Tuesday, 20 January 2004
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Iraqi Delegation Briefs Security Council on UN's Future Role in Iraq

The future role of the United Nations in Iraq was the major talking point last evening when an Iraqi delegation briefed members of the UN Security Council. Council president Ambassador Heraldo Munoz of Chile described the talks as "a constructive exchange of views." That view was echoed by Iraqi foreign minister Hoshiyar Mahmud Muhammad, who told reporters that the mood of the meeting was very positive and very constructive:

"But there is a general consensus in fact among all members of the Security Council that we need the UN and we need it to be back and to help move this political process forward."

He said it was agreed that there is a need for the UN to move in and help in the political process. The briefing to the Council followed talks with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan earlier in the day.

UN Envoy for Children in Armed Conflict Calls for Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism

The general situation for children remains grave and unacceptable. That according to the Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict, Olara Otunnu. He says parties to conflict continue to violate with impunity the rights of children:

"The impact of armed conflict on children takes grave and multiple forms: children are killed and maimed, raped, abducted, denied humanitarian access, robbed of their birthright through the plunder of natural resources."

Mr. Otunnu says the Security Council must lead the way in taking measures that are capable of making the "era of application" a reality for children exposed to war.

UNICEF Chief Urges Security Council to Work Harder to End Use of Child Soldiers

The top official of the UN children's agency (UNICEF) has condemned the violations of the rights of children in times of war. Carol Bellamy urged the UN Security Council to work harder to end the use of child soldiers, the killing and maiming of children, abductions and sexual violence against boys and girls:

"We can only begin to imagine how it must feel for a child to experience the fear and uncertainty that come with the threat of war, the horror of war, and the long aftermath - when schools are closed."

Ms. Bellamy said effective monitoring and reporting on children's rights and violations are essential conditions for ending impunity for crimes committed against children.

Disarmament Remains a High Priority: Annan

Disarmament remains a high priority for the international community. That is what Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a message to the 2004 session of the Conference on Disarmament. The Secretary-General said recent events have inspired demands for new efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of arms control and disarmament agreements and to revitalise the multilateral disarmament machinery.
Mr. Annan's message was read by the Secretary-General of the conference, Sergei Ordzhonikidze:

"I have repeatedly voiced concerns about the continuing impasse in the Conference and I have called for prompt political action to break it. I remain hopeful that progress will be possible in the year ahead."

The Secretary-General said the Conference remains the world's sole multilateral disarmament negotiating body and nothing would better demonstrate its relevance than the resurgence of political will.

UNHCR Prepares for Burundian Refugee Repatriation

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR), is re-establishing field offices in areas close to the border between Burundi and Tanzania. UNHCR media officer, Jenny Clark, says it is all part of preparations for the possible return of more than 300-thousand Burundian refugees remaining in camps in Tanzania:

"Facilitated voluntary returns of Burundian refugees from Tanzania and other parts of Burundi have been increasing following the signing of a ceasefire agreement and a power-sharing agreement between the transitional government and the most important rebel group in Burundi, the FDD, in late 2003."

The refugee agency says it has facilitated returns only to certain accessible provinces, mainly in the north and centre of the country, due to security constraints.