UN chief calls for making 2025 'new beginning' in New Year message

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 30: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for making 2025 "a new beginning" in his message for the New Year.

"Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find. Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife -- fueling tensions and mistrust," Guterres said.

He said that the globe has just endured a decade of deadly heat and the top ten 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024.

"This is climate breakdown -- in real time," Guterres stressed. "We must exit this road to ruin -- and we have no time to lose."

The UN chief urged countries to put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. "It is essential and it is possible," he added.

"Even in the darkest days, I've seen hope power change," Guterres said, hailing the activists raising their voices for progress, as well as the humanitarian heroes overcoming enormous obstacles to support the most vulnerable people.

The UN chief said he also sees hope in developing countries fighting for financial and climate justice.

He underscored that the Pact for the Future, adopted in September, "is a new push" to build peace through disarmament and prevention, reform the global financial system, and stick to the values and principles enshrined by human rights, international law and the United Nations Charter.

"There are no guarantees for what's ahead in 2025. But I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people," Guterres said.

"Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning," the UN chief said. "Not as a world divided. But as nations united."

WHO chief escapes Israeli airstrike at Yemen airport

By Deepak Arora

SANA'A, Dec 26: The World Health Organization Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, escaped an Israeli airstrike on Sana’a airport in Yemen on Thursday, The attack killed two people.

Tedros was in Yemen to negotiation the release of UN staffers who have been held hostage by the Houthi movement for several months, and assess the health and humanitarian situation in the country..

With the mission concluded, the WHO chief and his team were about to board their flight out of the country, when the airport came under attack. A member of his plane’s crew was injured.

The air traffic control tower and the departure lounge were both damaged. Tedros and his team were just metres away but are unharmed.

The strike is reportedly one of two that took place in Houthi-led Sana’a on Thursday, with the second hitting the Ras Issa port, killing one person.

UN General Assembly approves $3.72 billion budget for 2025

By Deepak Arora

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 25: The UN General Assembly on Tuesday approved a $3.72 billion budget for the United Nations for 2025 and adopting a new programme to support landlocked developing countries.

The budget for 2025 represents an increase of about $1 million over the Secretary-General’s October proposal to the Assembly’s Fifth Committee, which oversees administrative and budgetary matters.

It also includes technical adjustments following the adoption of other resolutions and decisions by UN intergovernmental bodies since the proposed budget was submitted. The total budget appropriation for 2025 amounts to $3,717,379,600.

The regular budget funds UN programmes across key areas, including political affairs, international justice and law, regional cooperation for development, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and public information.

In addition, the Organization maintains a distinct budget for peacekeeping operations, with the fiscal cycle 1 July to 30 June, while the regular budget cycle aligns with the calendar year.

In a separate action, the General Assembly adopted the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034, aiming to tackle the unique challenges faced by nations without direct access to open seas.

Landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) face significant hurdles in trade and development, relying on transit nations, which leads to higher trade costs, delays and reduced competitiveness in global markets.

The Programme of Action identifies five priorities: promoting sustainable economic growth through innovation and structural transformation, enhancing regional trade integration, improving transport connectivity, building climate resilience, and ensuring effective implementation strategies.

The new framework builds on the Vienna Programme of Action (2014-2024) and the Almaty Programme of Action (2003), which laid the groundwork for addressing the persistent obstacles plaguing LLDCs.

UN General Assembly adopts milestone cybercrime treaty

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 24: The General Assembly on Tuesday adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a landmark global treaty aimed at strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime and protecting societies from digital threats.

The agreement on the legally binding treaty marked the culmination of a five-year effort by UN Member States, with inputs from civil society, information security experts, academia and the private sector.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the adoption of the Convention – the first international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over 20 years.

“This treaty is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times and reflects the collective will of Member States to promote international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

The statement added that the Convention “creates an unprecedented platform for collaboration” in the exchange of evidence, protection for victims and prevention, while safeguarding human rights online.

“The Secretary-General trusts that the new treaty will promote a safe cyberspace and calls on all States to join the Convention and to implement it in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.”

Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, highlighted the importance of the new Convention.

“We live in a digital world, one where information and communications technologies have enormous potential for the development of societies, but also increases the potential threat of cybercrime,” he said.

“With the adoption of this Convention, Member States have at hand the tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, protecting people and their rights online.”

The resolution containing the Convention was adopted without a vote by the 193-member General Assembly.

Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also described the adoption of the treaty as a “major victory” for multilateralism.

“It is a crucial step forward in our efforts to address crimes like online child sexual abuse, sophisticated online scams and money laundering,” she said.

Ms. Waly reiterated the UN agency’s commitment to support all nations in signing, ratifying and implementing the new treaty, as well as providing them with the tools and support they need to protect their economies and safeguard the digital sphere from cybercrime.

The Convention against Cybercrime acknowledges the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies (ICT), which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed, and scope.

It highlights the adverse impacts such crimes can have on States, enterprises, and the well-being of individuals and society, and focuses on protecting them from offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and online financial crimes.

It also recognises the growing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritises justice, especially for vulnerable groups. It further underscores the need for technical assistance, capacity-building and collaboration among States and other stakeholders.

The Convention against Cybercrime will open for signature at a formal ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi, Viet Nam, in 2025. It will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.

UNGA demands permanent ceasefire in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 12: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution was approved by 158 votes in favour out of the 193-member assembly on Wednesday, with nine votes against and 13 abstentions.

Notably, it also marked the first time that Germany and Italy voted in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza. As a result, the United States is the only country in the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialised nations that continues to oppose it.

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they hold political significance, representing the global opinion on Israel’s war in Gaza.

Syrians now have ‘historic opportunity’ to build a peaceful future: UN Chief Guterres

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 9: As reports continued to emerge from the Syrian capital, Damascus, where opposition forces declared victory overnight on State television, the UN chief said in a statement: The future of Syria is a matter for the Syrians to determine.

There is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition to renewed institutions, Guterres, and noted that his Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, will be working with all Syrians to this end.

Pedersen, who has been attending a high-level meeting of Arab States in Doha this weekend, has called for “urgent political talks” in Geneva to secure a peaceful future for Syria.

There was widespread backing for his appeal, he said on Saturday, from Iran, Russia and Türkiye along with the United States, France, Great Britain, Germany and the European Union.

In the meantime, the Secretary-General renewed his call for calm and avoiding violence at this sensitive time, while protecting the rights of all Syrians, without distinction. He also noted that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law.

“We will need the support of the international community to ensure that any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity,” Guterres said and underscored that: “Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity must be restored.”

The UN, he said, will honor the memory of those who have borne the brunt of the 14-year conflict.

“We remain committed to helping Syrians build a country where reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity are shared realities for all. This is the path to sustainable peace in Syria,” concluded the Secretary-General.

370,000 people displaced by escalation of hostilities in Syria, says UN

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 7: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has estimated that since the escalation of hostilities in Syria, at least 370,000 men, women and children, boys and girls have been displaced, including 100,000 who left their homes more than once.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has estimated that since the escalation of hostilities in Syria, at least 370,000 men, women and children, boys and girls have been displaced, including 100,000 who left their homes more than once.

In his daily press briefing, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, stated that most of the displaced are women and children.

"Tens of thousands of people have now arrived in north-east Syria."

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and NGOs operating in the north-east estimate that between 60,000 and 80,000 human beings have been newly displaced, including more than 25,000 currently hosted in shelters.

These shelters are filling up as soon as they are assigned. With these sites now at capacity, people are sleeping on the streets or in their cars in sub-zero temperatures as winter is setting on.

The UN is working with our humanitarian partners in the north-east to assess the needs of families who have arrived at reception centres.

UNGA Declares December 21 as World Meditation Day

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 7: The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution co-sponsored by India to declare December 21 as World Meditation Day, emphasizing meditation’s role in comprehensive well-being and inner peace.

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day, co-sponsored by India and supported by countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. This resolution emphasizes meditation’s role in achieving comprehensive well-being, inner peace, and coping with modern challenges such as stress and anxiety.

December 21, marking the Winter Solstice, is considered an auspicious time in Indian tradition for reflection and spiritual growth. It complements the International Day of Yoga observed on June 21 (Summer Solstice), highlighting India’s decade-long leadership in promoting wellness practices globally.

India played a pivotal role in guiding the resolution, showcasing its commitment to global human well-being under the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family). Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish emphasized that the declaration aligns with India’s civilizational philosophy and its efforts to promote practices for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual harmony.

The resolution underlines meditation’s ancient roots and modern relevance. Scientific studies validate its benefits in reducing stress, improving cognitive and physical functions, and fostering harmony between humans and nature. This initiative aims to inspire individuals worldwide to adopt meditation as a tool for inner transformation and holistic health.

This declaration reflects a continuation of India’s global wellness initiatives, starting with its leadership in proclaiming the International Day of Yoga in 2014. Over a decade, yoga has evolved into a worldwide movement, and the new resolution seeks to achieve similar impact through meditation, especially amidst rising global tensions and conflicts.

Deadliest Place For Women Is Home: UN Report

NEW YORK, Nov 26: The deadliest place for women is home because a staggering 140 women and girls are killed every day by an intimate partner or family member, according to a report released by UN Women and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime.

This translates to approximately 51,100 victims globally in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year.

But the two agencies stressed that "Women and girls everywhere continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence and no region is excluded." And they said, "the home is the most dangerous place for women and girls."

The report, released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlights the alarming rates of domestic violence worldwide. Africa recorded the highest number of intimate partner and family killings, with an estimated 21,700 victims in 2023. Africa also had the highest number of victims relative to the size of its population - 2.9 victims per 100,000 people.

The Americas and Oceania also reported high rates of domestic violence, with 1.6 and 1.5 female victims per 100,000 people, respectively.

In contrast, Asia and Europe reported significantly lower rates, with 0.8 and 0.6 victims per 100,000 people, respectively.

However, the majority of male homicides happen outside of home.

"Even though men and boys account for the vast majority of homicide victims, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by lethal violence in the private sphere," the report said.

"An estimated 80% of all homicide victims in 2023 were men while 20% were women, but lethal violence within the family takes a much higher toll on women than men, with almost 60% of all women who were intentionally killed in 2023 being victims of intimate partner/family member homicide," it said.

Despite steps being taken to prevent the killing of women, the killings "remain at alarmingly high levels."

The report emphasises that domestic violence is a preventable crime, often resulting from repeated episodes of gender-based violence.

The UN agencies urge countries to take timely and effective interventions to prevent domestic violence and protect women and girls from lethal violence in the private sphere.