UN Condemns Continuing Use of Force in Western Libya

Under attack: Vehicles belonging to forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi explode after a coalition air strike


24 Mar 2011 14:48 Africa/Lagos

UN Secretary-General Condemns Continuing Use of Force in Western Libya

NEW YORK, March 24, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the continued use of force in the western part of Libya, including Zintan and Misrata. Once again, he reiterates his call for an immediate end to violence by all parties, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011), and for the responsibility to protect civilians. All those who violate international humanitarian and human rights law will be held fully accountable.

Source: UNITED NATIONS

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time 24 Mar 2011

14:48 UN Secretary-General Condemns Continuing Use of Force in Western Libya

23 Mar 2011 21:57 African Union Chairman Obiang Supports Conclusions of High-Level AU Committee on Libya

20:22 Focus-Libya / NATO now in play. Italy's role. Frattini reporting to the Senate today

20:05 Libya / EU imposes additional sanctions following the adoption of UNSCR 1973

13:45 Libya Retains Scud Missiles

Gaddafi not a target of western airstrikes

Gaddafi not a target of western airstrikes




After two days of strikes by western forces on Libyan air defenses, the Pentagon said the military is not going after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Jon Decker reports.
© 2011 Reuters



18 Mar 2011 15:14 Africa/Lagos




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Statement by the UN Secretary-General on Libya

NEW YORK, March 18, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Security Council today has taken an historic decision. Resolution 1973 affirms, clearly and unequivocally, the international community's determination to fulfil its responsibility to protect civilians from violence perpetrated upon them by their own government. The Resolution authorizes the use of all necessary measures, including a no-fly zone to prevent further casualties and loss of innocent lives. In adopting this Resolution, the Security Council placed great importance on the appeal of the League of Arab States for action.


Given the critical situation on the ground, I expect immediate action on the Resolution's provisions. I am prepared to carry out my responsibilities, as mandated by the resolution, and will work closely with Member States and regional organizations to coordinate a common, effective and timely response.


Once again, I join the Council in calling for an immediate cease-fire, a halt to all attacks on civilians and full humanitarian access to those in need. Our strenuous diplomatic efforts will continue. Following his mission to Tripoli, my Special Envoy for Libya met in Cairo today with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. He will brief me this weekend on the results of his conversations. I myself will travel to the region to advance our common efforts in this critical hour.



Source: UNITED NATIONS

The UN Secretary-General Message on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2 December 2009

26 Nov 2009 16:36 Africa/Lagos

The UN Secretary-General Message on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2 December 2009


NEW YORK, November 26, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we express our commitment to the complete eradication of slavery and slavery-like practices.

Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “no one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and slave trade shall prohibited in all their forms”. Yet slavery remains a grave and unresolved problem. This is true in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.

In our globalized world, new forms of slavery have taken shape. The list of abhorrent practices, new and old, is now shockingly long, and includes debt bondage, serfdom, forced labour, child labour and servitude, trafficking of persons and human organs, sexual slavery, the use of child soldiers, the sale of children, forced marriage and the sale of wives, and the exploitation of prostitution.

The majority of those who suffer are the poor and socially excluded groups such as minorities and migrants. The overlapping factors of poverty, class and race create structural problems and cycles of marginalization that are hard to break.

Indigenous peoples are more exposed to bonded labour because in many countries they have limited access to land. Gender inequalities and discrimination, lack of education, desperation for work and demand for cheap labour also trap people. The global economic and financial crisis threatens to heighten vulnerability further still.

Combating slavery means not only its direct prohibition by law but also fighting against poverty, illiteracy, economic and social disparities, gender discrimination and violence against women and children. We need to enforce laws against slavery; create mechanisms to combat such practices; reinforce bilateral, regional and international cooperation, including with non-governmental organizations that assist victims; and launch awareness raising campaign.

On this International Day, let us renew our pledge to assist and protect the victims and to do our utmost to ensure the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.


Source: United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson



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