Senior UN children’s advocate says they ‘should never be targeted by violence’

Reacting to a recent upsurge in violent attacks affecting children, Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, called for those responsible to be held fully accountable.

The last two weeks have seen a suicide attack on an education centre in Afghanistan which killed and injured young students in class, 21 children killed in Yemen when their school bus was hit by an airstrike, and ongoing child casualties in Syria – particularly in the conflict zones of Idlib and Western Aleppo in the North of the country. More.

Statement by the Secretary-General on the passing of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good. It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing. In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination.

Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world. In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us.

My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.

‘Passport To Dignity’ that Schools Represent May Expire Fast, Without Emergency Funding Warns UN Palestine Refugee Agency

A lack of funds means that the new school term for over half a million Palestinian students could be cut short after just one month, says UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refuge

The agency’s 711 schools, providing free basic education for Palestinian refugee children in the West Bank – including East Jerusalem – Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria – will open as planned in September. More

International Day of the Word’s Indigenous Peoples

On the 9 August to celebrate International Day of the Word’s Indigenous Peoples, UNIC Canberra,  the Slovenian Embassy to Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade partnered in an event “On the Right to have Rights”

To start proceedings Mr Wally Bell, Ngunawal Elder warmly welcomed all to country.

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Message of the United Nations Secretary-General

U N I T E D   N A T I O N S               N A T I O N S   U N I E S

MESSAGE ON FIRST INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF, AND TRIBUTE TO, THE VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

21 August 2018

Terrorism is one of the most challenging issues of our time and a serious threat to international peace and security. From Tajikistan to the United Kingdom, from Baghdad to Barcelona, these ruthless attacks have shaken us all to the core. No country can consider itself immune, with almost every nationality in the world falling victim to terrorist attacks.

The United Nations itself is regularly targeted. Twenty-two people lost their lives in the attack on the headquarters of the United Nations mission in Iraq, which took place 15 years ago this week. Some of our peacekeeping missions are under constant threat.

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Multilateralism: The only path to address the world’s troubles, signals Guterres

As the world’s problems grow, multilateralism represents to best path to meet the challenges that lie ahead, said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday, launching his annual report.

The Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization for 2018, also tracks the progress made over the last year in maintaining peace and security, protecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development.

“I started my tenure calling for 2017 to be a year of peace, yet peace remains elusive,” said the UN chief in the report’s introduction, noting that since January last year “conflicts have deepened, with grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law; inequality has risen, intolerance has spread, discrimination against women remains entrenched and the impacts of climate change continue to accelerate.” More

International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Conversation: Indigenous Rights Advocacy – With Dr Jackie Huggins First Nations Leader

To mark International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples, August 9, we spoke to Dr Jackie Huggins, Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

Dr Jackie Huggins is a Bidjara (Central Queensland) and Birri-Gubba Juru(North Queensland) woman and a tireless advocate for human rights.

In this interview Dr Huggins talks about her speech to the UN Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues; working within and with the various UN mechanisms, working as a key Indigenous Elder in Australia and her advice to Indigenous women based on many years of advocacy. Click on Link below.

The Secretary-General

MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

9 August 2018

Indigenous peoples have a profound spiritual connection to their lands and resources. Yet, increasingly, indigenous persons are migrating within their countries and across international borders. The reasons are complex and varied. Some are subject to displacement or relocation without their free, prior and informed consent. Others are escaping violence and conflict or the ravages of climate change and environmental degradation. Many migrate in search of better prospects and employment for themselves and their families.

Migration is an opportunity, but it also carries inherent risks. Many indigenous migrants find themselves living in unsafe and insanitary conditions in urban areas. Indigenous women and girls experience disproportionately high rates of trafficking and other forms of violence. Indigenous youth are faced with complex questions regarding their identity and values.

In some countries, indigenous peoples’ territories are divided by international borders. Cooperation across these borders is important to safeguard their identity, occupations and traditional practices.

Later this year, Member States are expected to adopt a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. This will establish an international framework for regional and global cooperation. It will provide a platform to maximize the benefits of migration and support vulnerable migrant groups, including indigenous peoples. It is essential that the rights and identities of indigenous peoples are protected.

On this annual observance, let us commit to fully realizing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the rights to self-determination and to traditional lands, territories and resources. And, wherever they live, let us ensure that indigenous peoples enjoy recognition for their contributions and the opportunity to thrive and prosper in peace on a healthy planet.