorities and the creation of a functioning economy. Its provisions include the holding of free and fair elections and the establishment of an impartial legal system.

UN officials have said previously that any decision on Kosovo's permanent future status can only be determined after the standards have been achieved.

In his report Mr. Annan also says he has received the review of Ambassador Kai Eide of Norway, who was tasked in June with probing the political implications of the violence in March. He says he will now study Mr. Eide's recommendations.

 

Australian Lawyer Appointed UN Monitor Of Extrajudicial And Summary Executions 9

An Australian lawyer with a long record of working for the United Nations and of teaching law has been appointed Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

Philip Alston, currently a professor at New York University and Director of its Centre for Human Rights and Global Justice, was appointed last month to the post by Ambassador Mike Smith of Australia, Chairman of the UN Commission on Human Rights, after consulting with representatives of the Commission's regional groups.

Mr. Alston's task will be to study the incidence of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions around the world and to make recommendations to the Commission and to the General Assembly about how to reduce the practice.

His other previous posts include serving as Chairman of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and as the Committee's Rapporteur. In 1989 he was chosen as a UN Independent Expert to study the long-term effectiveness of human rights treaty bodies.

Two years ago he was appointed Special Adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Mr. Alston has taught law in Australia, the United States and Italy.

Mr. Alston praised Asma Jahangir of Pakistan, the previous Rapporteur, "for her tireless efforts to give voice to, and respond to, the pleas of victims of violations of the right to life."

 

UNICEF's Breastfeeding Campaign 10

If more infants worldwide are given only mother's milk and no food or formula until the age of six months, at least 1.3 million lives could be saved this year, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on 30 July.

With more than 10 million children dying annually from mainly preventable causes like diarrhoea and pneumonia, the agency said if every baby were exclusively breastfed for the first half-year of life, an estimated 3,500 lives could be saved each day.

UNICEF cited these statistics in calling for greater global commitment to support breastfeeding. "If a child dies a preventable death it's because mothers and infants are not getting the basic support they need," said UNICEF chief Carol Bellamy.

Ms. Bellamy said every mother who chooses to exclusively breastfeed for six months has the right to services and support from their governments, communities and families.

Breastmilk contains all the nutrients, antibodies, hormones, immune factors and antioxidants that an infant needs to thrive during the first six months of life. It also protects babies from diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections while stimulating their immune systems.

Despite this evidence, only 39 per cent of babies worldwide are being breastfed exclusively in the first six months, the agency said. UNICEF helps governments to support breastfeeding, including through legislation to protect against formula companies that promote their products in such a way as to deter women from breastfeeding.

31 July marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week, with UNICEF predicting the participation of more than 120 countries in awareness-raising and other related activities.

 

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY, 12 August 2004 11

Message of the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan

"The theme of this year's observance of International Youth Day is "Youth in an Intergenerational Society". Today's world has the largest number of youths ever, with almost half its population under 25 years of age. At the same time, by the year 2050, the number of people 60 and older will triple, to nearly 1.9 billion. To prepare for the future, we must promote solidarity between generations today.

Young people everywhere are preparing for productive, meaningful lives in work, society and family. To be successful, they need access to education and health care. They must also overcome obstacles such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, crime and persistent unemployment, which frustrate the potential of all too many young people at a crucial stage in their lives.

Two decades from now, these same people will form the middle generation that supports ever increasing numbers of dependents: not only their children, but their parents as well. They understand the importance of fulfilling this responsibility, but they will be able to do so only if we invest now, and ensure they have the knowledge and skills to take advantage of the opportunities opening up to them.

In most societies, older persons continue to contribute actively, yet the dependence between generations will grow ever larger. The ageing of our world is an issue for young people, too. The General Assembly, for its part, will address the question next year as part of its ten-year review of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, which was adopted in 1995.

On this fifth observance of International Youth Day, let us celebrate generational interdependence, and recognize that all members of society have contributions to make and needs to fulfill. Intergenerational solidarity means they can do it together. I encourage everyone celebrating International Youth Day, including the many young people gathered in Barcelona for the Third World Youth Festival, to do their part. Let us draw on the talents and wisdom of all people, and build societies for all ages."

 

WHO De-Lists Certain Generic HIV/AIDS Drugs Pending Further Tests 12

Three generic HIV/AIDS medicines have been removed from the international list of medicines available to developing countries because the manufacturer had not ensured the drugs were equivalent to the original medicines they were supposed to copy, the United Nations health agency said on 4 August.

In bioequivalence tests, volunteers take the generic medicines and their blood is tested after a certain time to determine whether the concentration of the generics in their blood is similar to that of the innovator or patented medicines in other volunteers.

After an inspection of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. in Dewas, India, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) removed "the triple fixed-dose combination pill containing lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine in two different strengths and a lamivudine plus zidovudine tablet" until the company can provide "unequivocal evidence" of bioequivalence.

WHO was following a European directive, which came into force in May, requiring inspections of laboratories doing bioequivalence studies.

The Ranbaxy products have met quality specifications and WHO said the company would submit them to a different laboratory for new tests.

An inspection in late May led to the removal of a lamivudine tablet made by Cipla Ltd. in Kurkumbh, India, and a combination lamivudine-zidovudine tablet made by Cipla in Vikhroli, India, WHO said.

Tests of Cipla's triple fixed-dose combination of lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine in a tablet were properly carried out, however, and it was retained.