Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2258 (2015), Security Council Renews Authorization for Passage of Humanitarian Aid into Syria
22 December 2015
SC/12179
In efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance reached people in need throughout Syria by the most direct routes, the Security Council today unanimously adopted resolution 2258 (2015), thus renewing for a period of 12 months two decisions taken in its resolution 2165 (2014) that authorized passage of aid into that country.

According to those stipulations, which were renewed until 10 January 2017, the 15-nation body decided that the United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners were authorized to use routes across conflict lines in Syria and the border crossings of Bab al-Salam, Bab al-Hawa, Al Yarubiyah and Al-Ramtha, in addition to those already in use, with notification to the Syrian authorities. (See Press Release SC/11708 of 17 December 2014.)

It further decided to establish a monitoring mechanism, under the authority of the United Nations Secretary-General, to monitor, with the consent of the relevant neighbouring countries of Syria, the loading of all humanitarian relief consignments of the United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners at the relevant United Nations facilities, also with notification to the Syrian authorities.

By the terms of the text, the Council — expressing grave concern at the continuing and growing impediments to the delivery of humanitarian assistance across conflict lines — demanded that all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, immediately comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as with all relevant Security Council resolutions, and recalled that some of the violations and abuses committed in Syria might amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Council further requested the Syrian authorities to expeditiously respond to all requests for cross-line deliveries submitted by the United Nations and their implementing partners, and to give such requests positive consideration.
Full Resolution text integrated into press release

Ethical principles for protecting health workers during armed conflict and other emergencies
WHO welcomes the publication “Ethical Principles of Health Care in Times of Armed Conflict and Other Emergencies” and encourages all health practitioners to apply these principles in all contexts, with particular attention to their importance in complex emergency settings where they can serve to highlight the impartiality of health care workers and help to protect health care from violence. This issue is of extreme importance to WHO and to the entire health community worldwide. This document provides additional strength to the first progress report to the SG and UNGA from WHO’s Director General in relation to UNGA Res/69/132, and to the draft Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health that will be presented to WHO’s Executive Board in January 2016. WHO takes every opportunity to repeat the importance of upholding the ethical principles of health care.

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ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH CARE IN TIMES OF ARMED CONFLICT AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Read the full document on principles of Health Care pdf, 1.67Mb
Within the framework of the Health Care in Danger project, the World Medical Association (WMA), the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM), the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) were consulted by the ICRC with the aim of these organizations agreeing on a common denominator of ethical principles of health care applicable in times of armed conflict and other emergencies. The following document, which is the result of these consultations, is without prejudice to existing policy documents adopted by these organizations.

Civilian and military health-care organizations share the common goal of improving the safety of their personnel and other health assets and the delivery of impartial and efficient health care in armed conflicts and other emergencies,

Referring to the principles of humanity, whereby human suffering shall be prevented and alleviated wherever it may be found and impartiality, whereby health care shall be provided with no discrimination;

Bearing in mind the standards of international humanitarian law, in particular the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, and of international human rights law, specifically the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966);

Considering the principles of professional ethics adopted by health-care professional associations, including the WMA Regulations in Times of Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence;

Endorse the following ethical principles of health care:

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. Ethical principles of health care do not change in times of armed conflict and other emergencies and are the same as the ethical principles of health care in times of peace.
2. Health-care personnel shall at all times act in accordance with relevant international and national law, ethical principles of health care and their conscience. In providing the best available care, they shall take into consideration the equitable use of resources.
3. The primary task of health-care personnel is to preserve human physical and mental health and to alleviate suffering. They shall provide the necessary care with humanity, while respecting the dignity of the person concerned, with no discrimination of any kind, whether in times of peace or of armed conflict or other emergencies.
4. Privileges and facilities afforded to health-care personnel in times of armed conflict and other emergencies are never to be used for purposes other than for health-care needs.
5. No matter what arguments may be put forward, health-care personnel never accept acts of torture or any other form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under any circumstances, including armed conflict or other emergencies. They must never be present at and may never take part in such acts.

RELATIONS WITH PATIENTS
6. Health-care personnel act in the best interest of their patients and whenever possible with their explicit consent. If, in performing their professional duties, they have conflicting loyalties, their primary obligation, in terms of their ethical principles, is to their patients.
7. In armed conflict or other emergencies, health-care personnel are required to render immediate attention and requisite care to the best of their ability. No distinction is made between patients, except in respect of decisions based upon clinical need and available resources.
8. Health-care personnel respect patients’ right to confidentiality. It is ethical for health-care personnel to disclose confidential information only with the patient’s consent or when there is a real and imminent threat of harm to the patient or to others
9. Health-care personnel make their best efforts to ensure respect for the privacy of the wounded, sick and deceased, including avoiding the use of health care for the wounded and sick, whether civilian or military, for publicity or political purposes.

PROTECTION OF HEALTH-CARE PERSONNEL
10. Health-care personnel, as well as health-care facilities and medical transports, whether military or civilian, must be respected by all. They are protected while performing their duties and the safest possible working environment shall be provided to them.
11. Safe access by health-care personnel to patients, health-care facilities and equipment shall not be unduly impeded, nor shall patients’ access to health-care facilities and health-care personnel be unduly impeded.
12. In fulfilling their duties and where they have the legal right, health-care personnel are identified by internationally recognized symbols such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Crystal as a visible manifestation of their protection under applicable international law.
13. Health-care personnel shall never be punished for executing their duties in compliance with legal and ethical norms.

FINAL
14. By endorsing these ethical principles of health care, the signatory organizations commit themselves to work for the promotion and implementation thereof wherever possible, including by appropriate dissemination amongst their members.

Call for Participation -New Research: “Stay and Deliver: Good practice for humanitarians in complex security environments”
22 Dec 2015
OCHA
In 2011, the Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published the landmark study “To Stay and Deliver: Good practice for humanitarians in complex security environments”.

The study identified and documented humanitarian organizations’ strategies and practices to maintain effective operations in insecure environments. It provided guidance on critical areas such as risk management, responsible partnerships, adherence to humanitarian principles, acceptance approaches and communication and negotiations with relevant actors.

Nearly five years on, OCHA, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and the Jindal School of International Affairs in India have decided to launch a follow-up study, to be conducted again by Humanitarian Outcomes. This review aims to assess the extent of implementation of the 2011 study’s recommendations, to examine changes that have occurred since its publication, and to evaluate how improvements in “staying” over the past years have led to improvements in our ability to “deliver” in volatile environments.

To support the research, OCHA has launched an online survey aimed at members of Humanitarian Country Teams, personnel from UN agencies, international organizations, and international, national and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

We would like to invite humanitarian partners working in the Middle East and North Africa to contribute to the study by completing the survey. In particular, we encourage NGO representatives and national humanitarian workers to participate.

The survey is available in English, French and Arabic, and all responses are anonymous.
:: English Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BG7LJVH
:: French Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XNFBK23
:: Arabic Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DB7VJZ5

Ebola Situation Report – 30 December 2015
SUMMARY
:: No confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were reported in the week to 27 December. On 29 December, WHO declared that human-to-human transmission of Ebola virus has ended in Guinea, after the completion of 42 days with zero cases since the last person confirmed to have EVD received a second consecutive negative blood test for Ebola virus RNA. Guinea has now entered a 90-day period of heightened surveillance.

:: The 8th meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) regarding the EVD outbreak in West Africa took place by teleconference on 15 December 2015. Based on the advice of the Committee, the Director-General declared that the 2014–15 Ebola outbreak continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern….
Editor’s Note:
Two important vaccine milestones were reached over the last few weeks with regulatory approval of a dengue vaccine – Dengvaxia [Sanofi Pasteur] – by Brazil, representing the third successful licensure following approval by Mexico and the Philippines earlier this month. Separately, an inactivated oral cholera vaccine – Euvichol [Eubiologics, Republic of Korea] – received WHO pre-qualification on 23 December 2015.

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

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31 December 2015
SC/12188-AFR/3296-L/3249
Security Council Press Statement on Closure of International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
The members of the Security Council mark the closure on 31 December 2015 of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) established by its resolution 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994.

The members of the Security Council acknowledge the substantial contribution of the ICTR to the process of national reconciliation and the restoration of peace and security, and to the fight against impunity and the development of international criminal justice, especially in relation to the crime of genocide.

The members of the Security Council emphasize that the establishment of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals pursuant to resolution 1966 (2010) was essential to ensure that the closure of the ICTR does not leave the door open to impunity for the remaining fugitives.

The members of the Security Council call upon all States to cooperate with the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and the Government of Rwanda in the arrest and prosecution of the eight remaining ICTR-indicted fugitives, and further call upon States to investigate, arrest, prosecute or extradite, in accordance with applicable international obligations, all other fugitives accused of genocide residing on their territories.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm their strong commitment to justice and the fight against impunity.

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23 December 2015
SC/12184
Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Yemen
[Excerpt]
The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, which continues to worsen. The members of the Security Council recognized that over 80 per cent of the population — 21 million people — require some form of humanitarian assistance and emphasized that the civilian impact of the conflict has been devastating, particularly for children and the 2.5 million internally displaced persons. The members of the Security Council expressed particular concern at the food security situation, with over 7 million people suffering severe food insecurity and a doubling in the number of children under five who are acutely malnourished. They recognized that functioning markets inside Yemen are essential to address the situation, as humanitarian assistance alone cannot overcome a humanitarian crisis of this scale.

The members of the Security Council noted that the humanitarian appeal for 2015 has been 52 per cent funded and urged the international community to contribute to the humanitarian appeal for 2016.

The members of the Security Council urged all parties to fulfil their commitments to facilitate the delivery of commercial goods, humanitarian assistance and fuel for civilian purposes to all parts of Yemen, as well as urgent measures to further ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. They also stressed the urgent need for commercially shipped food, medicine, fuel and other vital supplies to continue to enter Yemen through all of Yemen’s ports without delay as a humanitarian imperative because of the heavy dependence of Yemen and its people on imported food and fuel. In that regard, they urged all parties to work with the new United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism. The members of the Security Council called upon all sides to comply with international humanitarian law, including to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and civilian objects, to end the recruitment and use of children in violation of applicable international law, and to urgently work with the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations to bring assistance to those in need throughout the country…

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22 December 2015
SC/12180
Amid Worsening Humanitarian Situation, Latest Peace Talks Provide ‘Solid’ Basis for Renewed, Stronger Ceasefire in Yemen, Security Council Told
Despite deep remaining divisions, the latest round of peace negotiations between parties to the conflict in Yemen had provided a solid foundation for resumed talks in January and a renewed, strengthened cessation of hostilities, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy told the Security Council in today.

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22 December 2015
SC/12179
Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2258 (2015), Security Council Renews Authorization for Passage of Humanitarian Aid into Syria
In efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance reached people in need throughout Syria by the most direct routes, the Security Council today unanimously adopted resolution 2258 (2015), thus renewing for a period of 12 months two decisions taken in its resolution 2165 (2014) that authorized passage of aid into that country.

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21 December 2015
SC/12176
Syria Sinking Deeper into Violence, Top Officials Warn Security Council, Calling for Increased Humanitarian Aid Funding, Access to War-Torn Country
With 2015 drawing to a close, Syria continued to sink “deeper and deeper into violence and brutality”, top United Nations officials told the Security Council today, urging parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian aid to enter and the international community to fund a $3.2 billion appeal for 2016.

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21 December 2015
DC/3597
Joint Investigative Mechanism Panel Visits Syria
NEW YORK, 21 December 2015 (Joint Investigative Mechanism) — The three-member leadership panel of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism, led by its Head, Virginia Gamba, was in Damascus on 17 December for meetings with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic

UN OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true

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UN expert calls for fundamental rethink of global trading system
Press Releases
GENEVA (22 December 2015) – The Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas, deplores that developed countries evaded their Doha development commitments at the World Trade Organization’s 10th ministerial conference, held in Nairobi from 15 to 19 December 2015. Although a majority of States meeting in Nairobi wanted to have a clear reaffirmation of the Doha Framework, the opposition of some developed countries prevented the adoption of a consensus on this important point. Instead, he says, developed countries tried to pressure the developing world into agreements that undermine the promotion of the right to development and many provisions of human rights treaties…

UN OCHA [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.unocha.org/media-resources/press-releases

31 Dec 2015
World: CERF: Celebrating 10 years of success and envisioning the future
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: World Background CERF’s annual High-Level Pledging Conference, which also marked the kick-off of its 10-year anniversary campaign, took place on 17 December in New York. Member States and Observers, UN officials, and representatives of the humanitarian community attended the event during which they took stock of the Funds’ achievements, discussed its future and pledged their renewed support for the Fund for 2016.

23 Dec 2015
World: El Niño impact in Eastern Africa continues to require highest level of investment in preparedness and response
Source: Intergovernmental Authority on Development, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, World (Nairobi, 23 December 2015): The El Nino global climatic event has since May been the major driver of new humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa region. Enhanced rainfall continues in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda, and persistent drought has been reported in parts of Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan,…

22 Dec 2015
Yemen: Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Kyung-Wha Kang – Statement to the Security Council on the Humanitarian Situation in Yemen, New York, 22 December 2015
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: Yemen Madam President, Distinguished members of the Security Council, I thank you for this opportunity to brief the Council on the latest developments in Yemen on behalf of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Stephen O’Brien. The conditions today for the people inside Yemen are appalling. Around 7.6 million people now require emergency food assistance to survive. At least two million people are malnourished,…

22 Dec 2015
World: To Stay and Deliver: Good practice for humanitarians in complex security environments [EN/AR]
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country: World Dear Partners, In 2011, the Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published the landmark study “To Stay and Deliver: Good practice for humanitarians in complex security environments”. The study identified and documented humanitarian organizations’ strategies and practices to maintain effective operations in insecure environments.

21 Dec 2015
Syrian Arab Republic: Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Kyung-Wha Kang: Security Council briefing on Syria

21 Dec 2015
South Sudan: CERF: Innovation and impact: Building on the past and moving to the future – Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Mr. Eugene Owusu 17 december 2015

UNICEF [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_78364.html
Selected press releases

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UNICEF welcomes declaration of the end of Ebola outbreak in Guinea
CONAKRY, 29 December 2015 – Almost two years to the day when a toddler became the first victim of Ebola in West Africa, UNICEF welcomed the declaration that the outbreak has ended in Guinea, but cautioned that the thousands of children orphaned by the disease, as well as those who survived infection, will need continued support.

Nigeria conflict forces more than 1 million children from school
DAKAR/NEW YORK, 22 December 2015 – Violence and attacks against civilian populations in northeastern Nigeria and its neighboring countries have forced more than 1 million children out of school, UNICEF said today.

IOM – International Organization for Migration [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases
Selected Press Releases

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Over 3,770 Migrants Have Died Trying to Cross the Mediterranean to Europe in 2015
12/31/15
Geneva – With over 3,770 estimated deaths, 2015 has been the deadliest year on record for migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean, trying to reach Europe. In comparison, approximately 3,270 deaths were recorded in the Mediterranean in 2014. Globally, IOM estimates that over 5,350 migrants died in 2015.
The deadliest month in 2015 was April when nearly 1,250 migrants died, mainly due to the worst tragedy on record involving migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa, in which an estimated 800 migrants died when their overcrowded vessel capsized off the coast of Libya. Only 28 survivors were rescued and brought to Italy.

Irregular Migrant, Refugee Arrivals in Europe Top One Million in 2015: IOM
12/22/15
Greece – IOM confirmed yesterday (21/12) that over a million irregular migrants and refugees arrived in Europe in 2015, mostly from Syria, Africa and South Asia.

South Korea Welcomes First Refugees for Resettlement
12/22/15
Republic of Korea – For the first time in its history, the Republic of Korea will tomorrow (23/12) welcome its first group of 22 refugees from Myanmar for resettlement.

IOM Facilitates Resettlement of Refugees from Sudan to Germany
12/22/15
Sudan – An IOM charter flight has flown 179 Eritrean, Ethiopian and Syrian refugees (42 families) from the Sudanese capital Khartoum to Kassel in Germany for resettlement.

IOM Delivers Aid to Inaccessible Earthquake-Affected Areas in Afghanistan
12/22/15
Afghanistan – IOM has distributed relief items to 507 earthquake-affected families in Badakhshan province’s Wardoj and Baharak districts, where humanitarian access has limited in the past months.

Dominican Migration in Argentina: IOM Study
12/22/15
Argentina – IOM Argentina and the Argentine Commission for Refugees and Migrants (CAREF) have launched a new study: “Dominican Migration in Argentina. Pathways in the New Century (2000-2015).”

WHO & Regionals [to 2 January 2016]
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Ethical principles for protecting health workers during armed conflict and other emergencies
December 2015 — More than 600 health workers were killed and 958 injured in 32 countries during 2014. WHO has welcomed a statement of ethical principles for health workers that aims to ensure the impartiality and protection of medical personnel during armed conflicts and other emergencies.

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Research and development blueprint
December 2015 — WHO has convened a broad global coalition of experts to develop the blueprint and a platform for accelerated research and development to strengthen the emergency response. The blueprint will be presented to Member States at the next World Health Assembly in May 2016.

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Disease Outbreak News (DONs)
:: 22 December 2015 – Zika virus infection – Panama
:: 21 December 2015 – Zika virus infection – Honduras
:: 21 December 2015 – Zika virus infection – Cape Verde

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:: WHO Regional Offices
WHO African Region AFRO
:: End of Ebola transmission in Guinea
Geneva, 29 December 2015 – Today the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of Ebola virus transmission in the Republic of Guinea. Forty-two days have passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease tested negative for the second time. Guinea now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance to ensure that any new cases are identified quickly before they can spread to other people.
:: Six World Health Organization staff in Sierra Leone honoured – 18 December 2015

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

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
No new digest content identified.

WHO European Region EURO
No new digest content identified.

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: WHO delivers medical aid for 1.2 million people in Taiz, Yemen, during ceasefire
24 December 2015, Sana’a, Yemen — The World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered more than 100 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies for more than one million beneficiaries in 8 districts of the Taiz governorate, where more than 3 million people, including 392 000 internally displaced persons, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The health supplies, which were delivered following the announcement of the ceasefire, consist of urgently needed oxygen cylinders, medicines and medical devices, including surgical supplies and equipment for the management of trauma cases.

WHO Western Pacific Region
No new digest content identified.

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

Japan grants US$2 million to support host communities and displaced Syrians in Lebanon
Dec 23, 2015
The Japanese government has provided an emergency grant of US$ 2 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in response to the needs of host communities and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Using SMS texts to provide weather forecasts for small farmers in West Africa
Dec 22, 2015
Ignitia, a high-tech social enterprise, has joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA) with a commitment to deliver reliable, targeted, low-cost tropical weather forecasts via text messages to 1.2 million small-scale farmers in West Africa by the end of 2017. BCtA is a global initiative that encourages companies to fight poverty through inclusive business models. It is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations.

UNDP achieves climate neutrality in its global operations
Dec 22, 2015
As the international community has adopted a historic new climate agreement, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has achieved institution-wide climate neutrality through a combination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and offsetting

UN Division for Sustainable Development [to 2 January 2016]
http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/

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Synthesis and Inputs to Questionnaire for Secretary-General report on global follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda
Paragraph 90 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda requested the Secretary General, in consultation with Member States, to prepare a report for consideration at the current 70th session of the General Assembly in preparation for the 2016 meeting of the HLPF which outlines critical milestones towards coherent, efficient and inclusive follow-up and review at the global level.
Syntheses
:: Member States Synthesis
:: UN System Synthesis
:: Major Groups and other Stakeholders Synthesis

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

Director-General condemns destruction of vestiges in the Ancient City of Bosra, a Syrian World Heritage
24 December 2015

UNESCO Urges Partners to Strengthen Pastoralists Livelihood and Resilience
21 December 2015

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme [to 2 January 2016]
http://unhabitat.org/media-centre/news/
[Selected Announcements]

Cairo Declaration on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in the Arab Region Adopted
Cairo, 23 December 2015 – The Cairo Declaration on Housing, and Sustainable Urban Development in the Arab region was adopted on the last day of the first Arab Ministerial Forum for Housing and Urban Development…

…The Cairo Declaration on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development calls upon the Arab countries to formulate national plans in order to contribute to achieving the goals of sustainable development. In addition, it promotes the establishment of a national committee to follow up on all the relevant issues to sustainable urban development, gathering all government agencies concerned with urban development, the private sector and other stakeholders. The Cairo Declaration also confirms the interest and commitment in the Arab region towards the New Urban Agenda as the outcome of Habitat III, putting human beings at the centre. UN-Habitat was invited to support the efforts of AMFHUD. The declaration recognises UN-Habitat as a regional leading body entrusted to technically support the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes at the Arab regional level…

FAO Food & Agriculture Organization [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.fao.org/news/archive/news-by-date/2015/en/
[Selected Announcements]

Speed bumps and fast lanes on the road to Zero Hunger
With the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda adopted, the world has its eyes fixed firmly on the goal of Zero Hunger. Here are ten facts about our food systems, agriculture and rural development, pro-poor investment needs, and sustainable natural resource management to reflect on.
28-12-2015

El Niño lowers early production outlook in Southern Africa
Crop and livestock production prospects in Southern Africa have been weakened by the El Niño weather phenomenon that has depressed rains and increased temperatures. A reduced agricultural output would build on last year’s disappointing season, which has already contributed to higher food prices and “could acutely impact the food security situation in 2016,” according to a special GIEWS alert.
22-12-2015

WTO trade ministers move to eliminate agriculture export subsidies, but differences remain on other measures
While welcoming the Nairobi agreement, FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva stressed the need for a global trade framework in which countries can balance their pursuit of their national food security and development objectives without harming their trading partners.
21-12-2015

New DFID-FAO agreement paves way for stronger, easier collaboration
The Department for International Development of the United Kingdom (DFID) and FAO are deepening their partnership with a new agreement that will benefit ongoing and future collaborations in areas such as hunger reduction, land rights, forest governance, and community resilience to crises.
21-12-2015

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/pressrelease.aspx

Continuing Traffic Growth and Record Airline Profits Highlight 2015 Air Transport Results
22/12/15

UNWTO World Tourism Organization [to 2 January 2016]
http://media.unwto.org/news

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World Tourism Organization presents Global Report on Cultural Routes and Itineraries
21 December 2015
Developed in cooperation with the Tourism Agency of the Balearic Islands (ATB), the Global Report on Cultural Routes and Itineraries of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) provides key information about current trends and presents case studies in the field of the development of cultural routes, with an emphasis on the importance of protecting, preserving and conserving these itineraries.

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UNWTO’s Ulysses Prize awarded to Doctor Richard Butler
21 December 2015
The 12th UNWTO Ulysses Prize for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge in Tourism has been awarded to Dr Richard Butler, Emeritus Scholar of the Strathclyde Business School, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The Prize recognizes the invaluable work of Dr Butler in areas of capacity building and sustainability in the tourism sector.

ECHO [to 2 January 2016]
http://ec.europa.eu/echo/en/news

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EU provides urgent humanitarian assistance worth €12 million to Afghanistan
22/12/2015
The intensifying conflict in Afghanistan is taking a toll on civilians in both urban and rural areas and the country is again facing an acute humanitarian crisis. The European Commission is therefore providing additional €12 million in humanitarian assistance…

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EU increases humanitarian aid to South Sudan by €20 million
21/12/2015
As the situation in South Sudan worsens and aid delivery is increasingly challenging, the European Commission has released €20 million in new humanitarian assistance for the country. Food insecurity is at emergency levels…

Asian Development Bank [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.adb.org/news

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China’s slowdown and Asia’s growth – Shang-Jin Wei
Op-Ed / Opinion | 29 December 2015

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ADB in 2015: the Year in Review
Article | 29 December 2015
ADB had a busy, proficient year in 2015, embarking on critical reforms that will raise its total annual lending and grant approvals to as high as $20 billion, 50% more than the current level. It also provided immediate assistance to Nepal to “build back better”after the devastating April 25 earthquake. ADB agreed to double its annual climate financing in 2015 from the current $3 billion to $6 billion by 2020 to help countries in Asia reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. We look back at some of the most significant milestones of the year.

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Asian Economic Integration Report 2015: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development?
Publication | December 2015
Economic zones have played a key role in economic development in many Asian economies.

Special economic zones (SEZs) can play a catalytic role in economic development, provided the right business environment and policies are put in place. In Asia, SEZs can facilitate trade, investment, and policy reform at a time the region is experiencing a slowdown in trade and economic growth.

The Asian Economic Integration Report is an annual review of Asia’s regional economic cooperation and integration. It covers the 48 regional members of the Asian Development Bank. This issue includes Special Chapter: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development?

European Union [to 2 January 2016]
http://europa.eu/rapid/search-result.htm?query=18&locale=en&page=1
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives]

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State of Play: Measures to Address the Refugee Crisis
Date: 23/12/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 23 December 2015 State of Play: Measures to Address the Refugee Crisis Updated on 23 December The European Agenda on Migration adopted by the Commission in May 2015 set out the need for a comprehensive approach to migration management.

EU provides €6.6 million support for Libyan population
Date: 23/12/2015
European Commission – Fact Sheet Brussels, 23 December 2015 This support is financed under the European Neighbourhood Instrument in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The European Commission has finalised a new assistance package for Libya worth a total of €6.6 million.

EU provides €12 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
Date: 22/12/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 22 December 2015 The intensifying conflict in Afghanistan is taking a toll on civilians in both urban and rural areas and the country is again facing a critical humanitarian crisis.

EU increases humanitarian aid to South Sudan by €20 million
Date: 21/12/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 21 December 2015 With nearly 4 million people estimated unable to meet their food needs, South Sudan is on the brink of famine As the situation in South Sudan worsens and aid delivery is increasingly challenging, the European Commission has released €20 million in…

EU mobilises additional €40 million in support of Syrian population
Date: 21/12/2015
European Commission – Fact Sheet Brussels, 21 December 2015 The European Commission has adopted a package worth €40 million to tackle the longer-term development needs of the civilian population inside Syria, including Palestine refugees. This support is financed under the European Neighbourhood Instrument.