Joint statement ahead of the European Council 28-29 June
27 Jun 2016

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At the upcoming European Council, European Union (EU) leaders will discuss the European Commission’s Communication on a new Partnership Framework with third countries.

The Communication proposes an approach which aims to leverage existing EU and Member States’external cooperation instruments and tools in order to stem migration to Europe. The undersigned organisations express their grave concern about the direction the EU is taking by making deterrence and return the main objective of the Union’s relationship with third countries. More broadly, this new Partnership Framework risks cementing a shift towards a foreign policy that serves one single objective, to curb migration, at the expense of European credibility and leverage in defence offundamental values and human rights.

The proposed approach is inspired by the EU-Turkey deal which although touted as a successful example of cooperation, has actually left thousands people stranded in Greece in inhumane and degrading conditions. This has particularly affected children, with the result that hundreds of unaccompanied children have been held in closed detention facilities on the islands or forced to sleep in police cells on the Greek mainland. The wider repercussions of this should not be underestimated.

It is hard to see how Europe can ask partner countries to keep their doors open, to host large-scale refugee populations and prevent further movements while at the same time Member States refuse to shoulder their fair share of responsibility for protecting people who flee their homes. The right to asylum is being significantly undermined, and it will become more and more challenging for civilians in conflict zones to seek international protection.

The Commission’s proposal ignores all the evidence on the ineffectiveness of deterrence strategies aimed at stopping migration. This approach will not only fail to “break the business-model” of smugglers but increase human suffering as people are forced into taking more dangerous routes.

Moreover, despite the stated commitment to respect the principle of non-refoulement, there are no safeguards envisaged to ensure that human rights, rule of law standards and protection mechanisms are in place. As a result, people risk being deported to countries where their rights
are not safeguarded. Responsibility and liability for human rights violations do not end at Europe’s borders.

We are disappointed to see that once again the emphasis on deterrence leaves no clear commitments to open up safe and regular channels to Europe for those in need of international protection and for other migrants, e.g. through resettlement, humanitarian admission schemes,
family reunification, educational visas, labour mobility and visa liberalisation. Resettlement, labour migration and visa liberalisation are only mentioned as possible leverage with partner countries in a quid pro quo approach.

Another major concern is the financing of the proposed Partnership Framework which would represent a wholesale re-orientation of Europe’s development programming towards stopping migration. This is an unacceptable contradiction to the commitment to use development
cooperation with the aim to eradicate poverty, as enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty. Aid is for the benefit of people in need, and should not be used as a leverage for migration control. EU funding should be transparent and adhere to clearly established principles, such as the Busan principles on effectiveness and the Paris principles of ownership by and alignment to partner countries’ strategies. In addition, striking ‘migration management’ agreements with countries where grave human rights violations are committed will be counter-productive in the longer term – undermining human rights around the globe and perpetuating the cycle of abuse and repression that causes people to flee.

Migration has many drivers; people may be on the move in search of new livelihood opportunities, an education or to reunite with family, while conflict and violence, human rights violations, climate change, poverty and unemployment can all trigger migration and forced displacement. Any cooperation to manage migration should take into consideration this complex and multi-faceted reality, be evidence and needs-based, and ensure that the benefits of migration are maximised and the risks are mitigated.

If the EU wants to call for more global solidarity, it needs to set the right example. The EU, a project built on the rubble of a devastating war, is about to embark on a dark chapter of its history.

We urge EU leaders to choose a rights-based system to manage migration, based on a viable long-term strategic vision, rather than pursuing an unattainable and inhumane deterrence objective and thereby abandoning its core founding principles.

As human rights, humanitarian, medical, migration and development agencies, and key implementing partners of development programmes in third countries, we call on European leaders to:
1. Reject the current Commission Communication and develop a sustainable long-term and evidence-based strategy for migration management, in consultation with civil society and experts.

2. Facilitate safe mobility by opening and strengthening safe and regular channels to Europe both for those in need of international protection and other migrants including through resettlement, humanitarian admission and humanitarian visas, family reunification, worker mobility across skill levels and student visas. Member States must commit to clear benchmarks and appropriate timelines for implementing a migration framework that meets the needs of migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees, their families, as well as the needs and obligations of Member States.

3. Exclude any conditionality based on migration control indicators in the allocation of development aid to third countries. Development aid is a tool to fight poverty and inequality, not to manage migration. Vulnerable populations should not be punished because of concerns that are largely political.

4. Stop any readmissions or removals of people by the EU to a third country that violate – or risk violating – fundamental rights and rule of law, including the principle of nonrefoulement. Ensure access to protection, justice and effective remedy for all people in migration and asylum procedures.

5. Ensure transparency in the development of any instruments to manage migration and accountability for human rights violations resulting from EU migration policies.

6. Commit to a foreign policy and action focused on preventing and unlocking protracted crises. While the Communication mentions the need to address root causes of displacement in the long term, it does not include engagement to prevent and manage crises.

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Signatories
1. ACT Alliance EU
2. ActionAid
3. aditus foundation
4. Afrique Culture Maroc
5. Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l’Homme
6. Aid Services
7. Amnesty International
8. Amycos
9. Andalucía Acoge
10. Asamblea de Cooperacion Por la Paz ACPP
11. Asgi – Associazione per gli Studi Giuridici sull’Immigrazione
12. Asociacion por ti mujer
13. Asociacion Salud y Familia – Spain
14. Association for action against violence and trafficking in human beings-Open Gate
La Strada Macedonia.
15. Association for the Social Support of Youth
16. Ayuda en Acción
17. British Refugee Council
18. CAFOD
19. Care International
20. CCOO de Andalucia
21. Centre for Youths Integrated Development.
22. Centro de Investigaciones en Derechos Humanos PRO IGUAL
23. ChildFund Alliance
24. Church of Sweden
25. Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe
26. Citizens’ association for combating trafficking in human beings and all forms of genderbased
violence
27. CNCD-11.11.11
28. Comisión Española de Ayuda al Refugiado –CEAR-
29. Concern Worldwide
30. CONCORD Europe
31. CONCORD Sweden
32. Conseil des Béninois de France
33. Consortium of Migrants Assisting Organizations in the Czech Republic
34. Coordinadora Andaluza de ONGD
35. Coordinadora Cantabra de ONGD
36. Coordinadora de ONGD de la Región de Murcia
37. Coordinadora de ONGD del Principado de Asturias
38. Coordinadora de ONGD España
39. Coordinadora de ONGD Navarra
40. Coordinadora Extremeña de ONGD
41. Coordinadora Gallega de ONGD
42. Coordinadora ONGD de Castilla y León
43. Coordinadora Valenciana de ONGD
44. Cordaid
45. Detention Action
46. Detention Forum
47. Doctors of the World International network
48. EU-CORD Network
49. Eurochild
50. EuroMed Rights
51. European Association for the Defence of Human Rights
52. European Council on Refugees and Exiles
53. European Youth Forum
54. Federación Aragonesa de ONGD
55. Federación de Asociaciones de Derechos Humanos
56. Federation of Christian NGOs in Italy
57. FIACAT
58. FIDH
59. FIZ advocacy and support for migrant women and victims of trafficking
60. Flüchtlingsrat Niedersachsen e.V.
61. Forum des Organisations de Solidarité Internationale issues des Migrations
62. Fundacion 1º de Mayo de Comisiones Obreras
63. Fundación Alianza por los Derechos, la Igualdad y la Solidaridad Internacional –APS-
64. Greek Forum of Refugees
65. Habitat for Humanity International, Europe, Middle East and Africa
66. Handicap International
67. Human Rights Watch
68. Human Rights Without Frontiers
69. Instituto Sindical de Cooperación al Desarrollo –ISCOD-
70. InteRed
71. INTERSOS
72. Islamic Relief UK
73. Jesuit Refugee Service Europe.
74. Justice and Peace Netherlands
75. KISA-Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism
76. Koordinierungsstelle der Österreichischen Bischofskonferenz für internationale
Entwicklung und Mission
77. La Strada International
78. Lafede.cat – Organitzacions per a la Justícia Global
79. Le Monde des Possibles
80. Macedonian Young Lawyers Association
81. Menedék – Hungarian Association for Migrants
82. Migrant Voice UK
83. Migrants’ Rights Network
84. Movimiento contra la Intolerancia
85. Movimiento por la Paz –MPDL-
86. Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre
87. Norwegian Refugee Council
88. Oxfam
89. PAX
90. Pax Christi International
91. PICUM-Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants
92. Plan International EU office
93. Platform Minors in exile / Plate-forme Mineurs en exil / Platform Kinderen op de vlucht
(Belgium)
94. Red Acoge
95. Réseau de Compétences Solidaires – Groupement d’Economie Sociale et Solidaire France –
Europe – Afrique
96. Réseau Immigration Développement Démocratie – IDD
97. Save the Children
98. SOS Children’s Villages International
99. SOS Racisme – Touche pas à mon pote
100. Stichting LOS
101. Swedish Refugee Advice Centre
102. Télécoms Sans Frontières
103. Terre des Hommes International Federation
104. The International Federation of Social Workers European Region
105. The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture victims
106. the Norwegian Centre Against Racism
107. Trócaire
108.World Vision Brussels and EU Representation
109. ZOA

Facility for Refugees in Turkey: Commission proposes additional €1.4 billion in support
European Commission – Press release
Brussels, 30 June 2016
The European Commission has today proposed to mobilise an additional €1.4 billion in support for refugees in Turkey, with a view of raising the total amount allocated under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey to €2 billion by the end of July.

The proposed Special Measure, presented by the Commission today at the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Facility, will cover measures in the areas of education, health, municipal and social infrastructure and socio-economic support. The Commission also presented the recently published Humanitarian Implementation Plan for Turkey which sets out the humanitarian strategy under the Facility, with total funding of over €500 million, including contributions from Member States. This is the biggest Humanitarian Implementation Plan ever published by the Commission.

Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, said: “The Commission is committed to helping refugees and host communities in Turkey as quickly, efficiently and effectively as it can, in close cooperation with the Turkish authorities. The mobilisation of funding under the Facility is the most effective way to provide education and health care to refugees and support their host communities. The progress achieved to date shows that the European Union and Turkey are living up to their commitment to cooperate closely to improve the conditions for refugees in Turkey.”

Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, said: “The publication of the 2016 Humanitarian Implementation Plan for Turkey marks another step in the implementation of the EU humanitarian assistance under the Facility for a total amount of over €500 million. This unprecedented budget mirrors the humanitarian challenges in Turkey, which hosts the world’s largest refugee population; well over 3 million refugees. It reflects the ambition of the European Commission to address this difficult situation in a dignified, effective, cost-efficient and accountable manner, whilst remaining true to the humanitarian principles which guide our actions.”

The Steering Committee, gathering representatives from EU Member States and Turkey, under the chairmanship of the European Commission, today welcomed the progress achieved on the disbursement of support to refugees, which has been fast-tracked during the past months. Out of the total €3 billion, €740 million has so far been allocated in total, for both humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance. Of this €740 million, €150 million has been contracted, of which €105 million has so far been disbursed.

The Steering Committee also discussed in detail an ambitious pipeline of projects to be funded under the Facility for Refugees in support of education, health, municipal and social infrastructure, and socio-economic support for refugees and host communities in Turkey. Subject to EU Member States’ approval, this Special Measure will be implemented in cooperation with the relevant Turkish authorities, International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian crisis.

The Commission presented to the Steering Committee the humanitarian strategy under the Facility which aims at responding to the basic needs of up to 1 million refugees through the implementation of the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) – an electronic card which will allow the most vulnerable refugees to receive monthly transfers to meet their needs in terms of, for example, food and shelter.

Hand-in-hand with this flagship initiative, the European Commission also presented its robust protection framework as well as its strategy regarding health and non-formal education activities which will be carried out in complementarity of longer-term initiatives. A buffer of funding will also be foreseen in order to swiftly respond to urgent and unexpected humanitarian needs. The activities under the Humanitarian Implementation Plan will be rolled out from the end of July 2016.

As a result, the European Commission is on track to reach the target of committing more than €2 billion of the €3 billion Facility envelope for 2016-2017 before the end of the summer 2016.
Background

The Facility for Refugees in Turkey is the answer to the European Council’s call for significant additional funding to support refugees in Turkey. The Facility provides a joint coordination mechanism for actions financed by the EU budget and national contributions made by the Member States, designed to ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities are addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.

Funding under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey supports refugees in the country – it is funding for refugees and not funding for Turkey. The support seeks to improve conditions for refugees in Turkey as part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to addressing the refugee crisis inside and outside the EU.

The Facility has a budget of €3 billion for 2016-2017. This is made up of €1 billion from the EU budget, and €2 billion from the EU Member States. All Member States have sent in their contribution certificates for the €2 billion they pledged.
For more information:
Details on projects funded under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/news_corner/migration/index_en.htm

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Commission brings together non-confessional organisations to discuss “Migration, integration and European values: putting values into action”
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 30 June 2016
Today, European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans hosted a high-level meeting with ten representatives from philosophical and non-confessional organisations from across Europe to discuss “Migration, integration and European values: putting values into action”

Today, European Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans hosted a high-level meeting with ten representatives from philosophical and non-confessional organisations from across Europe. This seventh annual high-level meeting discussed the topic “Migration, integration and European values: putting values into action”. The meeting took place within the framework of the ongoing dialogue with churches, religions, philosophical and non-confessional organisations based on Article 17 of the Lisbon Treaty.

First Vice-President Timmermans said: “At a time when European societies are marked by a sense of crisis, it is essential to put our values into action. Nowhere is this discussion more relevant than with regards to migration and integration. Values cannot be imposed, they must be passed on and embraced across generations and communities, and we need to find concrete ways to achieve this. Because of their engagement in their respective communities, non-confessional organisations are among those who can provide concrete ideas to move this discussion forward.”

The high-level meeting provided a platform to discuss three main issues: how to improve integration policies; how to address the rise of populism and intolerance; and, how to build more cohesive societies. Today’s discussion focused in particular on addressing fears and increased polarisation in our societies, and the need to move beyond the crisis mode when it comes to migration and think long-term. The need for proactively transmitting values and cultural understanding was underlined, as well as the central role of education. It was agreed that this is a challenge for society at large and that concrete ways to convey values in practice must be developed. The organisations present will continue to work with the Commission to develop these ideas.

Background
Today’s high level meeting with representatives of philosophical and non-confessional organisation is the seventh in the series of meetings launched by the Commission in 2009 when the dialogue with churches, religions, philosophical and non-confessional organisations was enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty (Art 17 TFEU). The dialogue is under the responsibility of First Vice-President Timmermans.

The Commission will hold its annual meeting with religious leaders on 29 November 2016.
On 7 June 2016, the Commission adopted an Integration Action Plan for Third-Country Nationals outlining a set of actions ranging from education to non-discrimination and social inclusion. The Commission puts a particular emphasis on promoting inclusive education and common EU values as well as reaching out to young people.

The Commission has taken a number of steps to implement the Paris Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education, adopted on 17 March 2015. The Commission will propose a Council Recommendation establishing a policy framework on promoting inclusion and fundamental values through education. In 2016, the Erasmus+ programme is making more than €400 million available to transnational partnerships to develop innovative policy approaches andpractices at grassroots level. Under the Europe for Citizens Programme 2014-2020, the Commission co-finances projects raising awareness of EU values, notably tolerance, mutual respect, and promoting civil society engagement. The Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme 2014-2020 supports projects focusing on preventing and combating racist and xenophobic hatred and intolerance, as well as projects promoting the development of tools and practices to prevent, monitor and combat online hate speech, including through the development of positive counter-narratives.

UNHCR and ILO sign new agreement to help displaced people find work
01 July 2016
GENEVA (ILO News) – Amid rising forced displacement as a result of conflict and persecution and other causes, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) today agreed a new understanding to promote employment opportunities for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 1 July 2016 at ILO headquarters, is expected to open a new and deeper phase of collaboration between the ILO and UNHCR.

The agreement focuses on long-term solutions for refugees and others displaced by conflict and persecution. As part of the wider UN response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the ILO has adopted a development-focused and employment-driven strategy to support host communities and refugees to maintain and reinforce the social and economic stability of the neighbouring countries affected.

The agreement, which builds on an earlier one from 1983, was signed by Deborah Greenfield, ILO Deputy Director-General for Policy, and Volker Türk, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

“These alarming displacement trends cannot be dealt with by stopgap measures. This MoU will enable our two agencies to join forces and promote comprehensive durable solutions enabling refugees and other forcibly displaced persons to obtain decent work, while protecting their rights and supporting the countries and communities hosting refugees,” said Greenfield.

“Allowing refugees and other forcibly displaced persons to get jobs helps them fend for themselves, restore confidence, and rebuild their lives, but just as importantly it allows them to contribute economically to the communities they are part of,” said Volker Türk, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

The MoU identifies eight common priorities, including the promotion of solutions and protection of refugees’ rights, and advocates inclusive and equal treatment in access to decent work and livelihoods, as well as social protection. It also seeks to ensure support to local communities, countering the economic exploitation of those displaced and eradicating child labour…

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More major companies sign the Global Business and Disability Network Charter
29 June 2016
PARIS (ILO News) – Four major international companies (BNP Paribas, IBM, Repsol and Sodexo) have just signed the ILO Global Business and Disability Network Charter in an event held at Carrefour headquarters in Paris on Wednesday…

The Charter expresses the commitment of those companies to promoting and including persons with disabilities throughout their operations worldwide.

It covers a wide range of areas, from protecting staff with disabilities from any kind of discrimination to making company premises and communication to staff progressively accessible to all employees with disabilities.

“For the ILO, promoting decent work for people with disabilities is a key objective, and one which needs the active involvement of the private sector. I would like to welcome the four companies that are signing today the Global Business and Disability Charter, joining the eleven global companies that signed the Charter last October in Geneva. I hope that many of the other companies attending the meeting today will also consider doing so in the near future,” ILO Director-General Guy Ryder told the meeting in Paris…

The State of the World’s Children 2016 Report: A fair chance for every child
UNICEF
June 2016 :: 180 pages
Full report pdf: http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_91711.html#

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FOREWORD
Inequity imperils millions of children and threatens the future of the world
As we look around the world today, we’re confronted with an uncomfortable but undeniable truth: Millions of children’s lives are blighted, for no other reason than the country, the community, the gender or the circumstances into which they are born.

And, as the data in this report show, unless we accelerate the pace of our progress in reaching them, the futures of millions of disadvantaged and vulnerable children – and therefore the future of their societies – will be imperilled.

Before they draw their first breath, the life chances of poor and excluded children are often being shaped by inequities. Disadvantage and discrimination against their communities and families will help determine whether they live or die, whether they have a chance to learn and later earn a decent living. Conflicts, crises and climate-related disasters deepen their deprivation and diminish their potential.

But it need not be so. As this report also illustrates, the world has made tremendous progress in reducing child deaths, getting children into school and lifting millions out of poverty. Many of the interventions behind this progress – such as vaccines, oral rehydration salts and better nutrition – have been practical and cost-effective. The rise of digital and mobile technology, and other innovations have made it easier and more cost-effective to deliver critical services in hard-to reach communities and to expand opportunities for the children and families at greatest risk.

For the most part, the constraints on reaching these children are not technical. They are a matter of political commitment. They are a matter of resources. And they are a matter of collective will – joining forces to tackle inequity and inequality head-on by focusing greater investment and effort on reaching the children who are being left behind.

The time to act is now. For unless we accelerate our progress, by 2030:
:: Almost 70 million children may die before reaching their fifth birthdays – 3.6 million in 2030 alone, the deadline year for the Sustainable Development Goals.

:: Children in sub-Saharan Africa will be 10 times more likely to die before their fifth birthdays than children in high-income countries.

:: Nine out of 10 children living in extreme poverty will live in sub-Saharan Africa.

:: More than 60 million primary school-aged children will be out of school – roughly the same number as are out of school today. More than half will be from sub-Saharan Africa.

:: Some 750 million women will have been married as children – three quarters of a billion child brides.

These vast inequities and dangers do more than violate the rights and imperil the futures of individual children. They perpetuate intergenerational cycles of disadvantage and inequality that undermine the stability of societies and even the security of nations everywhere.

More than ever, we should recognize that development is sustainable only if it can be carried on – sustained – by future generations. We have an opportunity to replace vicious cycles with virtuous cycles in which today’s poor children – if given a fair chance at health, education and protection from harm – can, as adults, compete on a more level playing field with children from wealthier backgrounds. Thus making not only their own lives better, but their societies richer in every sense of the word.

For when we help a boy access the medicine and nutrition he needs to grow up healthy and strong, we not only increase his chances in life, we also decrease the economic and social costs associated with poor health and low productivity.

When we educate a girl, we not only give her the tools and knowledge to make her own decisions and shape her own future, we also help raise the standard of living of her family and her community.

When we provide education, shelter and protection for children caught in conflicts, we help mend their hearts and their minds – so that someday, they will have the ability and the desire to help rebuild their countries.

This report concludes with five ways to strengthen our work, building on what we have learned over the last 25 years – and what we are still learning: Increasing information about those being left behind. Integrating our efforts across sectors to tackle the multiple deprivations that hold so many children back. Innovating to accelerate progress and drive change for the most excluded children and families. Investing in equity and finding new ways of financing efforts to reach the most disadvantaged children. And involving everyone, beginning with communities
themselves, and with businesses, organizations and citizens around the world who believe we can change the outcome for millions of children.

We can. Inequity is not inevitable. Inequality is a choice. Promoting equity – a fair chance for every child, for all children – is also a choice. A choice we can make, and must make. For their future, and the future of our world.

Human Capital Report 2016
World Economic Forum – Insight Report
June 2016 :: 48 pages
ISBN 978-1-944835-02-6

CONCLUSIONS [p.28]
Globally, nearly 35% of our human capital potential remains undeveloped, due to lack of learning or employment opportunities or both. The Human Capital Index reveals specific gaps in each country and points to the future outlook for major economies. It finds that many of today’s education systems are disconnected from the skills needed to function in today’s labour markets. While current education systems seek to develop cognitive skills, non-cognitive skills that relate to an individual’s capacity to collaborate, innovate, self-direct and problem-solve are increasingly important. Current education systems are also front-loaded in a way that is not suited to current or future labour markets. In many countries, education investments have not resulted in labour market returns for individuals and their families, due to unemployment, underemployment or large demographic segments remaining economically inactive. In others, regardless of education levels, work may be precarious, may insufficiently tap into existing knowledge or may not invest in the lifelong learning and retraining that must take place simultaneously throughout the work life cycle.

Technological change may be further exacerbating some of these challenges, but it is also providing a unique new opportunity to address and transform these concerns, both in learning and employment. These developments imply that we need to rethink how the world’s human capital endowment is invested in and leveraged for social and economic prosperity and the well-being of all. Governments, business leaders, educational institutions and individuals must each understand the magnitude of the change underway and fundamentally rethink the global talent value chain. In order to be proactive in our response to the future needs of economies, societies and individuals, we must re-think what it means to learn, what it means to work and what is the role of various stakeholders in ensuring that people are able to fulfil their potential.

The potential for technology to transform educational access and quality has been well documented. In addition, in a world where 13% of the working age population are own-account workers, 4% are unemployed, a further 7% are underemployed and 20% are inactive (in addition to 3 out of 4 increasingly healthy, and in many cases highly skilled, over 65 year-olds)—in all, some 44% of the world’s working age population, or 2 billion people—new technologies may also present an enormous opportunity to unlock and nurture the human capital potential of a sizeable share of the population around the globe. A wide range of research has shown the existing and potential benefits in the form of flexibility, accessibility, transparency and scale provided by new formats of employment. For workers, technology is lowering the access threshold to employment and multiplying opportunities to form new client-provider relationships and find new work. For employers, digital labour markets are expanding access to fresh talent. Yet well-founded concerns also remain about the fragmentation of work and its effects on income equality, income security and social stability, amongst other areas of concern.

Much of the focus of recent policymaking in labour markets has been on the challenges of managing new formats of work. Updated social safety nets and modern forms of unionization—such as digital freelancers’ unions—are also beginning to emerge in some countries to complement new models of work. It will be important for legislators to develop agile, thoughtful and forward-thinking governance to manage and regulate the rapidly emerging digital labour market as well as the disruptions to traditional forms of work, for optimal socio-economic results. It is also imperative that, in parallel, policymakers work with other stakeholders to deliver on the promise of technology for education and lifelong learning.

Businesses—whether traditional or new—will need to be a part of designing a new social contract, including re-thinking their role as a consumer of ‘ready-made’ human capital. Companies will need to rethink jobs as bundles of skills and invest in the lifelong learning, re-skilling and up-skilling of their present employees in addition to working closely with education systems to support the development of both general and specialized employability skills. In addition, while business cycles can naturally lead to peaks and troughs in employment, any socially responsible business in today’s deeply interconnected and transparent world must consider how it can contribute to mitigating unemployment and enhancing people’s abilities to earn a livelihood.

While much has been written about the various positive and negative employment scenarios that may emerge from the current wave of technological change, these forecasts are highly dependent on the actions we take today to leverage opportunities and mitigate risks. The private sector and public sector, along with other stakeholders, will need to work together to lead adaptation to the new world of learning and work. The World Economic Forum’s platform aims to provide this space, complementing the analysis in this Report and other insight tools, with a space for dialogue and action that is critical to our collective future.

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Media Release
28 Jun 2016
The Global Economy is Failing 35% of the World’s Talent
:: The Human Capital Report 2016 finds that globally only 65% of the world’s talent is being optimized through education, skills development and deployment during people’s lifetimes
:: Finland, Norway and Switzerland hold the top spots, utilizing around 85% of their human capital. Japan leads when it comes to 55 year-olds and over
:: Report aims to assess how public and private sector investments in education and skills can best prepare workforces for the future and how big data and the gig economy might drive greater opportunity for workers…

Satellite-Based Damage Assessment of Cultural Heritage Sites
2015 Summary Report of Iraq, Nepal, Syria & Yemen
June 2016 :: 16 pages
UNESCO, UNOSAT United Nations Institute for Training and Research

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Foreword [Excerpts]
[UNESCO]
…Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between UNITAR-UNOSAT and UNESCO in June 2015, cultural heritage around the world has continued to suffer on an unprecedented scale from intentional attacks, collateral damage, widespread looting and the effects of natural disasters. Many of the countries affected by conflicts remain inaccessible, while those hit by disaster are also often hard to enter immediately.

However, thanks to their collaborative efforts, UNITAR-UNOSAT and UNESCO are now able to monitor damage to cultural heritage via satellite imagery, as shown in this report. While UNOSAT provides technical expertise in remote monitoring, UNESCO contributes to this partnership through its vast network of cultural heritage experts, who help identify damage and put it into context. Satellite images are then corroborated by data collected on the ground, where available.

Satellite imagery helps to clarify situations, deploy cultural first aid wherever it is most needed, if the security conditions allow, and plan for future recovery. This report provides a glimpse of the potential of this technology and cooperation between UNESCO and UNITAR-UNOSAT, which we hope will be considerably developed in the future.

[UNOSAT]
…The examples given in this report illustrate both the invaluable heritage of the specific sites through UNESCO’s contribution and the resulting technical analysis performed by UNITAR-UNOSAT. With World Heritage properties and other cultural heritage under increasing risk of destruction, objective and timely information is crucial for UNESCO and affected governments to call for and take action towards its protection. UNOSAT is pleased to contribute to this important work and to once again guide the way to apply innovative satellite imagery solutions for UN sister agencies and Member States.

Overview
During the ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen and the earthquake that affected Nepal in 2015, the UNITAR’s UNOSAT programme has been supporting the humanitarian community with satellite imagery derived analysis. While conducting damage assessments of civilian infrastructure in those countries, it became evident that widespread destruction and damage has been inflicted on cultural heritage locations. This report is the result of a dedicated, combined effort between UNOSAT and UNESCO to assess the current status of a selection of cultural heritage sites.

:: Agency/Government/IGO Watch
We will monitor a growing number of relevant agency, government and IGO organizations for key media releases, announcements, research, and initiatives. Generally, we will focus on regional or global level content recognizing limitation of space, meaning country-specific coverage is limited. Please suggest additional organizations to monitor.

United Nations – Secretary General, Security Council, General Assembly  [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.un.org/en/unpress/
Selected Press Releases/Meetings Coverage

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1 July 2016
GA/11800
General Assembly Adopts Resolution Affirming Importance of Balanced, Integrated Implementation of Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
The General Assembly continued its fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopting a resolution on ways in which to redouble efforts to work swiftly, collectively and effectively in rooting out the scourge.

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30 June 2016
HR/5319
Meeting of States Parties Elects 9 Members to Child Rights Committee in Secret Balloting, Appoints Chairperson by Acclamation
The sixteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child elected nine members to four-year terms on the related United Nations Committee, while appointing Muhammad Anshor (Indonesia) as its Chairperson.

Elected by secret ballot to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the new members will replace those serving until 28 February 2017. The new members are: Amal Salman Aldoseri (Bahrain); Olga A. Khazova (Russian Federation); Cephas Lumina (Zambia); Benyam Dawit Mezmur (Ethiopia); Mikiko Otani (Japan); Luis Ernesto Pedernera Reyna (Uruguay); Ann Marie Skelton (South Africa); Velina Todorova (Bulgaria); and Renate Winter (Austria).

Also elected, by acclamation, was Vice-Chairperson Thorvardur Thorsson (Iceland)…

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29 June 2016
ECOSOC/6778
Capping Three-Day Humanitarian Segment, Economic and Social Council Adopts Text Urging Better Protection of People Trapped in Crisis, Aid Workers
The Economic and Social Council concluded its humanitarian affairs segment today, adopting a resolution recognizing the significant increase in forced displacement worldwide and stressing the need to respond to the specific needs of refugees, internally displaced persons and the host communities struggling to care for them.

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28 June 2016
GA/11796
General Assembly Elects 4 New Non-permanent Members to Security Council, as Western and Others Group Fails to Fill Final Vacancy
Membership Will Consider Proposal for Italy, Netherlands to Split 2-Year Term
In multiple rounds of voting, the General Assembly elected four new non-permanent members to the Security Council today, but was unable to fill a fifth seat after a highly-contested campaign.

Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Bolivia and Sweden were all elected to serve as non-permanent members of the Council for the next two years. After five rounds of voting, however, neither Italy nor the Netherlands met the required two-thirds majority for election. As a result, they announced a proposal whereby they would divide the term, with each serving one year on the Council…

UN OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true
Selected Press Releases – “TOP NEWS”
UN rights experts urge Maldives to halt execution and maintain 60 year-old unofficial moratorium

“Who is it for?” – UN experts call for a New Urban Agenda based on human rights for every one

“Promotion of linguistic rights and strengthening unity are key for Moldova” – UN rights expert

LuxLeaks trial: UN human rights expert deplores conviction of tax whistleblowers

Arbitrary Detention: UN expert group releases 22 Opinions from 17 countries

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights issues findings on France, Sweden, Honduras, Burkina Faso, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Angola and the UK

“Homelessness, a human catastrophe” – UN Expert hails media push to spark debate in San Francisco

EU / Trade agreements: UN rights expert warns against bypassing national parliaments

Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Health/Pages/SRRightHealthIndex.aspx

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29 June 2016
UN Experts Statement on Habitat III: New Urban Agenda Must be Based in Human Rights
As independent human rights experts1 appointed by the Human Rights Council, we call for a New Urban Agenda that embraces the transformative potential of human rights as a necessary framework for inclusive, vibrant and sustainable cities. At a time of unprecedented migration and urbanization, human rights are increasingly under threat and their protection is a central challenge of our time.

As the negotiations on the revised zero draft move forward in New York, this week (27 June-1 July) we appeal to Member States to ensure that human rights are placed at the centre of the agenda. This means including firm commitments to the realization of human rights in cities, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It will require the full participation of civil society and marginalized groups, including women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, the establishment of transparent mechanisms for monitoring, as well as the assurance of ensuring access to justice for all human rights…

UN OCHA [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.unocha.org/media-resources/press-releases
Selected Press Releases

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01 Jul 2016
Syrian Arab Republic: United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien Statement on the appointment of Yacoub El Hillo [EN/AR]

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30 Jun 2016
Nigeria: UN and partners step up assistance in north-east Nigeria, urge for more action
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Nigeria
(ABUJA, 01 July 2016): United Nations agencies and partners in north-eastern Nigeria are reporting high levels of severe malnutrition and desperate conditions in areas that have recently opened up to humanitarian assistance. “Improving security has enabled humanitarians to access areas that were previously cut off. The conditions we are seeing there are devastating,” says acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator for…

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29 Jun 2016
Chad: The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocates US$ 10 million for humanitarian assistance in Chad while the crisis remains greatly underfunded in a context of rising food insecurity
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Chad
(N’Djamena, 29 June, 2016): The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has approved, under the rapid response window, the allocation of US$ 10 million for the humanitarian response in Chad, to meet the most pressing needs of those affected by the crisis in the Lac region, and food insecurity and malnutrition in the Sahel belt. More than 110 000 people displaced in the Lac region due to the…

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28 Jun 2016
World: Green Cross and United Nations call for nominations to 2017 environment and emergency awards
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Green Cross International Country: World Geneva – 28 June 2016: Nominations for the 2017 Green Star Awards, celebrating outstanding efforts to address the environmental and humanitarian impacts of disasters and conflicts, were called for today by the United Nations and the non-governmental organisation Green Cross International. The biennial Green Star Awards, first presented in 2009, are a collaborative initiative between the UN…

UNICEF [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_89711.html
Selected Press Releases

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Iraq Crisis: 3.6 million children now at risk from increasing violence
BAGHDAD/AMMAN, 30 June 2016 – 3.6 million children in Iraq – one in five in the country – are at serious risk of death, injury, sexual violence, abduction and recruitment into armed groups, according to a new UNICEF report.
[See Week in Review above for more detail]

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Unprecedented level of food insecurity in South Sudan, UN agencies warn
JUBA, 29 June 2016 – Up to 4.8 million people in South Sudan – well over one-third of the population – will be facing severe food shortages over the coming months, and the risk of a hunger catastrophe continues to threaten parts of the country, three UN agencies warned today.

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Poverty, illiteracy and early deaths await world’s most disadvantaged children: UNICEF
NEW YORK, 28 June 2016 – Based on current trends, 69 million children under five will die from mostly preventable causes, 167 million children will live in poverty, and 750 million women will have been married as children by 2030, the target date for the Sustainable Development Goals – unless the world focuses more on the plight of its most disadvantaged children, according to a UNICEF report released today.
[See Week in Review above for more detail]

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UNICEF Statement on the Killings of Children in Deir-ez-Zor, eastern Syria
AMMAN, 26 June 2016 – According to UNICEF’s local partners in Syria, 25 children were reportedly killed yesterday in air-strikes on al-Quriyah town, in the eastern countryside of Deir-ez-Zor.

UNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/search?page=&comid=4a0950336&cid=49aea93a7d&scid=49aea93a40
Selected Press Releases

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30 June 2016
High-Level Roundtable 6-7 July 2016: “Call to Action: Protection Needs in the Northern Triangle of Central America”
On 6 and 7 July 2016, the Organization of American States and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will convene in San José, Costa Rica, a high-level roundtable meeting on refugees and displaced people from the Northern Triangle of Central America and the urgent need to find solutions to this growing protection situation.

The two-day event in San José, the first international meeting of its kind focused on current forced displacement in Central America, will bring together government representatives from the United States to Panama, UN organizations and key actors from both the humanitarian and development sectors at the national and regional level, including the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank and leading NGOs.

Hosted by the Government of Costa Rica with support from the Central America Integration System, the San José meeting comes two weeks after the UN Refugee Agency released its annual Global Trends report showing another big rise in forced displacement in the Americas last year.

The number of refugees and asylum-seekers from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras alone reached 109,800 in 2015 – a more than five-fold increase over three years – with most of them seeking safety in Mexico and the United States. Populations in those three countries, known collectively as the Northern Triangle of Central America, have been hard hit by widespread, life-threatening violence perpetrated by organized and well-armed transnational criminal groups…

IOM / International Organization for Migration [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases

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07/01/16
IOM Member States Endorse Move to Join United Nations
Switzerland – Member States of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) decided that IOM should join the United Nations system as a related organization.
[See Week in Review above for more detail]

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Assisted Voluntary Returns Peaked at 70,000 in 2015: IOM
07/01/16
Switzerland – IOM assisted 69,540 migrants from 97 host and/or transit countries and 156 countries of origin in 2015.

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Mediterranean Migrant Arrivals in 2016: 225,095; Deaths: 2,889
07/01/16
Italy – IOM reports an estimated 225,095 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2016 through 30 June, arriving in Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain.

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Yellow Fever Outbreak Confirmed in DR Congo: IOM Trains Border Health Officers
06/28/16
Democratic Republic of Congo – IOM has trained a first group of border health officials to combat an outbreak of yellow

WHO & Regional Offices [to 2 July 2016]

WHO announces head of new Health Emergencies Programme
WHO statement
28 June 2016
WHO has announced the appointment of Dr Peter Salama as the Executive Director of its new Health Emergencies Programme, at the level of Deputy Director-General. He takes up his new post on 27 July 2016.

Dr Salama is from Australia and is currently UNICEF Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa and Global Emergency Coordinator for the Crises in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. He has previously served with UNICEF as Country Representative in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, as Global Coordinator for Ebola, and as Chief of Global Health.

Prior to joining UNICEF in 2002, he worked with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), Concern Worldwide and MSF. Dr Salama is a medical epidemiologist who brings a wealth of experience in management of humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks. He has worked in public health for more than 20 years and published widely in the fields of maternal and child survival, refugee and forced migration and complex emergencies.
WHO’s new Health Emergencies Programme is designed to deliver rapid, predictable and comprehensive support to countries and communities as they prepare for, face or recover from emergencies caused by any type of hazard to human health, whether disease outbreaks, natural or man-made disasters or conflicts.

The development of the new Programme is the result of a reform effort, based on recommendations from a range of independent and expert external reports, involving all levels of WHO – country offices, regional offices and headquarters.

The new Programme unifies WHO’s standards and processes to strengthen the Organization’s response to health emergencies across the full risk management cycle of prevention, preparedness, response and early recovery.

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New checklist to make health estimates more transparent, accurate and reliable
June 2016
…The Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting, or GATHER, is a checklist of 18 best practices that sets the standard for disclosing how health estimates are developed. The GATHER checklist was developed by WHO and researchers from around the world including the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in Seattle, and was published today in the Lancet and PLOS Medicine.

“When the health and well-being of millions of people is at stake you need to be sure you have the best possible information to make the best possible decisions,” said Dr Ties Boerma, Director of WHO’s Department of Information, Evidence and Research. “GATHER is a crucial step towards making sure health estimates can stand up to scrutiny.”

GATHER includes requirements for disclosing which data are used to calculate estimates, and for making them available to others. It also includes a requirement to disclose how the computer code used to crunch the numbers can be accessed, making it possible for others to reproduce estimates, making them more robust.

Both WHO and IHME have agreed to comply with GATHER when they publish new global health estimates. Journals including the Lancet, PLOS Medicine, the International Journal of Epidemiology and the Bulletin of the World Health Organization plan to ask authors to comply with GATHER, and it is expected that other journals to follow suit. Several estimates compiled by WHO already follow GATHER principles, including child mortality, childhood causes of death and maternal mortality.

Better transparency improves credibility
GATHER will also help researchers to be more efficient and make better use of research funds; greater transparency will enable researchers to build on the work done by others, instead of wasting months or even years of work trying to reproduce it.

“Transparency gets to the essence of credibility in health science,” said Dr Christopher Murray, Director of IHME. “If researchers are not willing to be completely open about their sources of information and methods used for analysis, the credibility of their findings may be questioned. Those who adhere to the guidelines will raise the bar in terms of research excellence. And all of us will benefit from that higher bar.”

The production of global health estimates has increased tremendously in the past years, driven mainly by an increasing global demand for data on key indicators, such as those used to measure progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Sustainable Development Goals, which are far broader in scope than the MDGs, will only increase the demand for more, better data. Through initiatives such as the Health Data Collaborative, WHO is working with countries and partners to meet that demand.

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Global food safety standards body issues new guidance
28 June 2016 – The international food standards-setting body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, is meeting to discuss guidelines and standards for a range of issues, including the control of Salmonella in beef and pork, food hygiene to control foodborne parasites, nutrient reference values for food package nutrition labels, safety of food additives, pesticide residues in food, and arsenic levels in rice. The Codex is also considering its future work on antimicrobial resistance

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Highlights
WHO reaches 40 000 people with lifesaving treatments in Syria
June 2016 – As part of the United Nations interagency convoy on 29 June 2016, WHO delivered 43 000 lifesaving treatments to people in need in Arbeen and Zamalka, East Ghouta.

Improving access to quality medicines in Africa
June 2016 — WHO met with the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States recently to review a joint 4-year programme to improve access to quality medicines for 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The quality, safety, and pricing of medicines have been addressed by the programme.

Commitment to advancing global health security
June 2016 — WHO, governments, financial institutions, development partners, and health agencies from across the world have committed to accelerate strengthening and implementation of capacities required to cope with disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.

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Disease Outbreak News (DONs)
:: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Qatar 29 June 2016
:: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia 22 June 2016

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:: WHO Regional Offices
Selected Press Releases, Announcements
WHO African Region AFRO
:: WHO, governments and health agencies commit to advancing global health security
Bali, Indonesia, 30 June 2016 – The World Health Organization (WHO), governments, financial institutions, development partners, and health agencies from across the world have committed to accelerate strengthening and implementation of capacities required to cope with disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.
:: Fifteen African Countries and Partners Take stock of Progress Made in Access to Medicines – 29 June 2016

WHO Region of the Americas PAHO
No new digest content identified.

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
:: WHO, governments and health agencies commit to advancing global health security
30 June 2016

WHO European Region EURO
:: New course builds “soft skills” for greater health equity and well-being in policy 01-07-2016
:: New report calls for improved maternal nutrition to decrease children’s long-term risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity 29-06-2016
:: Fight against TB in focus during Regional Director’s visit to Slovakia 28-06-2016

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: WHO, governments and health agencies commit to advancing global health security
30 June 2016

WHO Western Pacific Region
:: Global Youth Tobacco Survey underscores urgent need to protect youth from tobacco harms
28 June 2016

UNAIDS [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/

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01 July 2016
UNAIDS Board underlines the need for accelerated action and increased investment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030
At its 38th meeting, the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board has stressed the need for accelerated action, increased investment, intensified partnerships and innovation in community-led service delivery to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

UNDP United Nations Development Programme [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter.html
Selected Press Releases/Announcements

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Jun 29, 2016
Helen Clark: Keynote Address on “Strengthening the Rule of Law to Sustain Peace and Foster Development – Lessons Learned from Eight Years of Support”
UNDP’s Annual Meeting on Strengthening the Rule of Law in Crisis-Affected and Fragile Contexts – New York, USA

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UNDP and the Global Fund sign US$8.7m grant to scale up HIV prevention measures in Afghanistan
Jun 27, 2016
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Fund signed a US$8.7 million grant to scale up HIV prevention measures and treatment for people most at risk of contracting the virus in Afghanistan, including injecting drugs users and prisoners.

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.unep.org/newscentre/?doctypeID=1
Selected Press Releases/Announcements

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01/07/2016
Climate Change Response Requires Finance, Cooperation and Participation
High-level session closes productive Africa Carbon Forum 2016

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Green Climate Fund Injects over $20 Million into UNEP-Backed Efforts to Adapt to Climate Change in The Gambia
The unprecedented project will generate cash returns of at least $77.5 million
01/07/2016

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Green Cross and United Nations call for nominations to 2017 environment and emergency awards
The Green Star Awards emphasize the nexus between the environment and the need to safeguard communities from the environmental impacts of emergencies.
28/06/2016

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Former Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim Takes Reins at UN Environment Programme
Solheim pledges to tackle major environmental issues such as ocean and air pollution, climate change, and nexus between conflict, migration and the environment
27/06/2016

UNISDR UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction [to 2 July 2016]
http://www.unisdr.org/archive

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1 Jul 2016
EU provides €6 million to make vulnerable cities resilient to disasters
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) aim to reduce disaster losses in some of the world’s most hazard prone cities with the initial aid of a €6 million grant from the EU, over the next three years.

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28 Jun 2016
Easing impact of drought on the Panama Canal
In the midst of one of the worst droughts to affect Central America in decades, the expanded Panama Canal is a model for how to adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risk.

UNESCO [to 2 July 2016]
http://en.unesco.org/news
Selected Press Releases/News

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30 June 2016
Satellite Imagery helping to monitor cultural heritage sites under threat
Cultural heritage around the world suffers from intentional attacks, collateral damage, looting and the effects of natural disasters. Reaching affected sites and areas quickly to monitor the situation, plan for restoration and prevent further loss often proves very difficult.

Thanks to a partnership between UNESCO and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), satellite images developed through UNITAR’s UNOSAT programme in 2015 have been contributing to the work of UNESCO and heritage experts to evaluate and protect sites in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Nepal. A new UNESCO-UNITAR summary report demonstrates how satellite imagery analysis is an increasingly important tool for assessing potential damage to cultural heritage sites.
[See Week in Review above for more detail]