UN
UN wants Asia, Pacific to register deaths to detect emerging health crises
The Asia-Pacific region must accelerate progress towards registering deaths and causes of deaths to achieve universal civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems by 2024, says a new report.
The report was released on Monday by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The report, ‘Get Everyone in the Picture: A snapshot of progress midway through the Asian and Pacific CRVS Decade’, shows: While many countries have reported great successes in reducing the number of children born without a birth certificate, far too few deaths in the region are registered with a medically certified cause of death.
Since 2012, the number of unregistered children under five across Asia and the Pacific has been reduced by half, resulting in greater access to health, education and financial services.
However, death registration is lagging far behind with only a third of all deaths in the region receiving a death certificate and medically certified cause of death. A key reason for this is a lack of training for doctors and coroners.
The report underscores the urgent need for timely mortality statistics disaggregated by causes of death to develop and monitor public health policies and detect emerging health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Training doctors and increasing awareness of the importance of accurate death certification are some of the actions that countries can take to help combat this trend.
"Today is another key milestone for the CRVS community in Asia and the Pacific," said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
She said the recent surge in Covid-19 in the region once again highlights the urgent need for universal civil registration of births, deaths and causes of death. "These developments emphasize the importance of our work to improve CRVS systems in the region."
"The report shows that the Asia-Pacific region is on the right path to reach its goal of universal and responsive CRVS systems," said Kamni Naidu, Chair of the Regional Steering Group for CRVS in Asia and the Pacific.
"CRVS systems are much better positioned to respond to the crisis than they would have been five years ago," she added. “With continued efforts, we’ll be able to achieve our intended goal of ensuring a legal identity for all which will ensure that we realize and facilitate the goals of the 2030 sustainable development agenda.”
The report outlines country progress towards establishing universal CRVS systems in line with commitments made during the first Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific in 2014.
The Ministerial Declaration to "Get every one in the picture" in Asia, and the Pacific defines the shared vision that, by 2024, all people in the region will benefit from universal and responsive CRVS systems that facilitate the realization of their rights and support good governance, health and development.
The Second Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific will be held from 16 to 19 November 2021.
Emerging Drug Threats: UN seeks greater int'l support for low-income countries
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said greater international cooperation and support are needed to help low-income countries to take advantage of the advanced capabilities to predict emerging drug threats.
"Better data is also helping to identify trends and enable real-time monitoring of rapidly shifting trafficking routes. Science-driven early warning systems are helping to predict emerging drug threats," he said.
The UN Secretary-General made the remarks in a message marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that falls on June 26.
The theme of this year’s observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, “Share facts on drugs. Save lives” is a call for solidarity.
"I urge all member states to listen to the science and take action, building on agreed international frameworks and drawing on United Nations support for health and justice," said the UN chief.
READ: UN seeks its Special Envoy’s access to Myanmar to assess situation
Science and trust in science are the ‘hero and lesson’ of the pandemic; the world needs both to win against the virus, Guterres said.
"Scientists delivered safe and effective vaccines in a record time. Access to reliable and verifiable information is making the difference between life and death," he said, adding that action based on evidence is crucial for their responses to drugs, too.
The UN chief said the world drug problem remains an urgent challenge that threatens to exacerbate pandemic impacts and hinder a healthy and inclusive recovery.
The forthcoming World Drug Report 2021 from the United Office on Drugs and Crime shows that deaths attributed to disorders related to drug use have nearly doubled over the past decade.
New HIV infections among adults worldwide have declined in recent years, but not among people who inject drugs, who accounted for 10 per cent of new infections in 2019, he said.
Guterres said international cooperation has helped limit the proliferation of new psychoactive substances, but the problem is shifting to poorer regions where control systems are weaker. "Dark web drug sales continue to rise, and non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, including opioids, is expanding."
Drug trafficking and organized crime fuel and perpetuate cycles of violence and conflict, Guterres said.
He said armed groups and terrorists make profits from the illicit drug trade, and the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic has left millions of people even more vulnerable to drug crime and illicit crop cultivation.
Disparities in access to essential controlled medicines in low- and middle-income countries have been further heightened in the pandemic, he said.
"For example, medical professionals in West and Central Africa in 2019 had four doses of pain medication every day for one million inhabitants; in North America, the number of doses was nearly 32,000."
Guterres said investing in balanced prevention as well as control of drug use and drug use disorders produces solid returns -- saved lives, healthier populations, improved workforce participation and productivity, and reduced criminal justice costs.
Many of the risk factors associated with crime and violent behaviour are also drivers of drug use, and targeted efforts focusing on these overlapping dynamics -- including childhood maltreatment and lack of social support -- can help strengthen prevention, he said.
READ: UN seeks continuous collaborative effort to end AIDS epidemic
Besides, research suggests that law enforcement and policing need to go after the criminals at the upper levels of the drug trafficking chain, who reap the highest profits and wreak the greatest violence.
"Public-private partnerships - with tech companies, postal and courier services, and shipping companies - represent an essential frontline response in the new fight against drug traffickers, who are increasingly exploiting the legal cargo trade and postal services to move their illicit product," Guterres said.
Rohingya vaccination depends on arrival of vaccines from COVAX
UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and the humanitarian community are waiting for the arrival of vaccine doses under the COVAX facility to begin the vaccination of Rohingyas in Bangladesh as it was originally scheduled to begin by the end of March.
The government of Bangladesh, however, wants to ensure vaccination of both the Rohingyas and host community together depending on the availability of vaccine doses as it does not want to see any discrimination against anybody, officials said.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, saw a significant rise in the number of Covid-19 positive cases in Rohingya camps in April and May last.
Also read: Strict lockdown imposed in Teknaf and five Rohingya camps
Twenty people died of Covid infections in the camps, while 1,566 Covid-19 cases were confirmed as of June 20, according to the UNHCR.
Guterres gets second term to lead UN
António Guterres was on Friday re-appointed to a second term as UN Secretary-General, pledging as his priority, to continue helping the world chart a course out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking the oath of office in the General Assembly Hall, Guterres said he was aware of the immense responsibilities bestowed on him at this critical moment in history.
“We are truly at a crossroads, with consequential choices before us. Paradigms are shifting. Old orthodoxies are being flipped,” he told ambassadors.
“We are writing our own history with the choices we make right now. It can go either way: breakdown and perpetual crisis or breakthrough and prospect of a greener, safer and better future for all. There are reasons to be hopeful.”
Guterres was the sole candidate from the UN’s 193 Member States to vie for its top job. His first five-year term began in January 2017.
He was nominated by his homeland, Portugal, and appointed by acclamation by the General Assembly, following prior endorsement by the UN Security Council, for a second term that runs from January 2022 to December 2026, said the UN News.
Speaking in a mix of English, French and Spanish – three of the UN’s six official languages – Guterres detailed how the pandemic has taken lives and livelihoods, while exposing inequalities.
At the same time, countries are confronting challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
He stated it was crucial that the way out of the pandemic, as well as socio-economic recovery, should occur on a much more equitable basis, going forward.
“Our greatest challenge - which is at the same time our greatest opportunity - is to use this crisis to turn the tide, pivot towards a world that learns lessons, promotes a just, green and sustainable recovery and shows the way via increased and effective international cooperation to address global issues”, he said in French.
Also read: FM greets UN chief Guterres on re-appointment
Momentum for transformation
With the way forward filled with colossal tasks, the Secretary-General expressed confidence that they can be completed successfully, partly due to the incredible commitment of UN staff across the world, though underlining the need for continuous improvement, including through better data and analysis, and a reduction in “unnecessary bureaucracy”.
Although the world has changed a lot, the UN’s promises remain constant, but countries have to work together in entirely new ways to keep them alive.
He called for seizing momentum for transformation, while also stressing the need to bring other voices to the table, including civil society, the private sector and youth.
Vaccine equity now
“Ultimately, this transformation has to do with solidarity and equality”, Mr Guterres said, this time speaking in Spanish.
“But equity needs to start now: vaccines need to be available for everyone everywhere and we must create the conditions for sustainable and inclusive recovery both in the developed and developing world. And there is still a long way to go.”
Guterres warned that the countries must overcome the current “trust deficit” if this is to be achieved.
“In particular, we need to do everything we can to overcome current geostrategic divides and dysfunctional power relations. There are too many asymmetries and paradoxes. They need to be addressed head-on,” he advised.
“We also need to be aware of how power plays out in today’s world when it comes to the distribution of resources and technology.”
Fostering trust, inspiring hope
Mr Guterres vowed to use his second term to work towards ensuring “the blossoming of trust between and among nations” and to engage in confidence building.
He will also seek to inspire hope things can be turned around, or that the impossible might be possible.
“The attitude is never to give up,” he said. “This is not idealistic or utopian but grounded in knowledge of history when big transformations occurred and guided by the fundamental belief in the inherent goodness of people. That breakthroughs are possible when we expect it the least and against all odds. That is my unwavering commitment.”
FM greets UN chief Guterres on re-appointment
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has congratulated António Guterres on his re-appointment as the secretary-general of the United Nations.
He commended Guterres' leadership in the UN during his first term as secretary-general.
Dr Momen also thanked him for his continued attention to the Rohingya issue.
Also read: Guterres gets second term to lead UN
The foreign minister said, "Although Bangladesh is on track towards implementing SDGs, there are concerns about the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in securing financing for the SDGs."
Dr Momen also called for continued support measures for graduating countries.
The UN has special relations with Bangladesh, said Guterres.
He praised Bangladesh's strong leadership in all areas of the UN's activities, especially in peacekeeping, climate change and women empowerment.
Dr Momen met with the UN secretary-general at the UN Headquarters Thursday.
Share vaccines to cope with new surges, variants: UN
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has renewed his call for countries to share vaccines, particularly with those that are struggling to cope with new surges and variants.
He also renewed his call to the international community to come together to address the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 pandemic.
Read:UN authorizes AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine for emergency use
"There is an urgent need for increased global solidarity to ensure that vaccines are available to everyone, everywhere," said his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a regular briefing on Friday.
Equitable access to vaccines is a prerequisite for ending the pandemic and kick-starting a strong recovery, he said.
The UN welcomed the announcement made by the Biden administration that it will be sharing millions of vaccine doses with both the COVAX facility as well as bilaterally with countries in particular need.
The Administration announced its framework for sharing at least 80 million U.S. vaccine doses globally by the end of June and the plan for the first 25 million doses.
Read: UN Chief for ensuring equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccine
The Biden-Harris Administration on Thursday announced an allocation plan for the first 25 million doses to be shared globally.
Approximately 7 million doses will be shared in Asia covering countries and entities including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands, according to White House.
The United States will share vaccines in service of ending the pandemic globally.
The United States will share 75% of these vaccines through COVAX.
The United States will share at least three-quarters of its donated doses through COVAX, supplying U.S. doses to countries in need.
"But I also want to add that the Secretary-General is extremely grateful to the United States Government for the inclusion of United Nations personnel and Member States delegates serving in the United States in its national vaccination programme, and for the generous offer to provide vaccines for United Nations frontline personnel serving in the most challenging and dangerous locations around the world," said the UN Spokesperson.
This donation, he said, will allow the UN staff to stay and deliver critical services to vulnerable people around the world in a safe and effective manner.
Voluntary Rohingya repatriation in short term looks more challenging: UN
The United Nations has urged the international community to step up and share responsibility, noting that recent developments in Myanmar make the prospects of voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar in the short term more challenging.
"The responsibility for the current Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh rests with Myanmar, and that’s where the solution lies," said the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, at the conclusion of its two senior officials four-day visit to Bangladesh.
UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners for Protection and for Operations -- Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou -- wrapped up their visit on Wednesday and called for international support and solidarity with Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh.
UNHCR called on the international community, including through the recently launched 2021 Joint Response Plan, to continue to support the government of Bangladesh who have taken on a huge responsibility in hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world. "This must not become a forgotten crisis."
"While Bangladesh has shown humanity and solidarity, in line with the guiding principles of the Global Compact on Refugees, the international community must step up and give practical effect to the obligation to share responsibility, and to protect refugees and support the host Bangladeshi Government,” said Triggs.
Throughout the visit, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners reiterated their sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Bangladesh for their humanitarian spirit and generous hospitality towards Rohingya refugees as they sought protection from violence and persecution in Myanmar over decades.
Read:UNHCR seeks adequate medical assistance for Rohingyas affected in Bhasan Char
UN to honour eight fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers
The UN will honour eight fallen peacekeepers from Bangladesh to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten, according to a press release from the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Dhaka.
Guterres will preside over a ceremony at which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal will be awarded posthumously to 129 military, police and civilian peacekeepers, including the eight from Bangladesh. They lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year and in the first month of this year, the release said.
Also read: Bangladesh calls for greater int’l efforts for safety, security of peacekeepers
He will lay a wreath to honour more than 4,000 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.
The fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers are Abdul Md Halim who served with MINUSMA; LCpl Md Abdulla Al Mamun and Sgt Mohammad Ibrahim who served with United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Sgt Md Mobarak Hussain, LCl Md Saiful ISLAM, Md Saiful Imam Bhuiyan and Sgt Md Ziaur RAHMAN who were deployed with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); and Washerman Nurul AMIN of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Bangladesh is the largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping.
Also read: UN lauds Bangladesh's peacekeepers
It currently deploys more than 6,600 military and police personnel to the UN operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Mali, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.
In a message to mark the Day, the Secretary-General said: “I express my deep gratitude to the 85,000 civilian, police and military personnel currently deployed in some of the world’s most challenging hotspots to protect the vulnerable and help to build peace.
The theme for this year’s observance is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security.”
Read Dhaka seeks strong global resolve to end Palestinian crisis permanently
Dhaka seeks strong global resolve to end Palestinian crisis permanently
Permanent Representative (PR) of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima has urged the international community to take urgent and decisive action to resolve the longstanding crisis in Palestine.
She was speaking at the joint debate on the situation in the Middle East and the question of Palestine on Thursday convened by the President of the UN General Assembly.
Ambassador Fatima informed the General Assembly that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a letter to Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas, denounced the abhorrent acts of violence against innocent civilians of Palestine, including women and children.
Also read: Hasina a household name in Palestine: Envoy
Quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unflinching commitment towards realising the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine for an independent homeland, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In a strong call to the General Assembly, Bangladesh Ambassador asked for an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression and deplored repetition of such senseless cycles of violence and atrocities by the occupying Israeli forces.
Ambassador Fatima highlighted some priorities towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis and peace in the region, which included, the genuine efforts of the international community to address the root causes of the crisis and the fulfillment of the charter responsibilities by the Security Council and the General Assembly to turn around the culture of inaction and enforce compliance of all international human rights and humanitarian laws, and relevant UN resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016).
She also called for engaging with all relevant actors to ensure early implementation of the Roadmap, Arab Peace Initiative and the efforts of the Quartet.
Also read: Gaza attack: Dhaka seeks US’ proactive role to stop bloodshed
Stressing that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people must be met urgently, Ambassador Fatima suggested to further strengthen the capacity of UNRWA.
Underscoring the importance of ensuring the accountability of the occupying Israeli forces, she said that it could be a first step towards guaranteeing justice and lasting peace in the Middle East.
More than 100 UN Member States participated in the day-long Joint Debate which was also addressed by the UN Secretary General and President of the General Assembly.
All speakers called for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory and an urgent resolution to the Palestinian crisis.
China puts forward four-point proposal regarding Palestine-Israel conflict
China puts forward a four-point proposal regarding escalating Palestine-Israel conflict, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
Wang made the remarks when chairing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on "The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question" via video link.
Wang said that the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine had resulted in a large number of casualties, including women and children. The situation is extremely critical and severe, and a ceasefire and cessation of violence is urgently needed.
The international community must move forward with urgency to prevent the situation from further deteriorating, to prevent the region from falling again into turmoil, and to protect the lives of local people, Wang said.
Read:Israel says Gaza tunnels destroyed in heavy airstrikes
He said that the Palestinian question has always been the core of the Middle East issue. Only when the Palestinian question is resolved comprehensively, fairly and permanently, can the Middle East truly achieve lasting peace and universal security.
In response to the current tense situation, Wang put forward a four-point proposition:
First, ceasefire and cessation of violence is the top priority. China strongly condemns violent acts against civilians, and once again urges the two sides to immediately stop military and hostile actions, and stop actions that deteriorate the situation, including airstrikes, ground offensives, and rocket launches. Israel must exercise restraint in particular.
Second, humanitarian assistance is an urgent need. China urges Israel to earnestly fulfill its obligations under international treaties, lift all the blockade and siege of Gaza as soon as possible, guarantee the safety and rights of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, and provide access for humanitarian assistance. The international community must provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine, and the UN must play a coordinating role to avoid serious humanitarian disasters.
Third, international support is an obligation. The UNSC must take vigorous action on the Palestine-Israel conflict, reiterate its firm support for a "two-state solution," and push the situation to cool down at an early date.
The UNSC has failed to make a unanimous voice due to the obstruction of one certain country. China calls on the United States to shoulder its due responsibilities, adopt a fair stand, and support the UNSC in playing its due role in easing the situation, rebuilding trust, and political settlement.
China also supports the UN, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other countries that have an important influence on the region to play a more active role.
Fourth, a "two-state solution" is the fundamental way out. China supports the two sides resuming peace talks based on a "two-state solution" as soon as possible, to establish an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty with East Jerusalem as its capital and based on the 1967 border, and fundamentally realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel, realize the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations, and realize lasting peace in the Middle East.
Wang said that, since China assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC, it has made responding to the current tensions in the Middle East a top priority and pushed the UNSC to deliberate on the Palestinian question many times.
Read: Israel-Palestine conflict: China calls for UN council action, slams US
"China will continue to intensify efforts to promote peace talks, and fulfill its duties as the rotating presidency of the UNSC," said Wang, adding that China reiterates its invitation to peacemakers from Palestine and Israel to hold dialogue in China, and welcomes negotiators from the two countries to hold direct talks in China.
Wang urged unity; siding with peace, justice and fairness; standing by the right side of history; and practicing the real multilateralism, to push for the comprehensive, fair and permanent settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.
For the part of the attendees, they thanked China for chairing the event, and called for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of violence between Israel and Palestine, as well as cooling down of the situation while abiding by relevant UNSC resolutions and international laws.
They also believed the UNSC members and the international community should speak with one voice to fairly promote the Palestine-Israel peace talks and the realization of peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.