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Video
28 April 2022
At the Launch of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), The UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, HE. Mr Zlatan Milisic,
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Video
28 April 2022
Speaking today at the launch of the second phase of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI). The UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, HE. Mr Zlatan Milisic
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Speech
12 April 2022
Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Mr. Zlatan Milisic on 28th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Tanzania
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Tanzania:
Publication
01 February 2022
UN Tanzania Recent Highlights (Oct-Dec 2021)
What is presented in this report is the most recent highlights of the UN’s support to the national COVID-19 response and the UN Country Team’s work under thematic areas and outcomes of the UNDAP II. We thank all our partners for the support and cooperation throughout the UNDAP II which is currently in the final months of implementation.
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Publication
01 February 2022
E-Journal: Joint Mission by Embassies of Ireland and Sweden to Kigoma Region
A joint monitoring mission from the embassies of Ireland and Sweden visited Kigoma Region to monitor the progress of implementation of the Embassy of Ireland and Embassy of Sweden funding to the Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP) and humanitarian support in Nduta Refugee Camp and to meet with the Government officials, UN agencies, local stakeholders, and beneficiaries in Kigoma Region.
The mission started on 29 November 2021 by paying a courtesy call to the Kigoma Regional Commissioner, followed by a KJP briefing in Kigoma Town.
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Publication
08 September 2021
E-Journal: KJP Steering Committee Meeting & Monitoring Missions
The Kigoma Joint Programme held its 6th Steering Committee meeting co-chaired by the Kigoma Regional Commissioner (RC), Honourable Thobias Andengenye and UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC), Mr. Zlatan Milišić. The meeting was attended by UN Agencies, Government Officials and Development Partners from Embassies of Norway, Ireland and Sweden to review the progress of the Kigoma Joint Programme. During the meeting, the Embassy of Ireland announced an additional disbursement of EURO 4.15 million (approx. Tsh. 11.5 billion) of funding for the UN in Tanzania which will support the Kigoma Joint Programme Health, HIV/AIDS and Nutrition pillar.
The Steering Committee was preceded by monitoring missions to KJP projects in the region by Regional Secretariat, UN and Development Partners.
The Steering Committee was preceded by monitoring missions to KJP projects in the region by Regional Secretariat, UN and Development Partners.
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Story
22 July 2021
UNESCO Assesses the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Re-Entry Policy on Pregnant learners in Zanzibar.
UNESCO commissioned a study to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Re-Entry Policy on Pregnant learners in Zanzibar, to investigate gaps for intervention and areas for improvement. The two-day meeting included directors from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training-MoEVT and educational stakeholders.
The guest of honor was Hon. Simai Said, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar. In his comments, Hon Said urged the ministry to support initiatives that would raise public awareness on the re-entry policy which refers to girls returning to school after giving birth. He added that, “As we are working on this matter, we need to find ways to combat the problem of young people getting pregnant while in school.” According to data from the Registrar of Education, a total of 646 girls became pregnant from 2005 to 2020 in Zanzibar. Within this group, 190 learners were in upper primary level between ages 13 to 16; 452 at Ordinary Secondary and 4 were at the Advance level of secondary education aged 16 to 18.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) reiterated its commitment through highlighting the “Educational policy of 2006” on preventing adolescent girls from getting pregnant and which ensures pregnant school girls return after delivery. Some of the key findings from this assessment revealed there was low awareness and understanding of the Re-entry policy among students, parents, and pregnant adolescent learners. The Ministry of Education has established Inclusive Education and Life Skills Unit and Office of Education Registrar which are key players in the implementation of the policy.
Some key recommendations given to effectively implement the re-entry to school policy include the need to review the existing Education Policy and realign it with the current situation, society demands and findings from the re-entry policy assessment. For example to develop national guidelines for the implementation, conduct needs assessment on what to include, strengthen guidance and counselling services at School, and support multi-sectoral collaboration to promote retention of pregnant girls in schools. Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, the UNESCO Representative to Tanzania said, “UNESCO recognizes and commends government efforts through MoEVT, for putting in place conducive policy environment and structures that facilitate all school age children to enroll and complete their studies.”
The guest of honor was Hon. Simai Said, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar. In his comments, Hon Said urged the ministry to support initiatives that would raise public awareness on the re-entry policy which refers to girls returning to school after giving birth. He added that, “As we are working on this matter, we need to find ways to combat the problem of young people getting pregnant while in school.” According to data from the Registrar of Education, a total of 646 girls became pregnant from 2005 to 2020 in Zanzibar. Within this group, 190 learners were in upper primary level between ages 13 to 16; 452 at Ordinary Secondary and 4 were at the Advance level of secondary education aged 16 to 18.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) reiterated its commitment through highlighting the “Educational policy of 2006” on preventing adolescent girls from getting pregnant and which ensures pregnant school girls return after delivery. Some of the key findings from this assessment revealed there was low awareness and understanding of the Re-entry policy among students, parents, and pregnant adolescent learners. The Ministry of Education has established Inclusive Education and Life Skills Unit and Office of Education Registrar which are key players in the implementation of the policy.
Some key recommendations given to effectively implement the re-entry to school policy include the need to review the existing Education Policy and realign it with the current situation, society demands and findings from the re-entry policy assessment. For example to develop national guidelines for the implementation, conduct needs assessment on what to include, strengthen guidance and counselling services at School, and support multi-sectoral collaboration to promote retention of pregnant girls in schools. Mr. Tirso Dos Santos, the UNESCO Representative to Tanzania said, “UNESCO recognizes and commends government efforts through MoEVT, for putting in place conducive policy environment and structures that facilitate all school age children to enroll and complete their studies.”
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Story
28 May 2021
From commitment to action: Breaking down barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Kigoma
“It’s difficult to talk about menstruation and sanitary pads openly because it’s not something we do. I try to save money for pads, but if this runs out I use pieces of cloth,” says Bupe.* Pieces of cloth, she adds, that have to be dried out of sight.
She is not alone. Managing menstruation is often challenging for adolescent girls in Tanzania – and around the world – where privacy and access to affordable materials and water to manage periods are often lacking.
Persistent inequalities and perceptions that menstruating is somehow ‘dirty’ or ‘shameful’ can also mean that menstruation and puberty mark the start of restrictions to girls’ mobility and behaviour – a time when their opportunities can radically diminish; a time when they start to miss out.
“I used to miss one week of school every month,” says Glory.* “I didn’t want to shame myself in front of my peers.”
Her narrative is echoed by her friends. The silence and stigma that exists around menstruation continue to disempower girls globally, negatively affecting their education and health. But in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, Tanzania, this is changing.
Empowering girls
Today, as Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated around the globe, with a call for increased investments and action to realize the collective vision of a world where women and girls can manage their menstruation with dignity and respect, UNFPA handed over-improved latrines that have been built at 10 primary schools in Irish Aid-supported Ujana Wangu Nguvu Yangu – My Youth, My Power – project districts in Kigoma. The latrines include a dedicated changing room for girls with an attached incinerator for the disposal of used sanitary pads.
Five thousand Dignity Kits, complete with reusable sanitary pad, were also distributed to school girls attending the celebrations, in tandem with menstrual hygiene education sessions – over 10,000 pads have been distributed since the project began in 2018.
Asma,* one of the recipients of the Dignity Kits, and a student at KumKata primary school, could barely hide her delight. She described the kit, and access to period-friendly sanitation facilities at her school, as “a golden opportunity”; a chance to compete as an equal with her male peers. “The drums are roaring for the girls of Kigoma now,” she added with a smile.
Committed to change
Over 10,000 girls and boys have attended education sessions on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in the five Ujana project districts since 2018. They are now championing efforts to spread the message that menstruation is a normal and healthy part of life. Extensive advocacy with school committees, teachers, parents and caretakers for period-friendly sanitation facilities in schools has also secured commitment for the replication of the 10 latrines built under the project at more schools in the future.
Leaving no one behind is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and although there is no specific goal or indicator related to menstrual hygiene, ensuring that all women and girls can manage their periods with dignity is integral to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – good health and well-being – and SDG5 – gender equality and women’s empowerment – as well as several others.
UNFPA in Tanzania will continue to support efforts to build sustainable and effective MHM programmes that expand access to affordable and environmentally-friendly menstrual products and period-friendly facilities and bust myths that periods are a problem, so that girls in Kigoma – and across Tanzania – are not held back and do not miss school, but are empowered to compete as equals and realize their potential and aspirations – period!
Names have been changed.*
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Story
12 April 2022
UNHCR constructs school sanitation facilities to support host community in Kibondo
Adequate sanitation is a basic human right, and access to it is essential for attaining better health, education, nutrition, and other human development indices. As part of its commitment to supporting host communities, UNHCR, the refugee agency, is working to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services in the refugee hosting region of Kigoma.
Some 1,578 pupils (786 boys and 792 girls) in Kibondo Primary School have benefited from the construction of two blocks of latrines. Due to an increased number of pupils enrolled in schools, the pupil to latrine ratio has become a major concern, increasing the risk of communicable diseases such as Urinary Tract Infection, diarrhoea, and cholera.
“Before the project, it was not unusual to see long queues of pupils outside the few existing latrines. We hope that this waiting time will now be reduced while at the same time protecting these children from infectious diseases,” said Mahoua Parums, UNHCR Representative in Tanzania. “We recognize that despite facing their own economic challenges, the communities here have always welcomed refugees. This support, among others, is part of our broader programme to match the host community’s hospitality with development investment,” she added.
Working with the Norwegian Refugee Council and other partners, the project has constructed 26 new latrine stances as there were only four prior to the project. New handwashing stations with running water have also been mounted in the ablution facilities to promote handwashing after using the toilet. There is also a special toilet to accommodate pupils with disabilities and a menstrual hygiene room that enables young girls to have a safe, private space while changing their sanitary materials.
“Previously, some pupils feared coming to school during menstruation days beacause there wasn’t enough water to ensure proper hygiene. Now we are happy because the situation has improved,”- Elizabeth Furaha, Grade 5 Pupil.
The project also led to the formation of a school hygiene club currently consisting of 30 pupils. The club equips students with hygiene management knowledge. Under the supervision of the environment teacher, the club members transmit this knowledge to other pupils to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and improve sanitation. The overall objective is to encourage them to be agents of change for the whole community.
“This project will improve the learning environment for our pupils and enhance their performance and attendance. Shortage of WASH facilities was a threat to the pupils’ safety, dignity, and performance,” said Laurent Nazari Rugambwa - teacher. “Some had to go back home to use the toilets and often didn’t return to school. Others were regularly ill due to infectious diseases. We can’t thank you enough for the support,”- he concluded.
In collaboration with the local authorities and partners, UNHCR will continue to improve the welfare of host communities in Kigoma, where most of the 247,000 refugees living in Tanzania are hosted.
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Story
18 February 2022
UNFPA donates ten motorbikes to Tanzania Police Force for Gender Based Violence response
The Police force of Tanzania has received ten motorcycles from UNFPA, The United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Agency, to provide quality and timely support to survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
The Police force of Tanzania has received ten motorcycles from The United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Agency-UNFPA to provide quality and timely support to survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, Inspector General of Police Simon Sirro said the donation will enhance the capacity of police gender & children’s desks to reach out to the victims of Gender-Based Violence.
Commissioner Sirro said the effort made by UNFPA have contributed a lot to ending violence against women and children, noting that incidents have decreased. “Let us stop practicing outdated customs and norms. We need collective efforts to end Gender-Based Violence. The donation will further help our officers in charge of desks to reach the community awareness”, he said.
UNFPA Officer in Charge, Ms. Georgette Kyomba reminded that acts of gender-based violence and harmful practices against women, girls’ children and older persons are rampant in society-occurring daily. She said in Tanzania, as is the case in many countries around the world, too many women and girls live in fear of violence and abuse. Kyomba said, "Four in ten women and girls aged 15 to 49 will experience Gender-Based Violence in their lifetime." Adding that, "Three in every ten girls will marry before their 18th birthday."
The UNFPA Officer in Charge said, "Although the national average for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has decreased to 10 percent, gains across regions have been unequal and it remains as high as 58 percent in the Manyara region." Behind these numbers are broken bones, broken souls and broken individuals, with families, communities and the nation.
These people continue to incur huge social and economic costs. Gender-Based Violence has serious consequences in their lives including causing disability, deaths and several psychological consequences. Overall, GBV has an impact on the opportunity of every individual to reach his or her full development and potential. “UNFPA is fully committed to protecting every woman and every girl from harm and abuse, sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and protection from harmful practices such as child marriage and FGM”, she highlighted. In Tanzania, UNFPA supports the government to implement the targets set by the National Plan of Action to end violence against Women and children. Through partnership, UNFPA has supported the police at the national, regional and local levels to improve their capacity to reach out to the survivors of GBV and harmful practices. Police Community Engagement Officer, Dr. Musa Ally Musa said that the donation was the open evidence showing how police gender desks play their roles in solving problems. “We must practice community engagement, organization transformation and solve challenges,” he said. In 2018, UNFPA launched efforts to achieve three transformative results with ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young person: Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices As the struggle for gender equality continues, violence against women and girls remains a global pandemic. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. UNFPA works to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence through its work with policymakers, justice systems, health systems and humanitarian partners. UNFPA also focuses on eliminating harmful practices, including FGM and child marriage, and helps to engage men and boys to advance gender equality.
These people continue to incur huge social and economic costs. Gender-Based Violence has serious consequences in their lives including causing disability, deaths and several psychological consequences. Overall, GBV has an impact on the opportunity of every individual to reach his or her full development and potential. “UNFPA is fully committed to protecting every woman and every girl from harm and abuse, sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and protection from harmful practices such as child marriage and FGM”, she highlighted. In Tanzania, UNFPA supports the government to implement the targets set by the National Plan of Action to end violence against Women and children. Through partnership, UNFPA has supported the police at the national, regional and local levels to improve their capacity to reach out to the survivors of GBV and harmful practices. Police Community Engagement Officer, Dr. Musa Ally Musa said that the donation was the open evidence showing how police gender desks play their roles in solving problems. “We must practice community engagement, organization transformation and solve challenges,” he said. In 2018, UNFPA launched efforts to achieve three transformative results with ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young person: Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices As the struggle for gender equality continues, violence against women and girls remains a global pandemic. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. UNFPA works to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence through its work with policymakers, justice systems, health systems and humanitarian partners. UNFPA also focuses on eliminating harmful practices, including FGM and child marriage, and helps to engage men and boys to advance gender equality.
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Story
03 February 2022
The Anti-FGM strategy to accelerate efforts towards zero GBV and harmful practices in Tanzania.
“I underwent female genital mutilation (FGM) when I was ten years old. It hurt so much that I cried and cried. One day when I was twelve, my aunts examined me and declared that the mutilation was not performed well. They took me to the mutilator (ngariba in Kiswahili) again. I tried to run away and screamed for help, but they held me while I was mutilated again’’. Said Janeth, 18 years of age from the village of Masanga, Tarime, Tanzania.
February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). FGM is a harmful practice involving the cutting or removal of the external female genitalia. It does not have any health benefits but rather causes serious risks to women’s physical and psychological health.
As the stakeholders and activists continue to march to end FGM, on 09 November 2021, Tanzania launched a four-year national Anti-FGM Strategy towards ending the harmful practice in Tanzania. The Strategy involves running campaigns on the health consequences of FGM for girls and women, recruitment of change agents from within the communities and the enforcement of legal mechanisms. The Strategy is more relevant than ever – even though the FGM prevalence among women and girls have reduced to 10% in Tanzania, the fight to abolish the harmful practice is not over yet.
“I laid in terrible pain and fever for many days, I could not move and I lost consciousness. I woke up in a hospital ward and I was told that the mutilation caused a serious infection. Once at home, I cried a lot and asked my mother and my aunts: ’Why did you do this terrible thing to me?’” said Janeth, the FGM survivor.
While the data shows high prevalence in some countries, women often do not support the practice of FGM, which appears deeply rooted in cultural and social norms. In 21 out of 28 countries with data, more than half of women think the practice should end. Women living where FGM prevalence is high are more likely to support the continuation of FGM.
During the launch of the National Anti-FGM Strategy, cultural and religious leaders and elders from 22 FGM hotspot communities pledged to partner with the government towards eradicating the outlawed practice. They made a strong commitment to ensure FGM is a thing of the past, and that girls are provided with safe spaces and environments to thrive and develop without the fear of undergoing the mutilation. As part of their anti-FGM efforts, the elders committed to work with both the national and local governments and other stakeholders in creating awareness within their communities on the need to promote education and the wellbeing of the girl child.
“My experience inspired me to work on issues affecting girls in my community. Too many are subjected to harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, early marriage and teenage pregnancies, and they have to drop out of school. I decided to become a peer educator at the anti-FGM safe shelter managed by Association for the Termination of FGM (ATFGM) close to my village. I know that all girls have rights and I want to ensure that other girls know this too, as well as fight for their rights”. Said Scholastica Maridadi.
National statistics show that prevalence of FGM in Tanzania stands at 10 percent, an indication that there is an uphill task to eliminate the malpractice, citing Manyara, Dodoma, Arusha, Mara and Singida as regions with leading incidences of FGM.
As the struggle for gender equality continues, violence against women and girls remains a global pandemic. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. And approximately one in four girls in the developing world is married before age 18. UNFPA works to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through its work with policymakers, justice systems, health systems and humanitarian partners. UNFPA also focuses on eliminating harmful practices, including FGM and child marriage, and helps to engage men and boys to advance gender equality.
This year, UNFPA Tanzania is supporting the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Needs together with the Anti-FGM Coalition, to reach another milestone towards the roll-out of the national Anti-FGM Strategy. In occasion of the International Day on Zero Tolerance for FGM, on Monday 07 February 2022 a Symposium will celebrate the very courageous service providers – health care workers, police and legal professionals, and social work specialists, that everyday are at the forefront of the fight to end FGM for good in Tanzania. The event is planned to take place in Tarime District, Mara Region, where the practice is still common among the population.
“Joint efforts to tackle female genital mutilation in Tanzania have proven successful. UNFPA will continue to protect the rights of women & girls through working hand-in-hand with government, development partners and communities. Protecting them calls on our significant push to accelerate the abandonment of this harmful practice.” Mark Bryan Schreiner, Representative, United Nations Population Fund, United Republic of Tanzania
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Story
23 November 2021
United Nations and Government shape new cooperation strategy
Recently, the United Nations in Tanzania and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania concluded a four-day workshop in Dodoma in the latest round of consultations for the formulation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2027.
The UNSDCF articulates the United Nation’s collective response in support of Tanzania’s national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More than 100 participants – UN staff and counterparts from the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies from both Mainland and Zanzibar – engaged in rich discussions in Dodoma on change pathways that are necessary and the support that the UN can deliver to achieve the expected results of the UNSDCF.
Speaking at the workshop, leader of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Shabnam Mallick, highlighted the importance of developing the cooperation framework jointly. “Our sustained close partnership with the Government is key to us being able to support Tanzania to achieve the SDGs and it is important we are co-designing the UNSDCF together with our government partners and we look forward to our fruitful partnership for its implementation,” she said.
In the workshop, partners elaborated proposed outputs and implementation strategies for the UNSDCF Outcomes that had been endorsed by the UN – Government Joint Steering Committee (JSC) in October.
Under the agreed expected results of the new cooperation framework, the UN will support the country’s objectives to increase productivity and incomes, helping to achieve decent employment at the individual level but also transformation and growth at the national level; to improve the rights and well-being of those living in Tanzania both now and in the future. This healthy, educated population will have improved capabilities and be much better equipped for self-realisation and to support the realisation of the country’s aspirations as a middle-income country. The UN will support a greener more sustainable development path, which includes better access to clean energy and technology to fuel growth and enable more sustainable management of the wealth of natural resources of Tanzania. It will also involve working with Government and communities to mitigate against climate change and reduce disaster risks. Finally, to support results across these areas of the Cooperation Framework strong enabling environment will be required. This work will be around broader issues of governance, access to justice, compliance with human rights norms and standards; the elimination of violence against women and children (VAWC) and other harmful social norms and practices; mainstreaming of human rights, strong partnerships and financing for development. As part of the transformative promise of the Agenda 2030 of Leaving No One Behind, the UN places a particular focus on vulnerable groups in all its work.
These UNSDCF outcomes are based on the 5 Ps of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and stem from the Common Country Analysis in which the UN identified key challenges to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and mapped possible catalytic development solutions to accelerate the progress. Findings of the CCA and proposed accelerators were presented to and discussed with the Government, development partners, civil society and other stakeholders in earlier stages of the UNSDCF development process.
The UNSDCF is expected to be endorsed by the UN and the Government in early 2022 and will start implementation on 1 July 2022.
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23 November 2021
UN Hopes to Enhance Support for Refugees and Host Communities
United Nations Heads and Representatives of UN Agencies in the United Republic of Tanzania recently visited the Kigoma region and several programme sites supported by the UN over the last few years.
The UN has a strong presence in the region through a programme implemented jointly by 16 UN agencies since 2017. The Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP) supports the regional and district government authorities to accelerate the development of refugee-hosting communities. The KJP has seven thematic areas: youth and women’s economic empowerment, violence against women and children (VAWC); water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); agriculture; and health, HIV and nutrition. In parallel, UN Agencies also provide services in the camps to refugees who are dependent on humanitarian assistance. Led by UNHCR, UN Agencies and implementing partners provide vital services to refugees and asylum-seekers for food security and nutrition, protection, shelter, health and education.
UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Zlatan Milisic, highlighted that “As the UN, we have a responsibility to protect the rights and well-being of refugees, and we thank the Government and People of Tanzania for hosting them.”
He added that “We recognise that there is a need to support the communities hosting refugees and, through the KJP, UN agencies are jointly supporting the government’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of communities in Kigoma. When the programme started in 2017, Kigoma was the last-ranking region in socio-economic indicators in the country. According to the review issued in 2020, Kigoma outperformed five other regions in some respects. We are thankful to all the stakeholders, including Government and our development partners, who have made the programme possible.
The KJP currently runs till July of 2022. We are hopeful to continue expanding our partnerships for Phase Two of the KJP and continued delivery of services in the refugee camps. Over the last several days, we have visited the refugee camps and a variety of KJP activities to see how we can further strengthen coordination of humanitarian and development activities to address the needs of refugees and their hosts in an integrated manner.”
The UN Resident Coordinator spoke at Muzye Maternity Ward in Kasulu District, which the UN constructed through the KJP. The maternity ward is one of several KJP initiatives the UN leaders visited during the mission. Other KJP sites and beneficiaries that were seen this time included the UN-constructed Police Gender and Children’s desk, a women’s savings group and a solarised water supply system at the Kigoma Grand School.
The delegation also visited Nduta Refugee Camp in Kibondo Region and Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Kasulu Region, where they met with government officials, refugee leaders and representatives of women, elderly, youth and persons living with disabilities. They also got to see first-hand some of the services delivered to refugees, including education and health. The programme also included a visit to the Makere Centre, which coordinates the resettlement process of refugees to third party countries.
The KJP has been funded through the generous support of the Norwegian Government, Irish Aid, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and core funds of UN Agencies. The Tanzania refugee operation is currently 44 per cent funded and is supported by the international community.
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Press Release
09 March 2022
Ensuring Women and Girls Count for Generation Equality
According to the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report of 2021, it will take at least another 135 years for the world to achieve gender parity. At this rate, no one alive today is likely to see a world where gender equality is realized. The good news is that some countries will get there faster through committed leadership, investment and public policy.
International Women’s Day, celebrated on the 8th of March every year is an opportunity for us to reflect on the efforts that have been made thus far, and what more needs to be done to accelerate progress towards a more gender-equal world.
There have been some positive gains for women and girls in recent decades, yet today, women still experience numerous challenges. Women are still more likely to be poor than men, experience high rates of violence and abuse, and carry the greater burden of unpaid care work in the home. They continue to be underrepresented in leadership and decision-making, as well as science and technology fields, with persistent gender biases serving as barriers to women’s progress. Women living with disabilities are especially vulnerable, face even more forms of discrimination, and are further left behind.
Tanzania’s theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Generation Equality for Sustainable Development: Let’s participate in the forthcoming census”. This is an important and timely reminder that women and girls need to be counted and visible in the census. We need to understand their potential and their realities to inform national planning, and specifically to implement Tanzania’s Generation Equality Forum commitments to promote women’s economic justice and rights. In short, Tanzania needs solid data and evidence on women and girls in order to deliver on its commitment to achieve gender equality by 2030.
In a country where women and girls make up the majority of the country’s workforce, it is imperative to collect and analyze comprehensive data on women and girls. This data will help to shape gender-responsive policies, laws, plans, programmes and budgets to uplift women and girls across the country.
Population censuses provide official data on how many people live in a country, where they live, the breakdown of age and sex, as well as key social and economic characteristics of the population. Various fundamental assistance programs that support improved protection, education, health and economic security outcomes for women and girls rely on census data to inform them. Census data also aids the country in understanding the different needs and characteristics of the nation. It is vital that everyone, especially women and girls, take part to determine where to focus development efforts.
To ensure that the census is as inclusive as possible, and delivers the gender data that is needed, both women and men, girls and boys need to understand why it is important. This includes adolescent girls. As adolescence is a tipping point in a girl’s life, this data will help ensure they can access the right resources and opportunities so that the girls of today can become the leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers of tomorrow.
It is also critical to identify and address existing gender biases in data collection. Women and girls who work outside the market economy have historically been invisible in official statistics due to discriminatory social and cultural norms and attitudes. These biases need to be tackled head-on to ensure that the census takes into account women and girls’ contributions to their families’ livelihoods and the economy and that this data reflects their lived realities.
Focusing on the census this International Women’s Day further demonstrates the government’s commitment and resolve to ensure that the census is gender-responsive and to improve the production and use of gender statistics more broadly.
The government has also made commendable progress in recent years in making gender data more available and accessible, which has translated into a number of important publications including the Social Institution and Gender Index (SIGI) Tanzania, which provides evidence on how discriminatory social norms and practices continue to limit women’s and girls’ access to opportunities and rights.
Generation Equality envisions a world where all people have equal rights and opportunities. Where there is equality in political leadership, classrooms, corporate boardrooms, and farm fields. Where women and girls, including those with disabilities, are safe and have equal access to economic opportunities. On this International Women’s Day, let us ensure that we enhance our collective efforts to make that vision a reality. Keeping all women and girls visible in national data sources can propel us in the right direction.
We are proud to be accompanying Tanzania on its journey towards gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment. A journey that, with good data to guide our choices, does not need to last 135 years.
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Press Release
14 December 2021
PRESS CONFERENCE BY H.E. MR. ABDULLA SHAHID PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PGA Shahid: A very good morning to all of you.
It is a pleasure to be with you today.
Welcome to those of you here in-person and those of you online.
I was last in this briefing room on 1st October. I have since then, so many things that have happened, and I hope to update you on.
I have spoken with some of you in the hallways, and at the UN Correspondents Association gala. As I have told you - both individually and at the gala - your work is essential; you tell the world what the United Nations is doing – or not doing.
Continue keeping my spokesperson and me on our toes. And for me that includes literally. I could always use the extra inches in height.
In all seriousness, my dear friends, know that I will always stand up for your right to report what is accurate and unbiased.
Before I take your questions, allow me to outline a bit of what has happened during these past few months:
You know I have promised a Presidency of Hope, built on five ‘rays of hope’.
On the first two rays: recovering from the pandemic and rebuilding sustainably, let me be very clear: our only respite from COVID-19 is to successfully ensure vaccine access for everyone, everywhere. No one is safe until everyone is safe.
I have been advocating this point since the start of the session and I have recently escalated this effort.
At the moment, I am working on a New Year’s “resolution” on vaccines. My hope is to get all 193 Member States on board by 13 January, to coincide with the high-level event on vaccine equity here in New York. I sincerely hope you will help promote and cover this event, as this issue affects all of us.
Our goal is to ensure equitable access, and subsequent delivery of vaccines to everyone, everywhere, at the earliest. I want to see renewed political commitment and meaningful engagement to ensure universal vaccination.
I also promised to respond to the needs of the planet.
On 26 October, I held a thematic debate on delivering climate action for people, planet, and prosperity. The event was about showcasing solutions. About highlighting the fact that humanity has the skills, the technologies, the resources to combat climate change – we simply are not applying them adequately, efficiently or at scale.
I took the messages from that event with me to Glasgow, to COP26.
Frankly, COP26 did not meet everyone’s expectations, but it did continue to push us in the right direction. As part of the Glasgow Climate Pact, the 1.5°C target is alive, even if it is on life support. That is a reason to be optimistic.
A personal highlight in Glasgow was meeting with women scientists and listening to their stories of achievements and challenges.
This brings me to my ray of hope on human rights.
I am a lifelong supporter of gender equality. My cabinet is gender balanced. I have promised to only participate on panels that are gender balanced, and I take every opportunity to meet with women and girls, be that heads of state, or women scientists or civil society or school children. I want to listen to and learn about their experiences. I am an ally and advocate for gender equality, I want to hear directly from women and girls what it is that will be most useful for them.
I also believe it is imperative that we involve young people in what we do, and I am very proud of my Fellowship for HOPE, that was launched only weeks ago, and the successful candidates for which were just recently announced.
Through this fellowship, eight young diplomats will join my office starting in January. They are coming from Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Grenada, Guinea, Lao PDR, Nauru, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, 5 women and 3 men. They will be attached to my Office, working with my teams, and also take seminars and workshops organized by UNITAR.
I know they will contribute to the success of the Presidency of Hope. And more importantly, as a small islander who has seen and experienced the struggles of so many countries in keeping up with the rest of the world on the diplomatic stage, I know they will walk away with knowledge and skills to support their nations. As true multilateralists.
I would like to see this program continue in future General Assembly sessions and we are putting in place the systems, procedures and architecture to help facilitate that.
In terms of revitalizing the United Nations, I am continuing to support the IGN process, as well as revitalization of the General Assembly. I am also supporting Member States as they continue to deliberate on implementation of Our Common Agenda.
In November, I had the pleasure of hosting 150 plus civil society representatives in the GA Hall – the first such engagement since the pandemic and I am glad that the UN Headquarters will be reopen to civil society organizations starting in January 2022.
Throughout the session, I have maintained and built close ties with the President of ECOSOC and have coordination meetings regularly with the Secretary-General and President of the Security Council.
Looking ahead, and related to this, on 11 January, I will be holding a briefing to present my priorities for the resumed part to all member states, to be followed shortly thereafter by Secretary-General’s report on the organization, as well as the joint statement with the President of ECOSOC.
In terms of connecting with Membership, I am pleased also to have continued the process of my predecessors hosting morning dialogues. This session it is done under the name ‘Holhuashi dialogues’, which is a Maldivian term. On the islands, we have this structure where the Maldivian community would feel free to gather, and discuss anything under the sun or moon, depending on the time you meet. And there you can listen, you can lie down, you can take part in a discussion or simply take a nap. We had five so far, with 45 Ambassadors in attendance. And I’m glad that none of the Ambassadors took a nap.
All of this is of course in addition to the work within the General Assembly Hall.
I convened the 51st plenary meeting last Friday, 10 December. We have already had high-level meetings on Durban Declaration and Program of Action and on trafficking of persons. We have many more to come.
I expect that all the reports of the Main Committees, with the exception of the Fifth, will conclude this week. I am working closely with the Chair of the Fifth Committee to end on time, on the recess date of 23 December.
Since we last spoke, I have traveled. I went to Glasgow and China to bring the message of hope and strengthen the engagement of the United Nations.
My attention now is very much on the new year, on vaccine equity, on welcoming the new Fellows to our team, on initiatives around tourism, and around debt, which we are leading on, and on ensuring that we champion women and girls, and a sustainable recovery at every turn.
I think that I have spoken too much even now. It seems that I have a lot to do. Let me stop here and I would like to hear from you, and hear your questions. Thank you.
QUESTION AND ANSWER
Spokesperson: Thank you, Sir. The first question will go to the President of the UN Correspondents Association, Valeria Robecco.
ANSA: Thank you Paulina, thank you President. Valeria Robecco from ANSA news wire. Let me thank you on behalf of UNCA for this press conference and wishing you all the best for 2022. My question is within your priorities and the priorities of the UN for the new year, which dossier, which topics do you think you can get the first results. What are the top priorities for you and for the UN? Thank you so much.
PGA Shahid: My top priority, Valerie, is going to be on vaccine. That is why I am convening this high-level meeting on 13 January. That is why I want to make my New Year resolution on vaccine. I want Member States, all the Member States to join me on this New Year resolution. One might say, why am I doing this? In my life, last several decades, I’ve had many New Year resolutions, but this time I’m choosing a more modest one – to vaccinate the world. I want everyone to join me.
I firmly believe that we, the international community, has the capacity to do this. And it is so clear now that unless we can vaccinate the world, there is no way out of this. You see different types of variants coming out, and this is going to continue. So we need collectively to get together and get this political unity to come out. I’m hoping that on January 13th, we’ll be able to do it. Thank you, Valerie.
CCTV: Hi, Mr. President. This is Denzhi Xu for Chinese Television. I have two questions. The first question, we heard a lot about vaccinations this morning. And we know there is a UN objective to vaccinate 40% of the population by the end of this year and 70% by the middle of 2022, and its already the end of the year. So how’s the process going? And you talk about vaccine equity. Do you think that’s the biggest challenge so far we’re facing when we’re talking about the UN objective. And the second question is, we know that last week, the Secretary-General confirmed that he received the invitation for the Beijing Olympic Games from the IOC. Have you received the invitation? And recently, there are some people talking about diplomatic boycott of the Olympic games. What’s your thought? Thank you.
PGA Shahid: Vaccine equity. If you ask anyone, we do not have vaccine equity. Yes, the target was to vaccinate 40% by the end of this year, 70% by mid of next year. Have we reached the targets? No. When you look at countries in Africa where you have an average vaccination rate of maximum, 5 or 6%. Then we are unable to say with confidence that we are anywhere near to equity. So for us, for the 193 Member States at the United Nations, we should have this goal. One goal – to vaccinate the world. Because unless we can vaccinate the world, economy recover is not coming. Social, educational, normalcy returning to normalcy is not going to happen. Any degree of certainty to the way of life that we have had in the past is not going to happen. Yes, we can talk about the new normal and all those things. But where will a new variant take us? And the new normal will be pushed again further and further into the unknown territories. This we cannot afford, and that is why we need to get together for the effort, a united effort.
On the invitation by the IOC. Yes, I have received an invitation. I will be making a decision very soon.
AFP: Philippe Rater, Agence France-Presse. I have two questions, if I may. When do you expect the next meeting of the Credentials Committee? Is it in one year? And my second question, can you give us a little update on the negotiation on the budget and the scale of contributions? Do you expect a big change in this scale?
PGA Shahid: On the Credentials Committee, Philippe, we have had the Committee convene, submit a report to the General Assembly, and the General Assembly has adopted it. And on the next scheduled meeting, it will be decided by the chair of the Credentials Committee and I would have to ask the Credentials Committee when they expect to meet again. With that, I will have to come back to you.
On the budget, I have been involved with the process of budget from the beginning of the session. I have addressed the Committee. I have had regular meetings with the chair of the committee, Ambassador Mher Margaryan (Armenia). The Ambassador of the Fifth Committee keeps me updated. I also had meetings with the chair of the ACABQ. The target is to try to get the budget process completed by 23 December, so that we can go to recess by Christmas, as Member States would prefer. I know that last year the budget went over, almost into the New Year. That’s not something that helps the United Nations at all, so every efforts is being currently made to make sure that we complete this in time.
You’re right that we have two tasks with the Budget Committee, the Fifth Committee, this time. One is the regular budget, the other is the scale of assessment for countries. I will not be able to comment on the assessment as of yet because the committee has not briefed me.
Al Quds Alarabi: Abdelhamid Sayem from the Arabic Daily, Al Quds Alarabi. I would like to commend you on this message of hope you are sending to people around the world. I want to ask you how this message would resonate with people who still don’t enjoy their right to self-determination, and they’ve been going through oppression. I want to give you three examples, that the people want to see hope coming from the UN. The people of Kashmir in India, the people of Palestine, and the people of Western Sahara. All of these people are classified to have the right to self-determination according to UN Resolution, UN GA resolution 1514 of 1960, if you recall this important resolution of decolonization, granting self-determination to people under foreign rules and colonial powers. So do you have a message to those people who are still waiting to see some hope coming from the UN? Thank you.
PGA Shahid: Thank you, Abdelhamid. Yes, the Presidency of Hope is about giving hope to everyone around the world. That it is possible to have a better tomorrow. That collectively we have the capacity, we have the means, to promise a better tomorrow for future generations. That it is in our hands to make sure that our children, and their children, will have the confidence in multilateralism. That a peaceful settlement of disputes is the way forward through negotiations is the peaceful manner in which all issues can be settled. The Decolonization Committee, the Fourth Committee report was adopted by the General Assembly last week. I presided over that, the Decolonization Fourth Committee report. I think the United Nations has kept itself abreast of all these issues. But as we know from 1945 to now, 76 years, there is this process ongoing. The good thing is that the Decolonization Committee submits this report and most of the decolonization agenda, the self-determination agenda in the Fourth Committee is adopted by consensus. The Committee, as well as the General Assembly, so I think there is great room for growth.
Lenka White, Mainichi Shimbun: My question is on masks. Since everyone at the UN is supposed to be vaccinated. Do you think we could be not wearing masks anymore? Thank you.
PGA Shahid: Number one, I would love to make a recommendation of it, but unfortunately, I am simply the President of the General Assembly with no health background. I think that I should leave it to the health officials within the United Nations and the CDC, and such people who have better knowledge of public health issues. It would be very, very unwise of me to go into such things that number one, I don’t know. Number two, I’m not supposed to make a decision on such things. I abide on the recommendations and rules of professionals. We should all abide by these recommendations and we should try to put this terrible, terrible pandemic behind us.
PassBlue: Thanks very much. Dulcie Leimbach from PassBlue. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on the fact that the Security Council resolution on climate change was vetoed yesterday. And do you think the Security Council should drop the veto?
PGA Shahid: The records of the United Nations show that the first time the debate was held at the United Nations, it was in 2008 initiated by the UK under Foreign Secretary Beckett. I as Foreign Minister addressed the Security Council. That was 2008 and now it is 2021. Obviously, once again, we are able to see that it is an issue that we have not been able to come together. There is considerable decisiveness on the issue and therefore, on such an important issue as climate change, I think more needs to be done to bring all partners on the same platform, on the same page. So I hope that there will be consultations, will continue, dialogue will continue. So that all countries will be able to come to the same page.
Al Quds Alarabi: Can you give us your opinion of the situation in Afghanistan and how can this country be brought back to the international community? And address the chronic problems that it’s facing?
PGA Shahid: I understand the OIC is going to have a meeting in Islamabad this December on the humanitarian assistance that the country requires. And the United Nations have been engaged with humanitarian assistance, too, in Afghanistan. The Secretary-General convened a pledging conference, and we will continue to be engaged. And the manner in which the international community continues to be part of this issue is highly impressive. And we should do everything possible to assist the people of Afghanistan to overcome these crises.
Spokesperson: I don’t see any additional question in the room or online. Sir, I commend you. It is very difficult to answer all the questions in this room, but you have done so.
PGA Shahid: Thank you, thank you very much for taking an interest in the United Nations, in the General Assembly. And my appeal to you once again is, let us put an extra effort into promoting vaccine equity. Join me in my New Year resolution – vaccinating the world. Join me on January 13th high-level meeting on vaccines. I have every confidence that together, we will be able to do it. And that’s where my optimism comes from. This is why I believe in the Presidency of Hope. Thank you very much. Thank you, my friends.
14 December, 2021
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Press Release
14 December 2021
Secretary-General appoints Ms. Joyce Msuya of the United Republic of Tanzania as Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Joyce Msuya of the United Republic of Tanzania as Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
She succeeds Ursula Mueller of Germany to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for her leadership and dedicated service during her tenure. The Secretary‑General also wishes to extend his appreciation to Ramesh Rajasingham who has been serving as Acting Assistant-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs since March 2020. Since 2018, Ms. Msuya has served as Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, Kenya. In this position, she was responsible for a US$ 455 million budget and a portfolio of projects and operations valued at over US$ 1 billion, delivered through 2,500 personnel in 41 offices and headquarters. She provided administrative leadership to 18 Multilateral Environmental Agreements Secretariats, including Regional Sea Conventions. Between 2018 and 2019, she served as interim Executive Director at the Under-Secretary General level, steering the organization towards stability, leading the Fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly and mobilizing resources to support its mission. She brings to the position more than 20 years of experience in international development and finance, spanning strategy, operations and partnerships, with diverse assignments in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Ms. Msuya has held several senior leadership roles at the World Bank Group including as Special Representative and Head of the World Bank Group Office in the Republic of Korea, Regional Coordinator at the World Bank Institute based in China and Special Adviser to the Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. She also led strategy and operations for the International Finance Corporation in Latin America and Africa, covering the manufacturing, agribusiness and services sectors. A national of Tanzania, Ms. Msuya holds a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Immunology from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. She is fluent in English, Swahili and Pare. New York, 14 December 2021 Bookmark the Spokesperson’s website: http://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson
She succeeds Ursula Mueller of Germany to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful for her leadership and dedicated service during her tenure. The Secretary‑General also wishes to extend his appreciation to Ramesh Rajasingham who has been serving as Acting Assistant-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs since March 2020. Since 2018, Ms. Msuya has served as Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, Kenya. In this position, she was responsible for a US$ 455 million budget and a portfolio of projects and operations valued at over US$ 1 billion, delivered through 2,500 personnel in 41 offices and headquarters. She provided administrative leadership to 18 Multilateral Environmental Agreements Secretariats, including Regional Sea Conventions. Between 2018 and 2019, she served as interim Executive Director at the Under-Secretary General level, steering the organization towards stability, leading the Fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly and mobilizing resources to support its mission. She brings to the position more than 20 years of experience in international development and finance, spanning strategy, operations and partnerships, with diverse assignments in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Ms. Msuya has held several senior leadership roles at the World Bank Group including as Special Representative and Head of the World Bank Group Office in the Republic of Korea, Regional Coordinator at the World Bank Institute based in China and Special Adviser to the Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. She also led strategy and operations for the International Finance Corporation in Latin America and Africa, covering the manufacturing, agribusiness and services sectors. A national of Tanzania, Ms. Msuya holds a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Immunology from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. She is fluent in English, Swahili and Pare. New York, 14 December 2021 Bookmark the Spokesperson’s website: http://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson
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Press Release
14 December 2021
THE SECRETARY GENERAL MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY -18 December 2021
On this International Migrants Day, we recognize the contributions of migrants across the world in the face of many struggles including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Migrants continue to face widespread stigmatization, inequalities, xenophobia, and racism. Migrant women and girls face heightened risk of gender-based violence and have fewer options to seek support. With borders closed, many migrants are stranded without income or shelter, unable to return home, separated from their families, and with uncertain futures.
Yet throughout the pandemic, migrants have enriched societies everywhere and are often on the frontlines of the pandemic response as scientists, health care professionals and essential workers.
The International Migration Review Forum next year will take stock of progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. It is an opportunity to advance efforts to ensure the full inclusion of migrants as we seek to build more resilient, just and sustainable societies. I welcome the pledging campaign launched by the United Nations Migration Network to strengthen the Compact and encourage Member States and others to get involved.
Solidarity with migrants has never been more urgent.
We need more effective international cooperation and a more compassionate approach to migration. This means managing borders humanely, fully respecting the human rights and humanitarian needs of everyone, and ensuring that migrants are included in national COVID-19 vaccination plans. It means recognizing the value of pathways for regular entry for both migrants and host countries. And it means addressing the underlying drivers behind migration, including deep inequalities, and combatting human smuggling and trafficking in people.
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Press Release
17 November 2021
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Ethiopia
The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the immediate release of United Nations staff members detained in Ethiopia. As far as the Secretary-General is aware, the staff members are being held without charge, and no specific information has been provided regarding the reasons for their arrest. United Nations personnel carry out critical and impartial work in Ethiopia. The Secretary-General stresses the obligation of respecting the privileges and immunities of United Nations personnel, both international and Ethiopian, as well as protecting United Nations personnel and other humanitarian workers in Ethiopia, including from arbitrary detention.
The Secretary-General expresses his concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions, which serve to widen divisions and resentment between groups. He calls upon the authorities to publicly and unequivocally speak out against the targeting of any particular ethnic group or groups and to demonstrate their commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The course of military conflict will not bring lasting peace and stability to Ethiopia. The Secretary-General urges the parties to end hostilities and prioritize the welfare of civilians. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be restored urgently. The Secretary-General underlines that the challenges facing Ethiopia can only be resolved through dialogue involving all Ethiopians.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 16 November 2021
Bookmark the Spokesperson’s website: http://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson
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