UN DAILY NEWS DIGEST - 31 January

UN DAILY NEWS from the
UNITED NATIONS NEWS SERVICE
31 January, 2012 =========================================================================

SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATES SITUATION IN SYRIA

The Security Council this afternoon began debate on the situation in Syria, where thousands of people have been killed over the past 10 months in a Government crackdown against a popular uprising.

Nabil El Araby, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS), briefed the Council on the work of the League’s human rights monitors inside Syria, after which senior representatives of Member States began addressing the 15-member body on the situation in the Middle East country.

Mr. El Araby urged members of the Council to back a draft resolution prepared by Morocco and based the LAS plan of action on Syria which calls for an immediate cessation of violence by all parties, and progress towards a Syrian-led national dialogue that lead to a peaceful political resolution of the crisis.

“We are attempting to avoid any foreign intervention, especially military intervention,” said Mr. El Araby, adding that the draft resolution also calls for the full respect of Syria’s territorial integrity and unity of the country’s people.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, told the Council that LAS initiatives to end the violence in Syrian “have been in vain” because the Government had failed to make any sincere effort to cooperate.

“The reality on the ground bears witness that bloodshed has not stopped, that the killing machine is still at work, and that the violence is spreading,” said Mr. Al-Thani, speaking in his capacity as chair of the Arab ministerial committee on Syria.

“Today we come to the Council asking that you assume your responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations to address the humanitarian tragedy taking place in Syrian, by adopting a clear resolution that supports the latest Arab initiative that was adopted in the resolution of LAS Ministerial Council in Cairo on 22 January,” he added.

“We also call on the Security Council to take all measures based on the resolutions adopted by LAS and notably the economic resolutions and travel ban on Syrian. We are not calling for a military intervention. We are advocating the exertion of a concrete economic pressure so that the Syrian regime might realize that it is imperative to meet the demands of its people. We are not after regime change neither, for this is a matter that is up to the Syrian people to decide,” he added.

The United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged the international community to put aside differences and send a clear message of support to the people of Syria.

“Syria is a unique situation that requires its own approach, tailored to the specific circumstances occurring there. And that is exactly what the Arab League has proposed – a path for a political transition that would preserve Syria’s unity and institutions,” she said.

United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, William Hague, urged the council to unite behind the LAS plan to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“To fail to do so would be to undermine the credibility of this institution, betray the Syrian people, snub the Arab League and fail in this Council’s responsibilities,” said Mr. Hague.

Syria’s Ambassador to the UN Bashar Ja’afari said his country rejected “international intervention,” adding that “homelands are built by their own citizens.” His country, he said would continue to protect its own people against armed elements. He denounced what he termed “feverish attempts” to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs by misleading world public opinion.

Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, urged both the Syrian Government and all opposition groups to send their representatives to Moscow on an agreed upon timeline to conduct informal contacts without preconditions.

“This would allow for the Syrian parties to discuss many issues on the national agenda without any limitation, in particular the task of preparing inter-Syrian dialogue. Today it is more important than ever to engage in dialogue which would lead to the realization of the necessary agreements on the political future of the country.” He urged the Council to play “a constructive role” in the process.

The UN has repeatedly urged the Syrian leadership to end the violence, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urging President Bashar al-Assad “stop killing his own people” and embark on a path to greater democracy and heed the people’s call for representation and respect of human rights.

During his visit to Jordan today, Mr. Ban stated that “it is more urgent than ever to put an end to this bloodshed and violence, to start a credible political solution that addresses the legitimate aspiration of the Syrian people and to protect their fundamental freedoms.”


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AS POLITICAL TENSIONS RISE IN SENEGAL, BAN URGES ALL SIDES TO REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern today about mounting political tensions in Senegal, where voters go to the polls in less than a month to elect a president.

Media reports indicate that two people were shot dead during protests yesterday over the decision of incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade to seek a third term as leader of the West African nation. Further demonstrations have been planned and the election is slated to take place on 26 February.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban “urges all political parties and national stakeholders to refrain from violence in the pursuit of their objectives and to pursue peaceful means to resolve all electoral grievances.”

The UN chief called on all concerned people and groups to ensure the “enabling conditions for transparent, credible and peaceful elections that reflect the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the people of Senegal.”

He also underlined the need for Senegalese authorities to act in a way that preserves and consolidates the country’s democratic traditions, which he noted “have laid the foundations for its long history of stability and social cohesion.”


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FORMER HAITIAN LEADER MUST FACE CHARGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, SAYS UN

The United Nations today voiced its concern at reports that former Haitian President Jean-Claude Duvalier may not face charges relating to the serious human rights violations that took place during his 15-year rule, while stressing that justice must be ensured for the victims.

Serious human rights violations, including torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings have been extensively documented by Haitian and international human rights organizations to have occurred in the country during his reign, stated a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“The High Commissioner has consistently reminded Haiti of its absolute obligation to investigate these well-documented serious human rights violations and to prosecute those responsible for them,” Rupert Colville told a news briefing in Geneva.

Human rights groups have long called for Mr. Duvalier to be arrested in relation to rights abuses carried out during his rule. The former president made a surprise return to Haiti in January 2011, after 25 years of exile in France and amidst a political crisis in his country.

Soon after Mr. Duvalier’s return, OHCHR offered Haitian authorities technical assistance for prosecuting crimes committed from 1971 to 1986 when he was in power.

Mr. Colville voiced concern about a string of reports quoting Haitian judicial officials as saying that Mr. Duvalier may only face charges of financial corruption rather than ones relating to human rights abuses during his time in power.

“We are extremely disappointed at reports that Mr. Duvalier may not be charged with any human rights crimes, despite numerous complaints by victims to the prosecutor,” he stated.

“It is clear under international law that there is no statute of limitations for such crimes, and the UN human rights office has provided technical assistance and legal advice stressing this point.”

Mr. Colville added that impunity for such serious crimes cannot be allowed to prevail.

“We urge the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is, belatedly, delivered to the many victims of human rights abuses committed under the government of Mr. Duvalier. There can be no true reconciliation and forgiveness without justice.”

The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, Michel Forst, also voiced his concern about the reports that Mr. Duvalier may not face charges for rights abuses.

“If information about Jean-Claude Duvalier is confirmed, then this would a very serious blow to the credibility of the process of judicial reform in Haiti,” he stated as he arrived in the country for an eight-day mission. “The existence of crimes committed by the Duvalier regime is well established and has been confirmed,” he added.


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UN SCALES UP FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE IN SOUTH SUDAN

The United Nations World Food Programme announced today that it will scale up its assistance to reach 80,000 people affected by the recent escalation of ethnic violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei state.

“The violence in Jonglei is only one of the many challenges that South Sudan is currently facing, and the world must respond to ensure that the people of this new nation have the support they need to build a peaceful and prosperous country,” said Deputy Executive Director for the World Food Programme (WFP), Ramiro Lopes da Silva, on a visit to the region.

“Many of the women I met in Pibor and Akobo had lost their children and had no one to depend on but the humanitarian agencies on the ground.”

Deadly clashes between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities in recent weeks have displaced tens of thousands of civilians and prompted UN agencies to launch a major humanitarian operation to assist those in need.

Part of WFP’s response includes providing a 15-day emergency food ration to displaced persons who have been affected by the attacks, as well as using its logistics expertise to help other humanitarian agencies overcome challenges to establish a way for people to access their services.

According to a news release issued by the agency, WFP has already deployed three helicopters, an airplane and 28 trucks to deliver not just food but also shelter items and medical supplies to remote corners of Jonglei.

WFP stated that one of its priorities is distributing food before the rain starts in March as 90 per cent of locations targeted for assistance will become inaccessible by road. It also emphasized the need to help affected households cultivate their own crops in time for the next harvest in August.

Ten locations in Jonglei have already been reached by WFP. Five of these are located in Pibor county, including Pibor town and surrounding villages, Lekuangole, Gumruk, Labrab and Boma. Five more are located in recently affected areas in the northern parts of the state. Initial emergency food assistance has been provided in Duk Padiet, while distributions are ongoing in Akobo and Walgak, Yuai in Urur county and Waat in Nyirol county.


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POWER OF BOOKS CELEBRATED BY UN CHIEF AS NEW LIBRARY OPENS IN ETHIOPIAN CAPITAL

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon celebrated the benefits that books can bring to young people as he opened a library at an Ethiopian primary school that has been established under an innovative United Nations scheme.

At a ceremony yesterday in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, Mr. Ban took part in the hand over of a “Thank You Small Library (TYSL),” which will now be used by the roughly 1,200 pupils attending Keykokeb primary school.

At least 110 separate libraries have been created in 15 countries – mostly in sub-Saharan Africa – since 2007, when the so-called TYSL initiative began.

The initiative was designed and implemented by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ST-EP Foundation as part of broader UN efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by their target date of 2015.

The initiative focuses on setting up small libraries in areas where children do not have good access to reading and studying facilities. The libraries are established on existing premises, so no new buildings are required, with the foundation supplying more than 2,000 books per facility.

The foundation also supplies libraries with basic infrastructure such as bookshelves, tables, desks and chairs, and the furniture is usually manufactured locally and eco-friendly.

At the ceremony Mr. Ban noted the differences that libraries such as the one in Keykokeb primary school can make to their local communities.

“A library is not just a building full of books,” he said, according to remarks prepared for the event. “It is a garden to cultivate individuals. A book is not just a collection of papers. A book is nourishment for your mind. With a book, you can travel, learn and grow.”

He also paid tribute to the Republic of Korea (ROK), which funded the Keykokeb library, noting that it was making a difference with education in developing countries.


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SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR MULTILATERAL ACTION TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES IN THE SAHEL

The Security Council today called for a coordinated and inclusive approach to ensure a solution to the problems facing the Sahel region, which include an ongoing humanitarian crisis, lack of socio-economic development, insecurity and the threat of terrorism.

In a press statement issued this afternoon, the Council members underlined the need for a solution that encompasses security, development and humanitarian issues.

The remarks follow a briefing last week by Under Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe on the impact of the Libyan crisis in the region. In his briefing, Mr. Pascoe stressed that most of the challenges in the region pre-dated the Libyan conflict.

The Council expressed its support for a collaborative approach that consists of cooperation among the Sahel and Maghreb States, the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), the United Nations system, and other relevant stakeholders.

The Security Council also expressed its interest in following up with efforts to address the situation with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and stated that they would continue to monitor developments in the region.


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UN YUGOSLAV TRIBUNAL ACCEPTS PLEA AGREEMENT IN CONTEMPT TRIAL

The United Nations war crimes tribunal for the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today accepted the plea agreement filed in the contempt of court trial of Jelena Rašic, who was accused of procuring false statements from witnesses in exchange for money.

Ms. Rašic had pleaded guilty to all five counts of contempt of court at her initial appearance before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which is based in The Hague, in September 2010.

She had been granted provisional release in November, pending the start of trial, the tribunal noted in a news release. The date of the judgement hearing in Ms. Rašic’s case will be confirmed in due course.

Ms. Rašic was the case manager on the defence team of Milan Lukic, a Bosnian Serb who was sentenced by the trial chamber to life imprisonment for crimes committed in the eastern Bosnian town of Višegrad.

She pleaded guilty to knowingly and willingly interfering with the Tribunal’s administration of justice by procuring a false witness statement from Zuhdija Tabakovic from Višegrad in exchange for €1,000 in cash.

She also pleaded guilty to inciting Mr. Tabakovic to offer bribes and to procure false witness statements from two other individuals. Mr. Tabakovic was convicted of contempt in March 2010 and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.


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THOUSANDS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL STORMS IN MOZAMBIQUE – UN HUMANITARIAN ARM

The United Nations humanitarian agency reported today that an estimated 117,000 people have been affected by two tropical storms in Mozambique last week, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation.

According to Government reports, 40 people have been killed so far by the heavy rains, and numbers expected to climb following ongoing assessments of the situation.

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the biggest priority is to provide shelter and 16,000 survival kits for those whose houses have been destroyed, as the rains have also destroyed designated community shelters such as schools and churches.

OCHA stated that damage assessments continue throughout the country, and warned that internal country resources may not be enough to respond to emerging needs.


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UN LAUNCHES INFORMATION SYSTEM TO BOOST DISASTER PREVENTION, FOOD SECURITY MEASURES

The United Nations launched today an information system to improve and expand the exchange of weather, climate and water data, which can be used for disaster risk reduction, water management, food security and health purposes.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Information System will facilitate access to meteorological observations and products, making it easy to share them with a wide variety of stakeholders.

According to WMO, this will translate into free and more efficient climate services for various sectors including disaster risk reduction, which relies on this type of data for many of its operations.

“The WMO Information System is the pillar of our strategy for managing and moving weather, climate and water information in the 21st century,” said WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud.

“It will reduce the costs of information exchange incurred by national meteorological and hydrological services and maximize exploitation of advances in communications technology,” he said.

The system will also cut the costs of data exchange and integrate information from national and global data centres, WMO said in a news release.

Mr. Jarraud emphasized that the system will “allow users outside the meteorological community to have free access to this information for the first time.”

The system builds on the Global Telecommunication System of WMO’s World Weather Watch, which has been the backbone of meteorological information exchange for the past 40 years and is used for daily weather observations and forecasts, tropical cyclone warnings and tsunami alerts, among other applications.


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UN CERTIFIES THAT NEW CAMP FOR IRANIAN EXILES MEETS INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

United Nations refugee and human rights officials said today that they have confirmed that the infrastructure and facilities at a new camp in Iraq for residents of the settlement formerly known as Camp Ashraf meet international standards, as stipulated in last month’s agreement on voluntary relocation between the UN and the Iraqi Government.

The UN and the Iraqi Government on 25 December signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the voluntary relocation of several thousand Iranian exiles living in Camp New Iraq, previously known as Camp Ashraf, in the north-eastern part of the country.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the human rights office of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said arrangements for the relocation of Camp New Iraq residents to the new Camp Liberty are progressing after it was confirmed that the facilities and the infrastructure had met international humanitarian standards.

“I am grateful to the UNHCR and the human rights team for their expertise,” said Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq. “This brings us a step further in ensuring that proper conditions are in place for voluntary relocation of Camp New Iraq residents.”

UN monitors are ready to start round-the-clock human rights monitoring during the transport of residents from Camp New Iraq, as well as on their arrival at Camp Liberty, currently built to accommodate 5,500 people. UNHCR is also ready to start refugee status determination as soon as residents start arriving in the new camp, according to a press release issued by UNAMI.

The Iraqi Government will organize the modalities of transporting people from Camp New Iraq to Camp Liberty and other relevant issues with the residents. The UN stands ready to facilitate those efforts if requested, Mr. Kobler said.

“It is important that [the] MoU is implemented in letter and spirit,” he added, noting that the agreement “stands only for a peaceful solution and a voluntary relocation of Camp New Iraq residents.”

“The United Nations’ consistent position is that a violent outcome is unacceptable. The MoU paves the way for UNHCR to conduct the verification and refugee status determination (RSD) processes, which is a necessary first step to resettle the residents in other countries and enjoy their freedom and liberty,” he said.

“Member States have a crucial role in helping to resolve the situation of Camp New Iraq residents and I do urge them again to accept residents in their countries. This is a critical contribution to the humanitarian solution we are all seeking,” Mr. Kobler added.

Situated in the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala, Camp New Iraq camp houses several thousand members of a group known as the People’s Mojahedeen of Iran.


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BAN ENCOURAGES JORDAN AND ARAB NEIGHBOURS TO CONTINUE WITH REFORMS

The Arab world has a “generational opportunity” to create a future it deserves, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today during a visit to Jordan, voicing his support for ongoing reforms in the country and the region.

“At this critical juncture, I am committed to supporting Arab countries in transition and the people that struggle for democracy, justice, dignity, human rights and economic opportunity,” Mr. Ban said during a joint press conference with Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Judeh.

The past year has witnessed a wave of popular uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East, known as the Arab Spring, calling for greater freedoms and reforms and which led to the toppling of regimes in Egypt, Libya and Yemen.

“Reform and transition to democracy should continue to take place,” said Mr. Ban. “The Arab region has a generational opportunity to create a future it deserves…

“Dignity and justice in this region are threatened, not only by authoritarian rule, but also by occupation and conflict,” he added.

The Secretary-General also commended Jordan for its strong commitment to the goals and values of the UN, noting that it is one of the top troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations.

“We work together for democracy, stability, peace, justice, development and prosperity across the Middle East and all throughout the world,” he stated.

Mr. Ban met separately with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh, in addition to his meeting with the Foreign Minister. He reiterated the UN’s continued support to the Jordanian people and encouraged the King on efforts for comprehensive and inclusive reforms.

The wide-ranging discussions with the leaders also touched on the Middle East peace process and the ongoing crisis in Syria that is having a growing impact on neighbouring countries, including Jordan, which is hosting some 2,500 Syrians who fled the violence in their country.

“It is more urgent than ever to put an end to this bloodshed and violence, to start a credible political solution that addresses the legitimate aspiration of the Syrian people and to protect their fundamental freedoms,” stated Mr. Ban.

He added that he hoped the Security Council meeting to be held later today in New York with the participation of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the Prime Minister of Qatar “will bear good results, so that they can meet the expectations of the international community.”

Also today, Mr. Ban held a lunch meeting with Jordanian young people, who shared their views and opinions on their situation, priorities and aspirations in various areas, including education, employment and health.

Following his visit to Jordan, the Secretary-General will head to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in an effort to help move the peace process forward.

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators began preparatory talks at the beginning of January in Amman under the facilitation of King Abdullah and Mr. Judeh.


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UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS LATEST MURDER OF JOURNALIST IN SOMALIA

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with promoting and defending the freedom of the press today condemned the murder of a journalist in Somalia and called for measures to improve the safety of media professionals in the Horn of Africa country.

Hassan Osman Abdi, 29, a journalist and director of the Shabelle Media Network, a private radio and television network, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Saturday at his home in the capital, Mogadishu, according to local sources cited by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

“The murder of Hassan Osman Abdi is a severe blow to a country where the media have paid a heavy price for exercising the human right to freedom of expression,” said Irina Bokova, UNESCO’s Director-General, in a press release.

“The death of journalists undermines the right of people to be kept informed. Somalia’s reconciliation and reconstruction will not take place without securing respect for these two rights.”

She urged the Somali authorities to take urgent measures to improve the safety of journalists and investigate the murder of Mr. Abdi, who was reportedly shot by five gunmen after arriving home from Radio Shabelle, where he worked on political issues.

Some 21 Somali journalists and other media professionals have been listed on UNESCO’s dedicated web page ‘UNESCO Remembers Assassinated Journalists,’ since 2006.

Last year, UNESCO provided equipment and training on safety, conflict-sensitive journalism and humanitarian reporting to more than 40 media professionals in Somalia. The training was intended to enhance the quality and flow of information on humanitarian issues to audiences inside Somalia and to Somali refugees in camps in neighbouring countries.

In 2010, UNESCO, in collaboration with Radio Netherlands Training Centre, provided training to 20 Somali community radio journalists, helping them to improve their ability to work in an environment of conflict.


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REFORM OF GREEN INSTITUTIONS ‘IMPERATIVE’ FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – ASSEMBLY CHIEF

Reform of environmental institutions is needed so countries can achieve sustainable development, the President of the General Assembly Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser said today, and stressed that States must prepare and contribute to this reform ahead of the major United Nations Sustainable Development Conference (Rio+20) in June.

“Realities on the ground show that sustainable development depends on an effective framework of institutions and decision-making processes at local, national, regional and global levels, working together. Yet international environmental governance is, at present, in need of more consolidation,” said Mr. Al Nasser at the conference entitled Towards new global governance for the environment in Paris.

Mr. Al-Nasser stressed the need for new innovative mechanisms to ensure that existing environmental mandates are well-coordinated and efficient, and underlined the opportunity that Rio+20 presents to work on this aspect.

“From our preparations to date, one single message emerges: the Rio+20 outcome will need to give birth to a strong institutional architecture.

“An architecture that promotes a better integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental protection – and addresses new and emerging issues,” he said.

In his remarks to the conference, Mr. Al-Nasser highlighted several preparation activities that have already made recommendations for environmental reform including those made by the Rio+20 initial draft, “The Future we Want,” which was the result of three days of deliberation by Member States and civil society groups last week.

He also reiterated his support for Members States in this particular issue. “It is my intention to support Member States in achieving ambitious reform of the UN’s environmental governance structure,” he said.

“There is no doubt that the success of our efforts will require longer-term vision, as well as the genuine willingness of Members States to preserve our planet for future generations to enjoy in dignity,” he added.


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SRI LANKA: UN AGENCY FUNDS IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The United Nations fund tasked with promoting rural development will provide a $22-million loan to Sri Lanka to finance the improvement of the South Asian country’s irrigation infrastructure and crop diversification, as well as projects to expand market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

The line of credit from the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will benefit an estimated 7,000 small-scale farming households in Kilinochchi district in Northern province by improving downstream irrigation infrastructure from the Iranamadu reservoir.

The reservoir, which has not been maintained adequately for many years, will be rehabilitated to increase its water-holding capacity.

The loan agreement was signed yesterday at the IFAD headquarters in Rome by Kanayo F. Nwanze, the IFAD President, and Ambassador Asitha Perera of Sri Lanka.

The funding will also be used to train farmers on water saving management methods, including climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, such as rainwater harvesting. Women’s groups will also be formed and trained on growing vegetable crops.

The latest financing brings to 16 programmes and projects funded by IFAD in Sri Lanka since 1978 at a total investment of about $400 million, benefiting more than 500,000 households.


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MEDITERRANEAN THE DEADLIEST SEA FOR REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS, SAYS UN AGENCY

The Mediterranean Sea has become the deadliest stretch of water in the world for migrants and refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported today.

According to the UN agency’s estimates for last year, more than 1,500 people drowned or went missing while attempting to cross the sea from Africa to reach Europe, making 2011 the deadliest year for this region since UNHCR began recording the statistics in 2006.

“Our teams in Greece, Italy, Libya, and Malta, warn that the actual number of deaths at sea may be even higher,” UNHCR spokesperson Sybella Wilkes told reporters in Geneva.

Ms. Wilkes added that the UNHCR estimates were based on interviews with migrants who reached Europe by boat, telephone and e-mail communication from their relatives, as well as reports from Libya and Tunisia from survivors whose boats either sank or were in distress.

Since pro-democracy protests erupted across North Africa and the Middle East early last year, large numbers of people have taken to boats to try to reach Europe, with Italy and Malta bearing the brunt of the displacement and migration.

Survivors have recounted harrowing stories of being forced onto unseaworthy vessels by armed guards, particularly during April and May in Libya. Some have even reported cases of abuse and torture experienced at the hands of other passengers during the journey.

Ms. Wilkes noted that despite poor weather conditions and high seas, UNHCR was disturbed to learn that three boats had already attempted the crossing in 2012, with one going missing at sea.

On that note, she also welcomed the efforts of the Italian, Maltese and Libyan authorities to rescue distressed boats in the Mediterranean.

“We renew our call to all shipmasters in the Mediterranean, one of the busiest stretches of water in the world, to remain vigilant and to carry out there duty of rescuing vessels in distress,” Ms. Wilkes stated.

Of last year’s arrivals by sea, 56,000 landed in Italy while Malta and Greece received 1,574 and 1,000 respectively. In addition, according to the Greek Government, an estimated 55,000 irregular migrants crossed the Greek-Turkish land border.


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