Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: United Nations – English

nternational Youth Day celebrates the power and potential of young people.

This year’s focus is on the pivotal role of youth in harnessing technology to advance sustainable development.

Around the world, young people are turning clicks into progress, making the most of digital tools to take on local and global challenges – from climate change to rising inequalities to the growing mental health crisis.

But achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift – which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals.

That means bridging digital divides, boosting investments in education, critical thinking and information literacy, tackling the gender biases that often dominate the tech industry, and supporting young innovators in expanding digital solutions.

As Artificial Intelligence reshapes our world, young people must also be front and centre in shaping digital policies and institutions.

Next month’s Summit of the Future is an opportunity to build global problem-solving mechanisms that are more networked and inclusive. I urge leaders to use the Summit to advance youth participation at every level, establish youth consultative bodies, promote intergenerational dialogue and scale up funding opportunities for young people everywhere.

You can count on the UN Youth Office and the entire UN family to stand with and for young people.

Together, let us draw on their energy and ideas to shape a more sustainable future for all.

*****
La Journée internationale de la jeunesse est l’occasion de célébrer l’influence et le potentiel des jeunes.

Cette année, l’accent est mis sur le rôle décisif de la jeunesse dans l’action menée pour mettre la technologie au service du développement durable.

Partout dans le monde, les jeunes transforment leurs clics en progrès, tirant le meilleur parti des outils numériques pour s’attaquer aux problèmes locaux et mondiaux, des changements climatiques aux inégalités croissantes en passant par une crise de la santé mentale qui ne cesse de s’aggraver.

Pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable, il faut un changement radical, qui ne peut se produire que si nous donnons aux jeunes les moyens d’agir et si nous collaborons avec eux d’égal à égal.

À cette fin, il faut réduire les fractures numériques, stimuler les investissements dans l’éducation, la pensée critique et l’acquisition des notions élémentaires en matière d’information, s’attaquer aux préjugés fondés sur le genre qui règnent souvent dans l’industrie de la technologie et aider les jeunes innovateurs à diffuser plus largement leurs solutions numériques.

À l’heure où l’intelligence artificielle bouleverse notre monde, les jeunes doivent également être au centre de l’élaboration des politiques relatives au numérique et de la création des institutions nécessaires dans ce domaine.

Le Sommet de l’avenir, qui se tiendra le mois prochain, sera l’occasion de créer des mécanismes plus interconnectés et plus inclusifs en vue de régler les problèmes qui se posent à l’échelle mondiale. J’invite instamment les dirigeantes et dirigeants à profiter de cette rencontre pour appuyer la participation des jeunes à tous les niveaux, créer des organes consultatifs de la jeunesse, faciliter le dialogue intergénérationnel et offrir davantage de possibilités de financement aux jeunes partout dans le monde.

Le Bureau des Nations Unies pour la jeunesse et l’ensemble de la famille des Nations Unies seront là pour épauler et défendre les jeunes.

Ensemble, puisons dans leur énergie et inspirons-nous de leurs idées pour bâtir un avenir plus durable pour l’humanité tout entière.
 

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General is deeply alarmed at the evolving situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, where fierce fighting has been reported between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and elements of the Armed Struggle Movements.

These clashes have devastating consequences for the civilian population. The fighting will also further exacerbate humanitarian needs in and around El Fasher at a time when famine conditions have been confirmed in Zamzam camp south of El Fasher and is likely prevailing in other displacement sites in the city, as announced by the IPC Famine Review Committee (FRC) on 1 August.

The Secretary-General calls on all Parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect and allow safe passage for civilians and facilitate rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and lasting ceasefire. He urges the Parties to return to political dialogue as the only path to a negotiated settlement.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting international mediation efforts and to working with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war.

Source: United Nations – English

ownload the video:  https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+WORLDS+INDIGENOUS+PEOPLES+25+JUL+24/3240999_MSG+SG+WORLDS+INDIGENOUS+PEOPLES++25+JUL+24.mp4

Indigenous Peoples represent around 6 per cent of the world’s population.

Yet their stewardship signifies an outsized contribution to our global community.

They are the keepers of knowledge and traditions that help safeguard some of the most biodiverse areas of our planet.

As guardians of the environment, their survival is our survival.

Their unique way of life is a testament to the rich tapestry of humanity.

But they also face serious challenges that threaten their very existence.

Indigenous Peoples are often the victims of threats and violence. 

Extractive and productive sectors, like mining, agriculture, and transport have accelerated deforestation and land degradation.

Ancestral homelands and natural resources that they depend on for survival are coming under siege. 

And their rights to self-determination and agency – enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – are yet to be fulfilled.

This year’s theme reminds us of their rights to protect themselves from unwanted contact.
Contact that can have a devastating impact.

Exposure to infectious diseases, forced assimilation, and the disruption of culture, language, and livelihoods.

Today and every day, the world must stand behind the rights of Indigenous Peoples to chart their own futures.

Together, let us safeguard their rights to live in peace and dignity.  

*****
Les peuples autochtones représentent environ 6 % de la population mondiale, mais contribuent énormément à notre communauté mondiale grâce à leur intendance.

Ils sont les gardiens du savoir et des traditions qui aident à préserver certaines des régions les plus riches en biodiversité de notre planète.

Protecteurs de l’environnement, leur survie est la nôtre.

Leur mode de vie unique témoigne de la richesse de l’humanité.

Mais de graves problèmes menacent leur existence même.

Les peuples autochtones sont souvent victimes de menaces et de violences.

Les activités d’extraction et de production, telles que l’exploitation minière, l’agriculture et les transports, accélèrent la déforestation et la dégradation des terres.

Les terres ancestrales et les ressources naturelles dont la survie de ces peuples dépend sont assiégées.

Leurs droits à l’autodétermination et à la liberté d’action – inscrits dans la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones – ne sont toujours pas réalisés.

Le thème de cette année nous rappelle que les peuples autochtones ont le droit de se protéger contre les contacts non désirés, lesquels peuvent avoir des effets dévastateurs : exposition aux maladies infectieuses, assimilation forcée et bouleversement de leurs culture, langue et moyens d’existence.

Aujourd’hui, comme chaque jour, le monde doit défendre le droit des peuples autochtones à façonner leur avenir.

Ensemble, préservons leur droit de vivre dans la paix et la dignité.

Source: United Nations – English

early eighty years have passed since Nagasaki was incinerated by an atomic weapon. 

Sadly the memories are still fresh for those that endured this horrific catastrophe.

At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, you can find a tangible example of those memories — a statue of Saint Agnes that was found in the ruins of a Roman Catholic cathedral in Nagasaki after the bomb exploded.

The back of the statue is charred and mottled from the unimaginable heat and radiation of the explosion — a terrifying reminder of the brutal power of these weapons.

But just as this city was rebuilt from the ashes into the vibrant, cosmopolitan city it is today, those that survived this nightmare have provided the foundation and inspiration to build a better, more peaceful and secure world.

They have taught us that it is not enough to remember what happened.

We must demonstrate that we’ve learned the lessons of that terrible day with concrete action.

In doing so, we honour the victims.

We honour the resilience of the people of Nagasaki.

And, as always, we honour the bravery of the hibakusha — who have taken this tragedy and fashioned it into a tool for teaching others about the need for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Nagasaki is a gathering place for the global community — including young people — to find a way towards a more peaceful world.

The United Nations is proud to stand with these voices of peace. 

Eliminating these weapons is our highest disarmament priority.  

We must never allow such devastation again.

And yet, I worry the lessons of nearly eight decades ago have not been learned.

The world is seeing greater and greater division and mistrust.

We are seeing nuclear weapons — and the threat of their use — re-emerging as tools of coercion.

We are seeing their return to the centre of national security strategies, putting us all at the risk of annihilation.

In the face of these threats, we must share the hibakusha’s courage and speak with one clear and united voice to rid the world of these apocalyptic weapons, once and for all.

The only way to eliminate the nuclear risk is to eliminate nuclear weapons.

And we need new solutions to bring disarmament to life.

Next month’s Summit of the Future in New York will be a critical opportunity for countries to renew their commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development and peace, and adopt an actionable and forward-looking Pact for the Future to that end.

Disarmament, and a world free of nuclear weapons, must be a central part of these efforts. 

The cities of Nagasaki, Hiroshima and the hibakusha themselves deserve nothing less.
 

Source: United Nations – English

he world joins together to mark the day that a nuclear weapon devastated this city — and we resolve to spare no effort to ensure the horrors of that day are never  repeated.

Indeed, this ceremony is a reminder that we must do even more to end the scourge of nuclear weapons, once and for all.

Nuclear weapons, and the threat of their use, are not confined to history books.

They have once again appeared in the daily rhetoric of international relations.

They represent a real and present danger that remains with us today.

The message is clear.

The lessons of Hiroshima, which once guided our collective efforts towards disarmament and peace, have been pushed aside.

But here in Hiroshima, we are surrounded by the true cost — and true folly — of nuclear weapons.

We see the memorials; we hear the wisdom of the hibakusha; and we can ensure that these annual services of remembrance continue.

Year after year, you — the people of Hiroshima — have continued your work to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again.

Your dedication is truly inspirational, and guides our own efforts at the United Nations to keep alive the lessons of 1945.  

The lesson that any use of a nuclear weapon will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

The lesson that the only path to eliminate the threats posed by nuclear weapons is to eliminate them altogether.

The lesson that the use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.

The lesson that a nuclear war cannot be won — and must never be fought.

And the lesson that we need disarmament now.

Since last year, global mistrust and division have only deepened.

Too many are blind to the fact that we were lucky to end the Cold War without a nuclear war.

We cannot press our luck again.

Yet some are recklessly rattling the nuclear saber once more.

The world must stand together to condemn this unacceptable behavior.

And we must find new solutions to bring disarmament to life.

Next month’s Summit of the Future will be a critical opportunity for governments to renew their commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development and peace, and adopt an actionable and forward-looking Pact for the Future.

Conflict prevention, disarmament, and a world free of nuclear weapons, must be at the heart of these efforts.  

At every step, the United Nations will continue to stand with the people of Hiroshima and with the hibakusha.

We will never forget the lessons of 6 August 1945.

No more Hiroshimas. No more Nagasakis.   
 

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General deplores the further loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend. He continues to closely follow developments in the country, including the Chief of Army Staff’s announcement regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and plans for the formation of an Interim Government.
 
He urges calm and restraint by all sides and emphasizes the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition. 
 
The Secretary-General stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and calls for the full respect of their human rights. He continues to underscore the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.
 

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General strongly condemns Friday’s attack at Lido Beach in Mogadishu, which resulted in multiple casualties. He expresses his condolences to the families of the bereaved and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General is saddened that the people of Somalia continue to be victims of such heinous acts of terrorism. He reiterates that the United Nations stands firmly with the Government and people of Somalia against terrorism and violent extremism.

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+8+Jul+24/3233158_MSG+SG+HOLOCAUST+MEMORIAL+DAY+SINTI+AND+ROMA+08+JUL+24.mp4
 
It is a great honour, and a great sadness, to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day for Roma and Sinti in this landmark year.

Eighty years ago, the last surviving Roma and Sinti in Auschwitz-Birkenau were murdered.

This was a despicable episode in a despicable history of persecution, systemic mass murder and outright genocide perpetrated by the Nazis and their collaborators.

Their relentless brutality saw up to 500,000 Roma killed; communities devastated; and age-old culture shattered across Europe. 

For too long, these atrocities were downplayed, diminished, and denied.

Today, we honour the memory of all those murdered, and deprived of their humanity.

We pay tribute to the survivors and promise never to forget.

We commend the courage of Roma and Sinti resistance. 

And we commit to combatting hate.

The prejudice that fuelled the Nazis’ terrible crimes did not end with their downfall. 

It continued – denying justice and distorting history.

And it remains today. The sad reality is that Roma people face rampant discrimination in all areas of life and all parts of the world, not least in Europe. 

Extremist and xenophobic groups are spreading hate speech, scapegoating marginalized communities and sowing fear and division.
 
We must stand together:

To fight bigotry whenever and wherever it appears;

To protect and promote the human rights of Roma;

And to build a world in which all people live in dignity, peace and freedom.

The United Nations is your unwavering ally in that cause.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General believes that the attacks we have seen in South Beirut and Teheran represent a dangerous escalation at a moment in which all efforts should instead be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages, a massive increase of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and a return to calm in Lebanon and across the Blue Line.

Rather than that, what we are seeing are efforts to undermine these goals.
 
The Secretary-General has consistently called for maximum restraint by all. It is increasingly clear, however, that restraint alone is insufficient at this extremely sensitive time. The Secretary-General urges all to vigorously work towards regional de-escalation in the interest of long-term peace and stability for all.

The international community must work together to urgently prevent any actions that could push the entire Middle East over the edge, with a devastating impact on civilians. The way to do so is by advancing comprehensive diplomatic action for regional de-escalation.
 

Source: United Nations – English

uman trafficking is a horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in our societies.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we focus on the most vulnerable among us – children.

Children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse – whether they are forced into labour, sold off as brides, recruited as soldiers, or coerced into criminal activities. Rising inequalities and globalization have fuelled complex trafficking networks that challenge traditional legal frameworks, creating new forms of slavery.  Online platforms further expose children to sexual exploitation and gender-based violence and allow traffickers to exploit victims across borders.

The physical and psychological scars of these crimes persist long into adulthood, robbing them of their innocence, futures and fundamental rights.
We must strengthen protection responses – including child-sensitive justice mechanisms, raise awareness, support unaccompanied children on the move, provide care for survivors, and tackle the root causes of exploitation by helping vulnerable families.

I call upon governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to intensify their efforts and collaboration so that no child is victimized and no trafficker goes unpunished.

On this day, let us renew our commitment for a future where every child is safe and free.

*****
La traite d’êtres humains est un crime ignoble dont les victimes sont les personnes les plus vulnérables de nos sociétés.

En cette Journée mondiale de la lutte contre la traite d’êtres humains, notre attention se porte sur les plus vulnérables d’entre nous : les enfants.

Un tiers des victimes de la traite sont des enfants, qui subissent des mauvais traitements indicibles : des enfants sont soumis au travail forcé, enrôlés comme soldats ou encore contraints de prendre part à des activités criminelles, et des filles sont vendues pour être mariées. Les inégalités croissantes et la mondialisation favorisent la constitution de réseaux complexes de trafiquants qui remettent en cause les cadres juridiques traditionnels et créent de nouvelles formes d’esclavage. Les plateformes en ligne exposent davantage les enfants à l’exploitation sexuelle et à la violence fondée sur le genre et permettent aux trafiquants d’exploiter les victimes au-delà des frontières.

Les séquelles physiques et psychologiques de ces crimes perdurent jusque dans la vie adulte des victimes, privées de leur innocence, de leur avenir et de leurs droits fondamentaux.  Nous devons renforcer les mesures de protection, et, notamment, mettre en place des mécanismes de justice adaptés aux enfants, sensibiliser la population, venir en aide aux enfants non accompagnés en déplacement, prendre en charge les enfants rescapés et lutter contre les causes profondes de l’exploitation en aidant les familles vulnérables.

J’exhorte les gouvernements, la société civile et le secteur privé, y compris les entreprises technologiques, à intensifier leurs efforts et leur collaboration afin qu’aucun enfant ne soit victime de la traite et qu’aucun trafiquant ne reste impuni.

En ce jour, renouvelons notre engagement en faveur d’un avenir où chaque enfant sera libre et en sécurité.