Thursday 26 June 2014

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, June 26.

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June.
Día Internacional de las Naciones Unidas en Apoyo de las Víctimas de la Tortura, 26 de junio.
Международный день в поддержку жертв пыток, 26 июня.
Journée internationale pour le soutien aux victimes de la torture, 26 juin.
支持酷刑受害者国际日,6月26.
 اليوم الدولي لمساندة ضحايا التعذيب







Secretary-General's Message on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June 2014.

Every day, mental and physical torture and ill-treatment are intentionally inflicted on women, men, children in all regions of the world at the instigation of public officials – the very people whose job it is to enforce the rule of law, protect human rights and keep people safe.

The prohibition of torture is absolute.  The Convention against Torture states unequivocally that the use of torture is illegal under any circumstances, including armed conflict, the fight against terrorism, political instability or other emergency conditions.  All 155 States that have ratified this treaty have committed to fight impunity by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting violations and bringing perpetrators, no matter their level of office, to justice. They have also accepted the obligation to provide redress to the victims and their families.

Regrettably, the right of victims of torture to effective remedies, including rehabilitation, is yet to become a reality, in particular in the context of armed conflicts and large-scale humanitarian crisis.

The Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture is a practical tool of the United Nations to extend prompt assistance to victims of torture and their families.  Today, along the borders with Syria, the Fund is supporting projects providing vital services to victims of torture fleeing violence and persecution.  Essential psycho-social assistance is being delivered to help victims of all age groups recover and regain their dignity.  I thank the States and private donors that are supporting the Fund's efforts, and urge even more to join in this work.

I urge States that have not yet done so to ratify the Convention against Torture, which this year marks 30 years since its adoption. As we honour the victims on this International Day, let us pledge to strengthen our efforts to eradicate this heinous practice.

Ban Ki-moon

Ratification of the Convention against Torture and other cruel, Inhuman or Degrating treatment or Punishment, January 2013.

Status of ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment



Join the forum : International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, June 26th.





United Nations Voluntary Fund For Victims of Torture, List of grantees 2014, 38th session of the Board of Trustee

The UN Torture Fund does not receive contributions from the UN Regular Budget or the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Voluntary contributions are made mainly by Member States of the United Nations. Private foundations and individuals contribute as well currently, to a symbolic extent (less than 1%).
In line with UN Rules and Regulations Programme support costs, i.e. overheads, are kept at a minimum, and do not exceed 13% on a yearly basis. Such costs include staffing and equipment.
In 2010, the UN Torture Fund received approximately US$9.4 million in contributions from 25 donors (including 23 Member States) a decrease of 13.8 per cent compared to 2009, when 31 donors supported its activities.
In 2011 the UN Torture Fund faced an additional shortfall to continue to meet requests from grantees at the 2010 level, as contributions were limited to US$7.9 million, which compelled the Board to decide on strategic cuts to grantees.
For 2012, additional cuts had to be applied to all projects. Namely, a decrease of 40 per cent applied to grants awarded to ongoing projects located in Western European and Others Group (WEOG) countries, while the level of support to projects located in other regions was reduced by 30 per cent. With a view to mitigating the effects of the cuts on small-grass roots organizations, in particular those located in remote regions where access to alternative funding is difficult, no strategic cut was applied to grants of US$20,000 or below.
For 2013, at its thirty-sixth session the Board was compelled to maintain the strategic cuts to grants introduced in 2012 in addition to those already introduced for the 2011 cycle, which had decreased by 40 per cent grants awarded to projects located in States of the group of Western European and
other States and by 30 per cent grants awarded to projects located in other regions.
For 2014, due to a further decrease in contributions received, the Board was compelled to introduce measures to absorb the funding shortage. Cuts were introduced in a proportional manner, using among others criteria such as the grantee’s dependency to the Fund and the longevity of support from the Fund to the grantee.
It is to be noted that, as a rule, the maximum support to all grantees was capped at US$80,000 instead of the usual US$200,000. In addition, funding for training and seminars for professionals assisting victims was capped at US$5,000, instead of the usual US$30,000. As it was already the case in 2011, support for direct assistance to new grantees was capped at a maximum of US$20,000 instead of the usual US$50,000.
The need for states to continue to contribute to this crucial humanitarian Fund was recalled by the marking the International day in Support of Victims of Torture.

The historical evolution of contributions to the UN Torture Fund since its creation is charted below.

Wednesday 25 June 2014

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2014 , 26 June,

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June,
Theme 2014 : « A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.»

Día Internacional de la Lucha contra el Uso Indebido y el Tráfico Ilícito de Drogas,26 de junio,
Tema de 2014: « Un mensaje de esperanza: Los trastornos por uso de drogas son prevenibles y tratables.»

Journée internationale contre l'abus et le trafic de drogues, 26 juin,
Thème 2014 - « Un message d'espoir : Oui c'est possible de prévenir et de traiter les troubles liés à l'usage des drogues. »

Международный день борьбы со злоупотреблением наркотическими средствами и их незаконным оборотом, 26 июня,

禁止药物滥用和非法贩运国际日, 6月26日,
« 2014年主题: “希望的信息——药物使用障碍是可以预防和治疗的”»

الصفحة الرئيسية - اليوم الدولي لمكافحة إساءة استعمال المخدرات والاتجار غير المشروع بها
ع عام 2014: رسالة أمل — يمكن الوقاية من الإضطرابات الناجمة عن تعاطي المخدرات وعلاجه









Secretary-General's Message on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June 2014.


Drug abuse and illicit trafficking have calamitous consequences for the world’s efforts to deliver greater prosperity and equality for all.  There are up to 200,000 preventable deaths each year from overdoses.  Illicit drugs spawn criminal violence and weaken a state’s essential institutions.

Countries emerging from conflict or escaping economic decline can be overwhelmed when illicit drugs pour across their borders.  The United Nations, working across peacekeeping, law enforcement, health, human rights and other related areas, is strongly committed to helping them repel illicit drugs and prevent spill-over from becoming takeover.

On the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I urge the international community to strengthen its efforts to confront illicit drugs as an integral element in building a safe and sustainable future.

Ban Ki-Moon



14 Jul 2014 - UN Secretary-General's video message at the High Level Panel Discussion on “Sustainable Development and the World Drug Problem: Challenges and Opportunities".
 






Statement from Mr Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June 2014.

Illicit drugs threaten people's health and welfare. Up to 200,000 people die every year due to illicit drugs; but drugs do not just affect the user, they cause tremendous hardship and misery to families and loved ones.

Drug use disorders undermine close relationships, damage home lives, including those of children, and can ruin education and employment opportunities. Their impact is felt in communities, criminal justice systems and across society.

UNODC's theme for this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking offers a message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.

Those who suffer from drug use disorders can be supported through evidence-based treatment, and many of those who die, do so from overdoses that are preventable. Children and young people must also be educated on the dangers of illicit drugs.

My message today has three components.

    First. Sustained success against illicit drugs requires a balanced, cooperative, and integrated approach founded on the conventions that addresses both supply and demand reduction;
    Second. A balanced approach includes comprehensive measures focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social protection and cohesion; and
    Third. Science holds the key. UNODC is bridging the gap between science and practice by fostering a dialogue between policy makers and the scientific community.

Together these elements form part of UNODC's global mission to promote and support access to drug dependence treatment and care services and HIV prevention, for people who use drugs, in line with human rights standards.

On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, it is important to remember that drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. That, where there is help, there is also hope.


Events Organized for Word Drug Day 2014

The World Drug Report

World Drug Report 2014


23 June 2014 - The World Drug Report 2014 will be presented to Member States on 26 June by UNODC's Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, in Vienna, during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The report will be launched during a Special Event of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

The World Drug Report provides an annual overview of the major developments in drug markets for the various drug categories, ranging from production to trafficking, including development of new routes and modalities, as well as consumption. A section of the World Drug Report 2014 provides a global overview of the latest developments with respect to opiates, cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines (including "ecstasy") and the health impact of drug use. Another section addresses the control of precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.

Follow @UNODC on Twitter and use #WDR2014 or #WorldDrugReport for updates.


Promotional Material :


UNODC leads the global campaign to raise awareness about the major challenge that illicit drugs represent to society as whole, and especially to the young. The campaign encourage young people to put their health first and not to take drugs.

 Brochure "Get the Facts"



ForumWorld Drug Day, June 26th.

Cannabis  - All form of cannabis are usually smoked, Cannabis resin and oil can also be swallowed or brewed in tea.

Cocaine  - It is usually sniffed,snorted or injected, whereas crack is smoked.
Heroine - It is usually injected but can also be snorted, smoked or inhaled.
LSD - D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, It is usually swallowed.
Ecstasy - It is usually swallowed, but can also be snorted and inhaled.







Methamphetamine - Crak meth, Ice, Crystal meth, Tik, Shabu, Yaba,  It can be swallowed, sniffed; snorted, smoked or injected.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is leading the global campaign to raise awareness about the major challenge that illicit drugs represent to society as a whole, and especially to the young. The goal of the campaign is to mobilize support and inspire people to act against drug use.
UNODC encourages as many awareness-raising activities as possible around the globe and invites individuals, non-profit organizations, the private sector and Member States to get involved by:
  • Organizing outreach or institutional events to mark 26 June, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
  • Spreading the word about the campaign through your own networks and contacts
  • Using the campaign slogan and logo in promotional products, websites and social media
  • Donating funds to your local NGO in support to drug prevention and treatment efforts, or making in-kind contributions to the campaign and related events

Tuesday 24 June 2014

International Day of the Seafarer 2014, June 25.

Day of the Seafarer, Día de la Gente de Mar, День моряка,, 年海员日致辞, Journée des gens de la mer, لعام ارة البح يوم


Message from Koji Sekimizu Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization Day of the Seafarer 2014.
Theme 2014 - The Seafarers brought me ...

国际海事组织秘书长 Koji Sekimizu 2014 年海员日致辞
 海员日主题- “海员为我们带来了…”
لعام ارة البح يوم 2014 الدولية البحرية للمنظمة العام الأمين كلمة السيد Koji Sekimizu.
يوم من البحارة 2014 - الموضوع - جلب البحارة لي ..

День моряка 2014 года. Обращение Коджи Секимицу,Генерального секретаря Международной морской организации.
Тема Дня моряка -  «Моряки привезли мне...»

Día de la Gente de Mar de 2014 Mensaje de Koji Sekimizu Secretario General de la Organización Marítima Internacional
Lema del Día de la Gente de Mar: "La gente de mar me trajo..."

Journée des gens de la mer 2014,Message du Secrétaire général de l'Organisation maritime internationale, M. Koji Sekimizu
Thème de la Journée des gens de mer -"Les gens de mer m'ont apporté...."

On 25th June every year, Day of the Seafarer celebrates the vital yet often hidden work done by seafarers to transport goods and commodities all around the globe. The film illustrates the unseen connections between those who serve at sea and the things we take for granted in our everyday lives.










Campaign Background
In 2010, the Diplomatic Conference which met in Manila to adopt milestone revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (the STCW Convention) and its associated Code, also agreed that the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole, should be marked annually with a ‘Day of the Seafarer’. The date chosen was 25 June, the day on which the amendments were formally adopted.
The campaign objectives are:
• to increase awareness among the general public of the indispensable services you render to international seaborne trade, the world economy and society at large;

• to send a clear message to you that we recognize and appreciate your services; that we understand the extraordinary conditions and circumstances of your profession; that we do care about you; and that we do all that we can to look after and protect you when the circumstances of your life at sea so warrant; and

• to redouble our efforts at the regulatory level to create a better, safer and more secure world in which you can operate.


IMO will be celebrating the fourth edition of its global campaign: Day of the Seafarer, held every year on 25 June.
Seafarers are the people without whom food, clothes, gifts, gadgets or even basic needs would not reach our doors. We rely on them every day. Yet have you ever said thank you to a seafarer? Chances are you haven't.
 
For this year’s campaign, we invite you to complete the sentence “Seafarers brought me………..” with a word denoting an object or something specific of your choosing – and if possible, to supplement this with a photo, video and/or written message and post it on the platform of your choice using the social media hashtag #thankyouseafarers
You can also voice your support on our virtual wall here: http://dayoftheseafarer2014.imo.org/
virtual_wall.png
Watch and share the official video message from our Secretary-General shot in the port of Hamburg.

For step-by-step instructions on how to participate in our campaign, download our toolkit

Sunday 22 June 2014

International Widows Day (IWD) 2014, June 23.


International Widows’ Day, 23 June.


No woman should lose her rights when she loses her husband – but an estimated 115 million widows live in poverty, and 81 million have suffered physical abuse.
Girls married to much older men are especially vulnerable.

Let us use International Widows’ Day to advocate for the rights of all widows so they can enjoy better lives and realize their great potential to contribute to our world.
Ban Ki-moon




 International Widows Day (IWD) is a global day of focus for effective action to raise awareness and help widows and their children around the world who are suffering through poverty, illiteracy, HIV/AIDS, conflict and social injustice. There are an estimated 245 million widows and 500 million children in the world, together with their family members the number is well over a billion people. Through no fault of their own they lose their husband or father and continue to suffer for the rest of their lives through stigma, discrimination and poverty. On the 22nd December 2010 at the 65th UN General Assembly, the United Nations recognised 23rd June as International Widows Day.

Why the UN recognised International Widows Day – 23rd June ?

  °  245 million widows and over 500 million children suffer in silence worldwide
   ° Over 115 million widows live in poverty struggling to survive
  °  Many of these women and their children are malnourished, exposed to disease, and subjected to extreme forms of deprivation
  °  Widowed women experience targeted murder, rape, prostitution, forced marriage, property theft, eviction, social isolation, and physical abuse
   ° 1.5 million widows’ children in the world die before their fifth birthday
  °  Children of widows face horrors such as child marriage, illiteracy, loss of schooling, forced labour, human trafficking, homelessness and sexual abuse
  °  HIV/AIDS, armed conflict and poverty are amongst the most prolific causes of widowhood
  °  Persecution and abuse against widows and their children is not a crisis limited to the developing world, large groups of widows can also be found in Europe, including Russia and Central Asia
  °  Widows in developed countries face social isolation and commonly live with severe insecurity and poverty due to lack of affordable health care and employment.


 Forum and Discussion of The Day

Join the Forum : International Widow's Day, June 23.






Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity, Picture It!

UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka cordially invites you to the launch of UN Women's global campaign to mark the 20th anniversary of the World Conference on Women in Beijing.

Speakers include United Nations Deputy Secretary-General,Jan Eliasson ; Under Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director,Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; activist Gloria Steinem and other eminent personalities, along with renowned musical artists Women of the World, Girl Be Heard and spoken-word artist Carlos Andrés Gómez.

26 June 2014 , Empowering women, Empowering Humanity Picture It! • 5-7 pm • Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th Street, New York

RSVP to http://goo.gl/BTBB9p

Resources

Marking International Widows’ Day 2014, Ban urges end to harmful practices, abuse against women


United Nations Public Service Day 2014, 23 June.

 


The annual observance of Public Service Day highlights the invaluable contributions of public servants and administrators in our efforts to build a better world for all.
At a time of complex and interdependent global challenges, effective governance and efficient public administration are central to meeting our development goals. They will also be vital for implementing the post-2015 development agenda.
At today’s commemoration in Seoul, the United Nations will recognize 19 public institutions from 14 countries for their outstanding achievements. The winners and finalists come from different regions and different levels of development, but what they have in common is having overcome complex challenges through innovative public service. They have revitalized education for the marginalized, enhanced transparency and accountability, supported environmental protection and deployed technology to increase the efficiency of health and water services. These trail-blazing efforts have resulted in greater equity and inclusion in the delivery of public services in their communities. 
I congratulate these institutions for their dedication to excellence.  I encourage all who work in public service to learn from them and take inspiration from their successes.
Ban Ki-moon




The 2014 United Nations Public Service Forum, Day and Awards Ceremony will take place in Seoul, Republic of Korea at the Korea International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX) from 23 to 26 June 2014. Focusing on the theme “Innovating Governance for Sustainable Development and Well-being of the People”, the Forum will be organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM), in partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in collaboration with the hosting Government of the Republic of Korea.

Innovating Governance for Sustainable Development and Well-being of the people - 2014 UN public Service Forum and Awards Cerenomy - 23-26 June 2014, KINTEX (Goyang, Gyeonggil)


In line with the search for Sustainable Development, the United Nations is dedicated to promoting exchange of experiences, ideas and best practices concerning innovations in governance and public administration in order to contribute to social, economic, and environmental development. The General Assembly itself has reiterated, in resolution 57/277, that particular emphasis should be given to the exchange of experience related to the role of public administration in the implementation of internationally agreed goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration. In resolution 50/225, it also underlined the importance of enhancing international cooperation in the field of public administration, including South-South and inter-regional cooperation.


23-26 June 2014 -Innovating Governanc for Sustainable Development and Well being of People, 2014 UNPSA, Seoul republic of Korea.
  OVERALL EVENT INFORMATION


AD-HOC EXPERT GROUP MEETING AND CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOPS



The United Nations Public Service Forum is a unique global event on public governance that provides a platform to explore, discuss and learn about: Emerging challenges, issues and trends - what are the major challenges and issues governments are facing at present and what is their vision for the future?; Innovative practices to address these challenges - what are the governance solutions that are being spearheaded in different parts of the world?; Capacity development strategies, approaches and tools - how can we learn from these practices and what tools are available or can be developed to move forward?  
The parallel Ad-Hoc Expert Group Meeting, the Capacity Development Workshops and the Ministerial Round Table will be on the following themes: 
  • Ad-Hoc Expert Group Meeting on Innovating Governance for Sustainable Development
  • Workshop 1: "Innovation and e-Governance for Sustainable Development"
  • Workshop 2: "Innovation in Public Accountability: The Role of Supreme Audit Institutions and Citizens"
  • Workshop 3: "What Women Get:  Transforming Public Service Delivery to Respond to Women and Girls"
  • Workshop 4: "Transformative Initiative towards Open Competent and Service Oriented Government"
  • Workshop 5: "E-Government in the Smart Society; the Way Forward: One Day Workshop (24th of June Only)
  • Special Session: Effective Governance System for Sustainable Development in the Post-2015 Era
  • Ministerial Roundtable


ABOUT THE CO-ORGANIZERS 



Media Minimize


Forum
The United Nations Public Service Awards is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. Through an annual competition, the UN Public Service Awards promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service

MEDIA COVERAGE


In its Resolution 57/277 the United Nations General Assembly designated 23 June as the United Nations Public Service Day.

The United Nations Public Service Awards Programme (UNPSA), which is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service, rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. Through an annual competition, the UNPSA promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public service. It encourages exemplary public service and recognizes that democracy and successful governance are built on a competent civil service. Since 2003, UNDESA has collected, shared, and disseminated innovative practices in public governance through the UNPSA and other knowledge bases. The UNPSA aims at discovering innovations in governance; reward excellence in the public sector; motivate public servants to further promote innovation; enhance professionalism in the public service; raise the image of public service; enhance trust in government; and collect and disseminate successful practices for possible replication.

Coming soon.


EGMS, WORKSHOPS & MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLE

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

PRESENTATIONS (tba)

  • Session 1: E-Government Global/Regional Trends and Emerging Issues
  • Session 2: Collaborative Leadership for Whole-of-Government
2014 UNPSA Winner- "The National Contact Centre", eGovernment Authority (Kingdom of Bahrain) - SYNOPSIS
2014 UNPSA Winner - “Social Security Information System (SSIS)”, Korea Health and Welfare Information Service (Republic of Korea) - SYNOPSIS
2014 UNPSA Winner - “Uruguay Competes”, National Civil Service Bureau (Uruguay) - SYNOPSIS
  • Session 3: Policies and Strategies for Innovative Service Delivery
2014 UNPSA Winner -"I-SEHA", Ministry of Health (Kingdom of Bahrain) - SYNOPSIS
2014 UNPSA Winner - "Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP)" Gauteng Department of Education (South Africa) - SYNOPSIS
2014 UNPSA Winner -"Children Working in Ankara Streets Project" Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (Turkey) - SYNOPSIS
  • Session 4 - E-Government for Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States
EVALUATION REPORT
FINAL REPORT


BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS


BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
PRESENTATIONS (tba)

CONTACTS
John-Mary Kauzya
Chief

Public Administration Capacity Branch
Division for Public Administration and Development Management
kauzya@un.org

Garegin Manukyan
Public Administration Affairs Officer

Public Administration Capacity Branch
Division for Public Administration and Development Management
manukyan@un.org

Tiblet Kelemwork
Programme Assistant

Public Administration Capacity Branch
Division for Public Administration and Development Management
kelemwork@un.org


BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS




CONTACTS
Elia Armstrong
Chief

Development Management Branch
Division for Public Administration and Development Management
armstronge@un.org

Daniel Bato
Inter-regional Adviser
Development Management Branch
Division for Public Administration and Development Management
bato@un.org

Patricia Penuen
Programme Assistant
Development Management Branch
Division for Public Administration and Development Management
penuen@un.org


BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

CONTACT

Ms. Katherine Gifford
Programme Specialist
Governance and National Planning
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN)

Email: katherine.gifford@unwomen.org




BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS



BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
 
Knowledge Base of UNPSA Initiatives

Knowledge Base of UNPSA Initiatives

Publications


Social Media

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