UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday that the relocation of Gaza residents from the north to the south as ordered by the Israeli military is extremely dangerous. After days of airstrikes, the Israeli military has ordered the Palestinians in Gaza City and its surroundings to move to the south of the territory, said Guterres. "Moving more than 1 million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous - and in some cases, simply not possible." Hospitals in the south of Gaza are already at capacity and will not be able to accept thousands of new patients from the north. The health system is on the brink of collapse. Morgues are overflowing; 11 healthcare staff have been killed while on duty; and there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in the past few days, he said before walking into a Security Council meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Israel's call for mass evacuation, Palestinians hear echoes of their original catastrophic exodus The entire territory of Gaza faces a water crisis as infrastructure has been damaged and there is no electricity to power pumps and desalination plants, he added. Guterres said the situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low. The horrific terror attacks by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and injured thousands more on Saturday were followed by intense Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has already killed 1,800 people and injured thousands more, he noted. Palestinians flee northern Gaza after Israel orders 1 million to evacuate as ground attack looms Guterres called for immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza so that fuel, food and water can be provided to people in need. He called for respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law, and for the protection of civilians. He also called for the immediate release of hostages in Gaza. "It is imperative that all parties - and those with influence over them - do everything possible to achieve these steps," said Guterres. The UN chief also warned against hate speech stoked by the conflict - across the Middle East and around the world. Putin calls for ex-Soviet states to expand their influence and comments on Israel-Hamas war "Dehumanizing language that incites violence is never accepted. I call on all leaders to speak out against Antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and hate speech of all kinds. This is a time for the international community to come together around protecting civilians and finding a lasting solution to this unending cycle of death and destruction," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for redoubling efforts to detect, protect, and support survivors and leave no trafficking victim behind. "Together, let us build a world where no one can ever be bought, sold, or exploited," he said in a message marking World Day against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. "It preys on vulnerability and thrives in times of conflict and instability," said the UN chief. Amidst growing inequalities, worsening climate emergencies, and record displacement – more and more people are left vulnerable to traffickers, he said. North Korea calls UN's Guterres 'puppet of US' after launch The majority of detected victims are women and children, many of whom suffer brutal violence, forced labour, and horrific sexual exploitation and abuse. "Yet traffickers continue to operate with impunity. Their crimes are receiving not nearly enough attention. This must change," Guterres said. Guterres to meet Putin, Zelenskyy next week "We must invest much more in detection and protection. We must strengthen law enforcement to bring criminals that commodify human beings to justice. And we must do more to help survivors rebuild their lives," he said. Guterres hopes Bangladesh to continue support to UN peace operations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for greater action to protect oceans. “The ocean is the foundation of life. It supplies the air we breathe and food we eat. It regulates our climate and weather. The ocean is our planet’s greatest reservoir of biodiversity,” he said in a message to mark World Oceans Day on Thursday. One example of how human activity is damaging the oceans, which make up more than 70% of the Earth's surface, is the fact that over a third of the world's fish stocks are being harvested at levels that are not sustainable. Also read: UN chief implicitly criticizes Cambodia's upcoming elections after top opposition party ban In addition to these advantages, the ocean generates resources that support societies, economic growth, and human health. Fish is the primary source of protein for over a billion people worldwide.“We should be the ocean’s best friend. But right now, humanity is its worst enemy,” he said, pointing to the evidence. The UN chief said human-induced climate change is heating the planet, disrupting weather patterns and ocean currents, and altering marine ecosystems and the species living there. Marine biodiversity is also under attack from overfishing, over-exploitation and ocean acidification, fish stocks are being depleted, and coastal waters have been polluted with chemicals, plastics and human wastes. Also read: Sudan military ruler seeks removal of UN envoy in letter to UN chief, who is 'shocked' by the demand “But this year’s World Oceans Day reminds us that the tides are changing,” he said. Guterres recalled that last December, countries adopted an ambitious global target to conserve and manage 30 per cent of land, and marine and coastal areas, by the end of the decade. The past year also saw a landmark agreement on fisheries subsidies, and the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, where the world agreed to push for more positive action. Negotiations for a global, legally binding treaty to end plastic pollutions are currently underway, and in March, countries agreed the historic High Seas Treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. “Realizing the great promise of these initiatives requires collective commitment,” Guterres said.“This World Oceans Day let’s keep pushing for action. Today and every day, let’s put the ocean first.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said world must speak with one voice — stop lies and disinformation, and stop targeting truth and truth-tellers. "As journalists stand up for truth, the world stands with them," he said in a message marking World Press Freedom Day that falls on May 3. For three decades, on World Press Freedom Day, the international community has celebrated the work of journalists and media workers. "Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power. And as this year’s theme reminds us, press freedom represents the very lifeblood of human rights," Guterres said. But in every corner of the world, freedom of the press is under attack, he said. Truth is threatened by disinformation and hate speech seeking to blur the lines between fact and fiction, between science and conspiracy, the UN chief said. Also read: Repeal DSA, demands TIB marking World Press Freedom Day The increased concentration of the media industry into the hands of a few, the financial collapse of scores of independent news organizations, and an increase of national laws and regulations that stifle journalists are further expanding censorship and threatening freedom of expression, he said. Meanwhile, Guterres said, journalists and media workers are directly targeted on and offline as they carry out their vital work. They are routinely harassed, intimidated, detained and imprisoned. At least 67 media workers were killed in 2022 — an unbelievable 50 percent increase over the previous year. Nearly three quarters of women journalists have experienced violence online, and one in four have been threatened physically. Ten years ago, the United Nations established a plan of action on the safety of journalists to protect media workers and end impunity for crimes committed against them. The world must stop the threats and attacks, the UN chief said. "Stop detaining and imprisoning journalists for doing their jobs."  

Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has been appointed by UN Secretary General António Guterres as member of the Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste. The appointment was made in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Zero Waste (77/161) adopted on 22 December 2022. In a letter addressed to Professor Yunus, the UN Secretary General said, "As a board member, I trust that I can count on your knowledge, experience, and expertise to promote zero-waste initiatives." and that" The Board has an important role to play in supporting zero-waste initiatives in the context of sustainable development. " Given that the concept of “zero waste” is gaining attention worldwide as a sustainable solution to reduce waste, redesign material use and production, promote a circular economy and inform consumer choices, the Secretary General expects that  the multi-partner and multidisciplinary, regionally and gender balanced Board will work to publicize best practices and success stories and raise awareness to promote local and national zero-waste initiatives. Read More: Why advertisement for Dr Yunus using 40 names: PM questions The Advisory Board will consist of 13 eminent persons, including Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of Türkiye (Serving as Chairperson), Jose Manuel Moller, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Algramo, Nobel Laureate Professor  Muhammad Yunus, Co-founder and Chairman, Yunus Environment Hub, Carlos Silva Filho, President International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), Laura Reyes, Directora Ejecutiva Cempre – Economía circular, Lara van Druten, Chief Executive Officer The Waste Transformers, and Professor Saleem Ali, Professor, Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware, USA. The advisory board will prioritize publicizing best practices and success stories, through various means including reports, social media, and website articles, to raise awareness and disseminate relevant information on a regular basis, and especially during the global celebration of the International Day on Zero Waste, on 30 March of every year. and promoting local and national zero-waste initiatives, through advocacy and technical reviews of zero. The UN Secretary General announced the advisory board on eminent persons on March 30, 2023, the first International Day of Zero Waste, said a media release on Sunday. As convenor of the Advisory Board, the Secretary General looks forward to to undertake with fellow Board Members to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with support also of  the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Read more: World leaders' open letter on Yunus is an advertisement, not statement: Hasan Mahmud The board is expected to meet in September 2023 in New York City together with the UN Secretary General.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said water is the lifeblood of the world and climate change is wreaking havoc on water’s natural cycle. He said from health and nutrition, to education and infrastructure, water is vital to every aspect of human survival and wellbeing, and the economic development and prosperity of every nation. "We don’t have a moment to lose. Let’s make 2023 a year of transformation and investment for humanity’s lifeblood. Let’s take action to protect, sustainably manage and ensure equitable access to water for all," said the UN chief in a message marking World Water Day today. "But drop by drop, this precious lifeblood is being poisoned by pollution and drained by vampiric overuse, with water demand expected to exceed supply by 40 percent by decade’s end," Guterres said. Also Read: 26% of the world have no access to clean drinking water: UN He said greenhouse gas pollution continues to rise to all-time record levels, heating the world’s climate to dangerous levels. "This is worsening water-related disasters, disease outbreaks, water shortages and droughts, while inflicting damage to infrastructure, food production, and supply chains," Guterres said. The theme of this year’s World Water Day reminds all of the cost of these failures on the billions of people who lack access to safe water and sanitation. Out of every 100 people on earth, 25 fetch all their water from open streams and ponds — or pay high prices to buy water of dubious safety. Twenty-two relieve themselves outdoors or use dirty, dangerous or broken latrines. And 44 see their wastewater flow back into nature untreated, with disastrous health and environmental consequences. "In short, our world is dramatically — and dangerously — off-track to reaching our goal of safely managed water and sanitation for all by 2030," Guterres said. This year’s World Water Day reminds all of their individual and collective roles to protect and sustainably use and manage humanity’s lifeblood for present and future generations, he said. The United Nations Water Conference, which kicks off today (March 22), is a critical moment for national governments, local and regional authorities, businesses, scientists, youth, civil society organizations and communities to join forces, and co-design and invest in solutions to achieve clean water and sanitation for all, said the UN Secretary-General. Meanwhile, he said, governments, businesses and investors must take much bolder actions to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, with the G20 leading the way. "We must break our addiction to fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy, while supporting developing countries every step of the way," said the UN chief.    

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Major General Md Fakhrul Ahsan of Bangladesh as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).  Major General Ahsan succeeds Major General Zia Ur Rehman of Pakistan who will complete his assignment at the end of March 2023.  The Secretary-General is grateful to Major General Ur Rehman for his exemplary service and leadership of MINURSO, said UN Information Centre- Dhaka on Saturday Major General Ahsan has over 34 years of national and international military leadership experience with the Bangladeshi Army.  He served as General Officer Commanding, of the 10th Infantry Division and as Area Commander of the Cox’s Bazar Area, as Commandant of the Bangladesh Military Academy, and as Brigade Commander in the 16th and 69th Infantry Brigades.  He was also the Director of the Military Intelligence Directorate at the Bangladesh Army Headquarters and as Assistant Defense Attaché at Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, India.  Also read: UN: Bangladesh elected member of Commission for Social Development Major General Ahsan has previously served in two peacekeeping missions, in Somalia (UNOSOM-II) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).  Major General Ahsan holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, and a Master's Degree in Defense Studies.  He is fluent in English, French, Indonesian and Hindi.   

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries. "Let us work together – across governments, the private sector and civil society – to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous world for women, girls, men, and boys everywhere," he said. The UN Chief made the call in a message marking International Women’s Day today. Women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved an estimated $1 trillion from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade — a loss that could grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action, he said. Also Read: DigitALL: Role of tech in promoting gender equality highlighted this Women’s Day "On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls across all walks of life, in all corners of the world," Guterres said. But they also recognize the enormous obstacles they face — from structural injustices, marginalization, and violence, to cascading crises that affect them first and worst, to the denial of their personal autonomy and rights over their bodies and lives, he said. Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys, said the UN chief, adding that "International Women’s Day is a call to action." Action needed to stand with women who are demanding their fundamental rights at great personal cost, he said, adding that action is also required to strengthen protection against sexual exploitation and abuse. "And action to accelerate women’s full participation and leadership. This year’s theme stresses the need for technology and innovation to advance gender equality," Guterres said. Technology can expand pathways to education and opportunities for women and girls. But it can also be used to amplify abuse and hatred. "Today, women make up under a third of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and maths," Guterres said. And when women are under-represented in developing new technologies, discrimination may be baked in from the start. "That is why we must close the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in science and technology," said the UN chief.  

A staggering 78 million girls and boys around the world today “don’t go to school at all” because of conflict, climate disasters and displacement – while tens of millions more receive only sporadic teaching – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Thursday. Calling for more funding for education in emergencies spearheaded by the UN global fund Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the UN chief in a video message said no one should be denied their chance to learn. A full 222 million children today experience blighted education, Guterres said. “To help them, 18 countries and private partners have pledged $826 million for UN global fund ECW, on the opening day of the landmark conference.” “No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what barriers stand in your way, you have a right to a quality education,” he said, in an appeal for greater international efforts to ensure that more vulnerable children and youngsters get their chance to succeed. Read more: Govt to launch countrywide school feeding programme from June: State Minister Delivering his comments at the Education Cannot Wait High-Level Financing Conference in Geneva, the Secretary-General welcomed the fact that since it was founded in 2017, the fund had trained 87,000 teachers and given seven million children in crisis “the education they deserve”. As pledges from 18 countries and the private sector topped $826 million on the first day of the conference, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and Chair of ECW High-Level Steering Group Gordon Brown said: “We are talking about the most isolated, the most desolate, the most neglected children of the world. We’re talking about girls who find themselves trafficked or forced into child labour or child marriage unless we can help them.”

The UN chief has said the adoption by most nations of the world of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 40 years ago is more relevant than ever as the oceans are now in dire straits. Speaking at a major General Assembly meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention Thursday, António Guterres highlighted the breadth of the accord, spanning from "the air we breathe, to the atmosphere that sustains all life, to the ocean-based industries that employ some 40 million people, to the species that call the ocean home." Among the key provisions of the Convention are the conservation of the world's fisheries, marine protection, the right to resources within 200 nautical miles of national shorelines, and of increasing importance, the sustainable and equitable management of mineral-related activities in international waters. Guterres said around 35 percent of the world's fisheries are simply being overexploited. "Sea levels are rising as the climate crisis continues, and the ocean is acidifying and choked with pollution."Coral reefs are bleaching, "epic floods" threaten coastal cities everywhere, and too often, "people working in ocean-based industries are not accessing the support or safe working conditions they need and deserve." Read: UN chief appeals for more fund from developed countries to help preserve biodiversity The UN chief said the recently adopted Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies needed to be adopted swiftly, ensuring that all policies towards the ocean are "underpinned by the best science and the best economic and social expertise." He said it meant bringing the wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and local communities into the Convention, ending what he called the plastic pollution crisis, and concluding next year the agreement on marine biological diversity of areas beyond national borders. The governments should develop laws and policies that put protection and conservation first, while marine industries and investors, should make conservation, protection and climate resilience a top priority, along with worker safety, the UN chief added. Csaba Kőrösi, president of the General Assembly, said the Convention was known by many as the constitution of the oceans. Read: UN chief warns planet is heading toward `climate chaos' "The fact that UNCLOS is just as relevant as ever is a true UN success story. This document can serve as an excellent example of what can be achieved when multilateralism is done right. What global governance can and should look like," he added.