Work of the Organization – SecGen report (excerpts)

Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization 

 

 

 

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Chapter I

Introduction

1. This, my first annual report, comes at a time when the Member States and the peoples of the world are asking the United Nations to do more — in more spheres of activity, in more locations, in more challenging circumstances — than at any point in the Organization’s history. While the surging demand for our services is daunting, we must not shrink from this challenge. Indeed it should be welcomed. This is a sign not only of the many pressing needs in the world today, but also of the increasing recognition that they can best be addressed collectively, through the world’s only truly universal instrument, the United Nations.

2. In order to tackle effectively the full range of challenges coming our way, however, we will need to narrow the gap between aspiration and achievement. Enhancing our ability to deliver results consistently and effectively will require the full commitment of our Member States, as well as the reform and reorientation of the Organization.

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Chapter III

Peace and security

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Conflict prevention and peacemaking

43. Heavy demands were placed upon the United Nations in the past year in the area of conflict prevention and peacemaking. Perhaps the greatest test was once again in the Middle East. The situation in Iraq is causing widespread concern in the international community. The future of Iraq is vital to the stability of the region and the world. During the past year, the United Nations worked to foster regional engagement through initiatives including the International Compact with Iraq and continued to promote national reconciliation and consensus-building, in particular through support to the constitutional review process. We will continue to seek ways to assist Iraq through the challenges ahead. In Lebanon, the aftermath of the 2006 war saw political divisions deepen, rendering more difficult the fulfilment of various United Nations mandates in support of Lebanese sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. In the Middle East, the United Nations continues to promote a comprehensive peaceful settlement and the realization of a two-State solution in the face of challenges including intra-Palestinian tensions.

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Chapter IV

Human rights, the rule of law and humanitarian affairs

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Humanitarian affairs

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107. In 2007, the global refugee population continues to increase, owing primarily to refugee flows from Iraq. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees there are now an estimated 10 million refugees in the world, excluding Palestinian refugees in the area of operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Globally, there are now 24.5 million internally displaced persons.

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110. …  Humanitarian access to most of Iraq and key areas of Afghanistan, Somalia and the occupied Palestinian territory has also been severely limited.

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112. Demands for humanitarian assistance are likely to grow in the coming years, as are the challenges involved in providing it. I have called upon all Member States to increase their support for humanitarian action accordingly. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners are committed to assisting Governments in preparing for and responding to these challenges.

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