COP21

Editor’s Note:
COP21 concluded this evening with the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Analysis of the details is just emerging but we include the press release and a link to the text of the agreement below.

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Historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change
195 Nations Set Path to Keep Temperature Rise Well Below 2 Degrees Celsius
Paris, 12 December 2015 – An historic agreement to combat climate change and unleash actions and investment towards a low carbon, resilient and sustainable future was agreed by 195 nations in Paris today.

The Paris Agreement for the first time brings all nations into a common cause based on their historic, current and future responsibilities.

The universal agreement’s main aim is to keep a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The 1.5 degree Celsius limit is a significantly safer defense line against the worst impacts of a changing climate.

Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen the ability to deal with the impacts of climate change.

To reach these ambitious and important goals, appropriate financial flows will be put in place, thus making stronger action by developing countries and the most vulnerable possible, in line with their own national objectives.

“The Paris Agreement allows each delegation and group of countries to go back home with their heads held high. Our collective effort is worth more than the sum of our individual effort. Our responsibility to history is immense” said Laurent Fabius, President of the COP 21 UN Climate change conference and French Foreign Minister.

The minister, his emotion showing as delegates started to rise to their feet, brought the final gavel down on the agreement to open and sustained acclamation across the plenary hall.

French President Francois Hollande told the assembled delegates: “You’ve done it, reached an ambitious agreement, a binding agreement, a universal agreement. Never will I be able to express more gratitude to a conference. You can be proud to stand before your children and grandchildren.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said: “We have entered a new era of global cooperation on one of the most complex issues ever to confront humanity. For the first time, every country in the world has pledged to curb emissions, strengthen resilience and join in common cause to take common climate action. This is a resounding success for multilateralism.”…

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Adoption of the Paris Agreement. Proposal by the President.
FCCC/CP/2015/L.9/Rev.1
UNFCCC. Conference of the Parties (COP)
Pdf: EN

Climate Change and Human Rights
UNEP [in cooperation with Columbia Law School]
December 2015 :: 56 pages
Pdf: Download Full Report

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Introduction
The natural environment provides human beings and the communities in which we live with the resources we need to achieve lives of dignity and well-being – clean air to breathe; clean water to drink; food to eat; fuels for energy; protection from storms, floods, fires and drought; climate regulation and disease control; and places to congregate for aesthetic, recreational and spiritual enjoyment. These environmental endowments—often referred to as ecosystem services—are at once essential to core survival and vital to human flourishing. As the nations of the world declared in The Future We Want, the outcome document of the 2012 Rio+20 conference, sustainable development requires that we angle toward “harmony with nature.”1 To achieve this idea, we must balance economic, social and human development with “ecosystem conservation, regeneration and restoration and resilience in the face of new and emerging challenges.”2

The nature of the linkages between the environment and human rights has been debated for years. However, it has long been recognized that a clean, healthy and functional environment is integral to the enjoyment of human rights, such as the rights to life, health, food and an adequate standard of living. This recognition offers one reason the international community has banded together through multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) to prohibit illegal trade in wildlife, to preserve biodiversity and marine and terrestrial habitats, to reduce transboundary pollution, and to prevent other behaviors that harm the planet and its residents. In short: Environmental protection protects human rights. At the same time, adherence to human rights—such as those that ensure public access to information and participation in decision making—contributes to more just decisions about the utilization and protection of environmental resources, and protects against the potential for abuse under the auspices of environmental action. Thus, domestic environmental laws and MEAs can both be strengthened through the incorporation of human rights principles, even as they contribute to the ongoing realization of human rights.

Anthropogenic climate change is the largest, most pervasive threat to the natural environment and human rights of our time. Climate change has already begun to have far-reaching environmental impacts, including many adverse effects on wildlife, natural resources and the ecological processes that support access to clean water, food, and other basic human needs. These impacts, combined with direct harms to people, property, and physical infrastructure, pose a serious threat to the enjoyment and exercise of human rights across the world.3 The mandate to take immediate action to both reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change and enact measures that reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to climate change impacts is clear. Yet, certain responses to climate change—including both mitigation and adaptation activities—can also interfere with human rights, as has been the case for a number of hydroelectric and biofuel projects undertaken, in part, to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. It is critical that as the world endeavors to address the “super wicked” problem of climate change it do so with full respect for human rights.

Over the course of the last decade the international community has arrived at a clear consensus on all of these issues. Yet, while United Nations agencies and national governments have explicitly acknowledged that climate change and responses to climate change can impair human rights, there has been less agreement on the corresponding obligations of governments and private actors to address this problem. The purpose of this report is to inform the decisions undertaken by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP-21, as well as other activities undertaken by governments and private actors, by providing an up-to-date assessment of the relationship between climate change and human rights law and by making recommendations for incorporating a human rights lens into international and domestic climate action. Part I describes the latest projections and observations of how climate change impacts and responses can affect the environment, individuals and communities and the exercise of human rights. Part II summarizes the obligations of governments and private actors to respond to these impacts. Part III discusses the implementation of these obligations, focusing primarily on activities undertaken by national governments either within or outside of the UNFCCC context. Part IV provides recommendations on how the COP, national governments, and other actors can better integrate human rights considerations into their mitigation and adaptation activities.
1 UN GA Res. 66/288, The Future We Want, p. 40, UN Doc. A/RES/66/288 (July 7, 2012).
2 Id. p. 4.
3 See, e.g., UNHRC Resolutions 10/4 (March 25, 2009), 18/22 (Oct. 17, 2011), and 26/27 (June 27, 2014).

Global Humanitarian Overview for 2016 – A Consolidated Appeal to Support People Affected by Disaster and Conflict
UN OCHA
December 2015:: 36 pages
PDF: http://bit.ly/1OMQMQy

Executive Summary [Excerpts]
The outlook for 2016 is grim. Millions of civilians, uprooted from their homes by violent and prolonged conflict, will remain in desperate need of protection and humanitarian assistance.
About 60 million people are displaced around the world, and more than a quarter of these displacements are due to the conflicts in Iraq, South Sudan and Syria. Conflict has scarred people’s lives, robbed them of dignity, and shattered economies, livelihoods and vital infrastructure, including health facilities and schools. Humanitarian partners require $20.1 billion to meet the needs of over 87.6 million people in 37 countries around the world….

…Despite the extreme challenges and severe access restrictions, humanitarian organizations continue to reach more people than ever. During 2015, humanitarian partners in Sudan assisted more than 2 million people with health services and some 3.1 million people with food and agricultural inputs. Over 25,000 newly displaced households and 120,000 South Sudanese refugees received shelter materials and essential household supplies. Some 83,000 children under age 5 were treated for severe acute malnutrition, and 1.6 million people were given access to improved drinking water. But despite donors’ generosity, the gap between needs and funding has continued to grow, and there is no quick fix. The funding gap means that 1.2 million sick and injured people in Libya will not be able to access health care. Nearly 100,000 children will miss out on an education, and millions will continue to be exposed to threats to their safety and dignity. In Afghanistan, the funding gap means a further reduction in reach to the estimated 1 million malnourished children (current treatment reaches fewer than 30 per cent of children in need).

Underfunding also means that more children die before their fifth birthday and suffer stunting due to malnutrition. More women die in childbirth; more people suffer from preventable diseases; more children lose the opportunity to build a future through education; and less protection is given to the most vulnerable displaced people, increasing the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation, especially for girls and women. It also means that more farmers are forced to
use their seeds for food instead of crops, starting another cycle of poverty and deprivation.

Addressing underfunding requires a range of measures. It will mean adjusting the approach to protracted crises and disasters, including those in middle-income countries. Potential solutions include leveraging diverse funding sources; using the right mix of financial instruments for each situation and investing more in preparedness. Funding mechanisms, such as the Central Emergency Response Fund and the country-based pooled funds, can effectively support a rapid humanitarian response and underfunded emergencies. The use of cash programming will ensure an efficient, cost-effective response that gives people dignity and choice.

Faced with ever-growing needs, we rely on the international community, Governments and the public to give their support and resources — financially and in kind — to allow us to continue humanitarian action. Our shared aims are to end suffering, meet the immediate needs of
crisis-affected people, keep them safe.

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OCHA Press Conference – Launch of the Global Humanitarian Appeal 2016 (Geneva, 7 December 2015)
7 Dec 2015
Video: 00:41:43
Launch of the Global Humanitarian Appeal 2016 to support people affected by disasters and conflicts. The appeal combines response plans and urgent humanitarian requirements spanning 37 countries.

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Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien Remarks at the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2016
Geneva 7 December 2015

“As the Covenants turn 50, it is time to turn norms into action” – UN experts
Human Rights Day – Thursday 10 December 2015

GENEVA (9 December 2015) – Speaking ahead of Human Rights Day 2015, the largest body of independent experts of the United Nations Human Rights system renews its commitment with the implementation of the Covenants, the two key human rights treaties which, together with the Universal Declaration on Human rights, form the International Bill of Human Rights.

On Human Rights Day, the 55 independent mechanisms of the Human Rights Council –‘Special Procedures’– join a year-long campaign* to promote full ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 1966.

“The Covenants have spurred considerable normative developments and institutional building at international level, which have been matched by developments at national and local levels. Around the world, courts and tribunals, national human rights institutions, civil society activism and increasing public awareness have all contributed to making human rights a major legitimacy test for public and private policies and practices. We call for their universal ratification.

Despite these positive developments, human rights remain under severe threat, including from conflict, poverty and inequality, the adverse impact of climate change, the backlash against women’s human rights, abuses by non-state actors and attacks against the universality of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Faced with these multiple challenges, determination to redress these violations as well as address their root causes should be even stronger. All must play their part in ensuring that each and every human right codified in these Covenants is guaranteed and implemented in practice for all human beings without discrimination. The interrelatedness and interdependence between all rights must be recognized; no human right can be fully enjoyed in isolation.

As independent experts covering 55 human rights mandates, we help transform norms into reality. We strive for positive change in people’s lives by undertaking critical analysis of State practice in compliance with their obligations and of the impact of private actors on human rights. By reaching out equally to all parts of society, from senior government officials to grassroots communities we identify early signs of human rights violations and call for timely action.

We urge all States to live-up to their duty to respect human rights and to fully cooperate with all of us as mandate holders appointed according to the rules of procedure of the Human Rights Council. States should honour their standing invitations and accept requests for country visits and provide timely and substantive responses to alleged human rights violations that we bring to their attention.

Civil society is a key partner in improving the situation of human rights worldwide and in the fulfilment of our mandates. We strongly encourage civil society to continue to engage with us. Victims of human rights violations, their family members, witnesses, human rights defenders and members of civil society must be able to cooperate with us freely without fear of intimidation, reprisals or censorship. We call all States to ensure that all such acts are halted immediately and break the cycle of impunity by holding the perpetrators accountable.

Full cooperation from all concerned, in particular States, is indispensable. Recognizing human rights challenges and asking for assistance in facing them will only demonstrate the maturity of political leaders and their genuine commitment to uphold the dignity of all people. The 2030 agenda provides an excellent opportunity to develop a more holistic approach in which continued engagement will ultimately foster improvement of the situation of human rights.

The adoption of the Covenants was a strong affirmation that all human beings have inalienable rights and freedoms. Half a century later, let us all make this conviction a daily reality for all.”

Security Council, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2250 (2015), Urges Member States to Increase Representation of Youth in Decision-Making at All Levels
9 December 2015
SC/12149
Recognizing the threat to stability and development posed by the rise of radicalization among young people, the Security Council today urged Member States to consider ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at the local, national, regional and international levels.

Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2250 (2015), which defined youth as persons aged 18 through 29, the Council also urged Member States to consider setting up mechanisms that would enable young people to participate meaningfully in peace processes and dispute resolution.

Prior to its adoption, Jordan’s representative, Dina Kawar, said the resolution — considered the first of its kind on youth, peace and security — followed efforts by the Prince of Jordan, public discussions on combating violent extremism, and the Global Forum on Youth Peace and Security that took place in Amman in August.

“What we seek is to draw the world’s attention to ensure that young people are given the attention they deserve at a time when the world is a theatre for an increasing number of negative issues,” she said.

By the terms of its resolution, the Council recognized that today’s generation of youth is the largest the world has ever known, and accounted for many of those civilians affected by armed conflict, including as refugees and displaced persons.

But it expressed concern over the increased use of the Internet by terrorists and their supporters to recruit and incite youth to commit terrorist acts, and underlined the need for Member States to work together to prevent terrorists from exploiting new technologies.

Youth, the Council said, should be actively engaged in shaping lasting peace and contributing to justice and reconciliation, as they represented “a unique demographic dividend that can contribute to lasting peace and prosperity” if inclusive policies were put in place.

Member States were encouraged to engage local communities and non-governmental actors “in developing strategies to counter the violent extremist narrative that can incite terrorist acts”.
They were also encouraged to address conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism by empowering youth, families, women, religious, cultural and education leaders and other concerned groups in civil society, and by adopting “tailored approaches” to counter recruitment to violent extremism.

By other terms, the resolution called for the participation and views of youth to be taken into account during the negotiation and implementation of peace agreements, as their marginalization would be detrimental to building sustainable peace in such aspects as repatriation, resettlement and reconstruction.

Resolution: The full text of resolution 2250 (2015) is available here.

700+ Organizations in 116 Countries Say Universal Health Coverage is Right, Smart, and Overdue
December 11, 2015
Global leaders urged to ensure all people can access essential health services without facing financial hardship

NEW YORK – On the second annual Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December 2015, a coalition of more than 700 organizations in 116 countries will come together to say that universal health coverage is right, smart, and overdue. The coalition will urge world leaders to deliver on promises to achieve universal health coverage because health is a human right that reduces poverty, fuels economic growth, and builds resilience to threats from disease outbreaks to climate change.

On Universal Health Coverage Day 2015, hundreds of millions of people worldwide are still waiting for access to lifesaving health services or fall into poverty paying for needed health care. To address these inequities, more than 100 countries across the income spectrum have begun working toward universal health coverage, increasingly demonstrating its feasibility.

“When The Rockefeller Foundation first began its work to advance universal health coverage, it seemed to many to be a pipedream. Today, we are truly inspired to see how rapidly support for universal health coverage has grown, including its recent recognition in the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Judith Rodin, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “Universal health coverage is key to building resilient health systems that make both people and planet healthier in the face the increasingly common shocks and stresses posed by climate change, urbanization, and globalization.”

Universal Health Coverage Day, inaugurated by The Rockefeller Foundation, marks the anniversary of the United Nations’ unanimous 2012 resolution urging governments to ensure universal access to quality health care without financial hardship.

“Universal health coverage is one of the most powerful social equalizers among all policy options,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “The global community has recognized this approach as a pro-poor pillar of sustainable development that builds social cohesion and stability – valued assets for every country.”

“Governments have everything to gain when they prioritize human health – it is an investment. I am hopeful for global progress because universal health coverage has been included in the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, Minister of Health, Rwanda.

Progress toward Health for All
New events and initiatives show growing global momentum to deliver universal health coverage and offer an opportunity to further accelerate progress:

:: High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines: To address serious gaps in access to lifesaving health interventions, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has established a new High-Level Panel tasked with ensuring access to medicines is improved around the world. The panel, which convenes for the first time on 11 and 12 December, demonstrates commitment to improve health access at the highest level of the United Nations.

:: International Conference on Universal Health Coverage in the New Development Era: Next week in Japan, Bill Gates, Margaret Chan, Jim Yong Kim, and other global health leaders will gather for a major conference on the role of universal health coverage in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. Co-hosted by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in conjunction with its replenishment meeting, the conference will examine the critical link between building strong health systems and stopping the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

:: Sustainable Development Goals: The Sustainable Development Goals officially launch on 1 January 2016, and include achieving universal health coverage among their many targets. Coalition members are urging world leaders to prioritize universal health coverage as a foundational investment that can drive progress on all health objectives and advance the overarching goal of ending extreme poverty.

There is increasing evidence that universal health coverage is a smart investment. Earlier this year, The Rockefeller Foundation convened the Economists’ Declaration on Universal Health Coverage, a landmark statement outlining the economic benefits of universal health coverage and calling on policymakers to prioritize it as an essential pillar of sustainable development. More than 300 economists from 44 countries have added their names to the Declaration, including the current and former World Bank chief economists and five Nobel Laureates.

The WHO and World Bank’s first global monitoring report on universal health coverage released in June 2015 found that despite significant worldwide progress on health, 400 million people still lack access to essential health services and 17% of people in low- and middle-income countries are pushed or further pushed into poverty (US$2/day) because of health spending…

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Issues Call for New Deal on Medicines
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
Dec 11, 2015
NEW YORK -The United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines held its first meeting today. The panel committed itself to finding solutions that will increase access to medicines, while continuing to promote investment in new treatments to save the lives of millions.

“It is a basic fundamental right that everyone should be able to access medicines, vaccines and diagnostics they need in order to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of people of all ages, as set out in Sustainable Development Goal 3,” said President Mogae, co-chair of the High Level Panel.

Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana and Ruth Dreifuss, former President of Switzerland are co-chairing the panel. The work of the High-Level and its Expert Advisory Group is being supported by a Secretariat at UNDP in collaboration with UNAIDS. The panel was established by the Secretary-General to find solutions to increase access to medicines, while continuing to promote investment in developing new medicines.

Panelists noted that despite progress made in many areas, millions of people are still left behind. Many are dying because they cannot access life-saving medicines. This includes:
:: 1.2 million people died from AIDS in 2014.
:: 9.6 million people infected with TB and 1.5 people died because of TB.
:: Over 400 million people have hepatitis B and C and 1.4 million people have died from Hepatitis B and C.
:: 38 million people have died from non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (17.5 million deaths), diabetes (1.5 million deaths), cancer (8.2 million deaths) and respiratory diseases (4 million deaths)…

…Following the meeting, the High-Level Panel will issue a call for proposals from experts, individuals and organizations to recommend solutions that promote the rights of inventors, international human rights law, trade rules, and public health in the context of health technologies. Proposals submitted will be reviewed, shortlisted and invited to present at public hearings where stakeholders from governments, the industry, patient groups and others will be able to provide their thoughts and views on the proposals. The High-Level Panel’s findings and recommendations will be compiled in a report, which will be presented to the Secretary-General in June 2016.

The Secretary-Generals High Level Panel on Access to Medicines comprises of 16 eminent, well-respected individuals with a deep knowledge and understanding of the broad range of legal, trade, public health and human rights issues associated with access to medicines and health technologies. Biographies and additional information on the High-Level Panel can be accessed from www.UNSGaccessmeds.org

Refugees and migrants in Europe need protection and respect for their human rights
Press Releases, 9 December 2015
Joint UNHCR/Council of Europe statement to mark Human Rights Day on 10 December

09.12.2015 – Ahead of Human Rights Day, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the head of the 47-nation Council of Europe have urged European states to honour their international commitments to guarantee basic human rights for refugees and migrants. They also called on governments, civil society and media professionals to step up efforts to counter racism and xenophobia, which can undermine support for asylum and protection.

“This is the largest movement of refugees and migrants Europe has seen in decades, and the only way to address it effectively is for European states to act together,” said High Commissioner António Guterres. “The right to seek asylum is not only enshrined in international law, but protection of people forced to flee war and persecution is also one of the fundamental values of the European project. The impressive mobilisation of civil society to welcome refugees, and the many voices that speak out against re-surging intolerance and xenophobia, have shown the continued resonance of these principles.”

“As soon as anyone sets foot on our continent they have the same basic human rights as everyone else in Europe, as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights,” said Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland. “The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has been very clear on this. Our 47 member states have a legal responsibility to guarantee the basic human rights of refugees and migrants, to treat people as individuals and to assess their situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Some 900,000 people have entered Europe via the Mediterranean in 2015, more than four times last year’s total. The majority of them come from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. UNHCR continues to advocate for a common European approach to the situation, to enhance reception capacity and allow for proper screening of the new arrivals so as to identify those who may be in need of protection.

United Nations – Secretary General, Security Council, General Assembly  [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.un.org/en/unpress/
Selected Press Releases/Meetings Coverage

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10 December 2015
GA/11738
Adopting Six Resolutions, General Assembly Calls for Stronger Coordination of International Humanitarian Aid, Unity against Violent Extremism
Unanimously adopting five resolutions on humanitarian issues, and one resolution on countering violent extremism, the General Assembly today heard from more than two dozen speakers as the 193-member body debated the past, present and future of international assistance to persons in need.

10 December 2015
DSG/SM/924-HR/5283-OBV/1570
Help Create World Where Four Freedoms Is ‘More Than a Monument, But a Way of Life Everywhere’, Says Deputy Secretary-General at Human Rights Day Event

9 December 2015
SG/SM/17405-OBV/1567
Secretary-General Urges All Substantial Investment to Achieve Affordable Health Coverage Access Worldwide, in Message for International Observance

9 December 2015
SC/12149
Security Council, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2250 (2015), Urges Member States to Increase Representation of Youth in Decision-Making at All Levels
Recognizing the threat to stability and development posed by the rise of radicalization among young people, the Security Council today urged Member States to consider ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at the local, national, regional and international levels.
9 December 2015

UN OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true

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WTO: UN experts urge negotiators to deliver on Doha commitments at the Nairobi conference
GENEVA (11 December 2015) – Ahead of the World Trade Organization’s 10th Ministerial Conference, a group of United Nations human rights experts called on Governments across the world to deliver on the Doha Round Development Agenda and not weasel out of prior commitments to address the needs of developing economies.

“If trade is to work for human rights and development it should contribute to the realization of the rights to adequate food, to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, and to live in a clean environment,” the UN experts said in a public statement* addressed to negotiators due to gather in the Kenyan capital from 15 to 18 December.

“There is no justification for defaulting on the Doha Round commitments, as such action would have a detrimental impact on human rights in many countries,” the experts observed. They deplored indications that certain developed countries will move for the premature ending of the Doha Round at the upcoming WTO Conference.

The independent experts emphasized that human rights obligations must be reaffirmed in the context of global trade rules to ensure that “WTO negotiations and rules support development efforts to eliminate the root causes of hunger, ill-health, and poverty, strengthen human rights protection and promotion and ultimately ensure that the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals are achieved.”…

UN OCHA [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.unocha.org/media-resources/press-releases
[We generally do not include OCHA Flash Updates on humanitarian crises in this digest]

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11 Dec 2015
Syrian Arab Republic: Press release on the evacuation of combatants, their families and the critically injured and the delivery of humanitarian supplies in Al Waer (Homs)
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UN Country Team in Syria Country: Syrian Arab Republic (Damascus, 11 December 2015) The United Nations (UN) in Syria and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) evacuated over 300 combatants along with their families and the critically injured from Al Waer (Homs) and transferred them into Idleb governorate as stipulated in a local Agreement between the Government of Syria and the Local Committee of Al Waer.

11 Dec 2015
Ukraine: Statement to the Security Council on Ukraine – John Ging, Director of Operations on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, Kyiv/New York, 11 December 2015

07 Dec 2015
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien Remarks at the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2016

07 Dec 2015
UN and partners launch 2016 humanitarian appeal asking for $20.1 billion, aiming to reach over 87 million people in need

UNICEF [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_78364.html
Selected press releases

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Saying “children will, and should, judge us,” UNICEF calls for ambitious action on climate change
PARIS, France, 10 December 2015 – Children are already paying a heavy price for the world’s inaction on climate change, UNICEF said.

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UNICEF plans to reach 2.6 million Syrian children with winter supplies and cash assistance
AMMAN, Jordan, 7 December 2015 – Another harsh winter is looming for more than eight million Syrian children living inside the war-ravaged country or as refugees around the region and beyond.

IOM / International Organization for Migration [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases
Selected Press Releases

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Canada Welcomes First Syrian Refugee Resettlement Flight
12/11/15
Canada – IOM, in coordination with UNHCR and the governments of Canada and Lebanon, last night successfully moved 163 Syrian refugees from Beirut, Lebanon to Toronto, Canada.

IOM Welcomes Inclusion of ‘Climate Migrants’, ‘Climate Migration’ in Draft Paris COP Agreement
12/11/15
Switzerland – IOM welcomes the inclusion of ‘climate migrants’ and ‘climate migration’ in the text expected to be agreed as part of the Paris climate change agreement.

Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation, Abuse in Middle East, North Africa: Report
12/11/15
Lebanon – IOM and the Walk Free Foundation (WFF) have called on governments to take more concrete action to protect migrant workers amid worsening conditions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Honduras Commits to Protect Migrant Children’s Rights
12/11/15
Honduras – IOM and Honduras’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation have signed a letter of understanding in which the government pledges to provide sustainability for IOM assistance projects targeting returned migrant children and adolescents.

IOM Appeals for US$ 254 Million for 2016 Syria Operations
12/08/15
Switzerland – The Syria inter-agency appeal was launched this week in Geneva as part of the overall 2016 Humanitarian Appeal.

IOM Monitors Mediterranean Arrivals, Fatalities
12/08/15
Greece – IOM estimates that over 909,000 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea so far in 2015 – four times the 219,000 recorded in all of 2014.

Management of Cross-Border Movements of Frontier Communities in Mauritania: IOM Study
12/08/15
Mauritania – As part of its European Union (EU)-funded project “Strengthening border management in Mauritania – the involvement of the Gendarmerie,” IOM this week organized a workshop in Nouakchott presenting a feasibility study on how to manage the cross-border movement of border communities.

Papua New Guinea Camp Management Training Targets Drought Response
12/08/15
Papua New Guinea – As weather extremes continue to place severe strains on Pacific nations, the challenges to disaster management authorities become ever steeper.

UN Women [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.unwomen.org/news/stories
Selected Press Releases

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Global pledges ramp up campaign to end violence against women
Date: 11 December 2015
International meeting co-organised by UN Women closes with 35 stakeholder commitments for bold steps to end violence against women.

“Every victim of violence must have prompt access to the full range of essential services” — Executive Director
Date: 11 December 2015
Speech by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the High-Level launch of the Essential Services Package at the Ending Violence against Women: Building on Progress to Accelerate Change meeting in Istanbul on 10 December.

Press release: High-level global UN meeting to focus on ending violence against women
Date: 07 December 2015
On 9-10 December, over 150 high-level representatives from over 40 UN Member States and the Council of Europe (CoE), UN agencies, academia and NGOs plan to attend Ending Violence against Women: Building on Progress to Accelerate Change, a high-level global UN meeting in Istanbul to assess progress, identify challenges and renew global political commitments to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls.

WHO & Regionals [to 12 December 2015]

New global framework to eliminate rabies
News release
10 DECEMBER 2015 | GENEVA – A new framework to eliminate human rabies and save tens of thousands of lives each year has been launched today by WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Alliance for the Control of Rabies (GARC).

The framework calls for 3 key actions – making human vaccines and antibodies affordable, ensuring people who get bitten receive prompt treatment, and mass dog vaccinations to tackle the disease at its source.

“Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination and timely immunization after exposure, but access to post-bite treatment is expensive and is not affordable in many Asian and African countries. If we follow this more comprehensive approach, we can consign rabies to the history books,” says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan…

Global elimination of human rabies – The time is now!
On 10 and 11 December 2015, experts, donors, and veterinary and public health officials will adopt a plan of action that is expected to deliver prompt post-exposure prophylaxis for all in rabies endemic areas as well as a framework for scaling up sustained, large-scale dog vaccination. This milestone international conference will also discuss a push for coordinated activities targeting dog and human populations by adapting proven control strategies.

Another important component is harnessing support for community awareness and engagement to facilitate and strengthen data collection, bite incidence reporting and demand for post-exposure prophylaxis. Educating children on how to avoid being bitten is also vital.

The conference “Global elimination of dog-mediated human rabies – The time is now” is jointly organized by WHO and the OIE, in collaboration with FAO with the support of GARC.

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:: WHO Regional Offices
WHO African Region AFRO
:: The road to universal health coverage: a case study on Gabon
11 December 2015 — Mobile phones are becoming one of the world’s most important health tools, used in many countries to track exercise, ensure medicines are genuine, and even to read blood glucose levels. In Gabon, they’re being used to raise revenue for the national health system. A 10% levy on the revenues of mobile phone companies and on mobile phone usage, introduced by Gabon’s government in 2008, has helped to more than double the funds for a health insurance programme that now covers 99% of the equatorial nation’s poor, giving them access to critical health services such as care…

WHO Region of the Americas PAHO
:: Experts seek ways to boost public spending on health in Latin America and the Caribbean to achieve and sustain universal health (12/07/2015)

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
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WHO European Region EURO
:: A strong agreement from COP21 matters to health – and to the European Region 11-12-2015

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: WHO condemns attack on Al Houban clinic in Taiz, Yemen run by MSF, wounding 9 people
7 December 2015

WHO Western Pacific Region
:: Malaysia and WHO tackle the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 December 2015 – Recognizing the need to protect children from unhealthy diet, the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) regional offices for South-East Asia and the Western Pacific convened a bi-regional workshop to guide Member States in restricting the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children.

UNAIDS [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/

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UNAIDS and IPPF join efforts to Fast-Track the response to HIV
Geneva, 11 December 2015—UNAIDS and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to Fast-Track access to HIV services by 2020. Under the partnership, UNAIDS and IPPF will support the delivery of high-impact HIV advocacy, prevention and treatment services, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Message from the Executive Director of UNAIDS on Human Rights Day 2015
09 December 2015 |

UN Division for Sustainable Development [to 12 December 2015]
http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/
SDGs: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics

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Establishment of the SIDS Partnership Framework
10 Dec 2015 – On 4 December 2015, the General Assembly’s Second Committee adopted a draft resolution that decides to establish the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnership Framework in line with the priorities of Small Island developing States.

The establishment of the SIDS Partnership Framework was requested by the outcome of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, the SAMOA Pathway, in order to monitor and ensure the full implementation of pledges and commitments through partnerships for Small Island developing States, and encourage new, genuine and durable partnerships for the sustainable development of SIDS.

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SG’s High Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport to advance transport solutions to climate change
8 Dec 2015 – The UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport, meeting on the margins of the Paris Climate Conference, pledged to highlight the critical role that sustainable transport will play in addressing climate change.

“Transport is currently responsible for nearly a quarter of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. “The Advisory Group can help make sustainable transport a part of the solution to the climate crisis.”

The 16 members of the Group asserted that through innovation—in operations and policy as well as in technology—the transport sector can lower emissions while ensuring access to markets, services and social interaction for people in all parts of the world…

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.unep.org/newscentre/?doctypeID=1
Selected Press Releases

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New UN Report Details Link between Climate Change and Human Rights
Released on Human Rights Day, ahead of the finalization of a new climate agreement, Climate Change and Human Rights provides a comprehensive study of the links between human rights law and climate change.
10/12/2015

Africa-Led Renewable Energy Project Receives Billions in Backing from International Community
08/12/2015

Urgent Call for Zero-emission Vehicles as Part of Global Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Zero emissions vehicles need to be seen as part of a wider move towards a cleaner transport sector that includes better city planning, public transport and non-motorized transport.
08/12/2015

UNEP Signs MOU with ICLEI
The future of what happens in our societies will be largely determined by what happens in the cities of our world.
08/12/2015 00

Actions on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Developing Countries Could Reduce Emissions by 1.7 Gt/year by 2020
First Report of 1 Gigaton Coalition Finds Potential for Further Reductions
07/12/2015

UN DESA United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs [to 12 December 2015]
http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news.html
Selected Press Releases

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Global economy faces major headwinds – modest improvement projected for next two years
10 December 2015, New York
The world economy stumbled in 2015 and only a modest improvement is projected for 2016/17 as a number of cyclical and structural headwinds persist, says the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2016 report, launched today.

UNESCO [to 12 December 2015]
http://en.unesco.org/news
Selected Press Releases

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Director-General welcomes COP21 agreement and underlines the momentum in changing minds not the climate
12 December 2015

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Guidelines for Accessible Information in Learning available in 23 languages
11 December 2015

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UNESCO presents its first report on impact of 2005 Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions
11 December 2015
Have the countries that ratified the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted at UNESCO ten years ago, stepped up their support for cultural creation, encouraged diversity for the media, opened their markets to cultural goods from developing countries? These are some of the questions addressed in the report Re | Shaping Cultural Policies: A Decade Promoting the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for Development, which will be launched on 16 December (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Room II) at UNESCO Headquarters [*Webcast: mms://stream.unesco.org/live/room_2_en.wmv ]

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UNESCO Director-General welcomes historic UN Security Council Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security
10 December 2015
On 10 December, the UNESCO Director-General welcomed the United Nations Security Council Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security. Sponsored by Jordan, Resolution 2250 underlines the vital role of young women and men in building peace and countering the rise of violent extremism

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Qatar Development Fund boosts UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund
8 December 2015
The Qatar Development Fund (QDF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) signed today their first Memorandum of Understanding to support the implementation of UNESCO’s programme for the protection of cultural and natural heritage in emergency situations.

The MOU provides a $2 million grant as part of a 2014 pledge by H.E. the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani, to donate $10 million to support UNESCO in conserving world heritage sites in areas hit by natural and man-made disasters.

UNESCO’s Programme for Heritage Emergency Preparedness and Response aims to enhance UNESCO’s ability to assist Member States in reducing the risks to their cultural and natural heritage and ensure a timely and effective response in emergency situations to ensure their safeguarding…

…The Heritage Emergency Fund will support capacity building and training activities for professionals in conflict situations and emergency response activities.

Signed at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the agreement comes as the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO has adopted a comprehensive strategy for the protection and promotion of culture and pluralism in times of war.