Afghanistan Problem

Afghanistan is still bleeding and a neogotiated settlement is must to avoid another bloody civil war to get control of Kabul.

The negotiated settlement should have been part of Doha negotiation but unfortunately it was not done.Feeling truimphant Afghan Taliban are now trying to capture as much ground as much possible and even seize Kabul if they can.

History shows that no group can unilaterly control Kabul and different ethno-political group must be taken on board for an iterm set up.

What is the solution?

On paper the solution is very simple.All Afghan groups should sit down on negotiation table and reach out some kind of interim arrangement with gaurantees from international commmunity especially from regional powers like Russia.China.Pakistan.Iran and Turkey.

The interim government shold immedoately start work on some kind of new constitutional arrangement and ultimately transfer power to a popularly elected government within a span of two years or even more as the circumstances semand.

Peace in Afghanistan is central to peace in the whole region.

During the interim period international community should come out with a mega reconstruction plan to provide health and

 educational facilities and physical infrastructure.

Job intensive projects may be initiated to to to improve living stamdards of families.

Interest free loans for youth to start some kind of small business for youth both boys and girls alongwith necessary technical support.

Afghan people need a moderen Islamic welfare and democratic state.

It is high time that Afghan leadership should demonstrate political will and determination for a durable peace in Afghanistan.

5 things you should know about the state of the global economy

5 things you should know about the state of the global economy IMF/Ernesto Benavides Goods are transported by hands in Lima, Peru. 10 May 2021 Economic Development Is this the year we overcome the global economic crisis caused by the pandemic? Are our jobs in danger? Who has lost the most in the crisis and what can be done to recover? As the UN Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA) prepares to launch the mid-year update of the 2021 World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, here are five things you need to know about the state of the global economy. Dock workers unload fresh fish from a boat in Casablanca, Morocco.IMF/ Jake Lyell Dock workers unload fresh fish from a boat in Casablanca, Morocco. 1) US and China bounce back, but a slow recovery for developing countries While economic output in the United States and China is expected to grow robustly and lift global growth, many developing economies are not expected to return to pre-pandemic output levels anytime soon. The pandemic is far from over for most developing countries where vaccination is advancing slowly, and fiscal pressures have intensified. 2) The situation of the most vulnerable has become even more precarious Lockdowns and social distancing measures resulted in large job losses in contact-intensive and labour-intensive service sectors, which predominantly employ women. The pandemic has also exposed the vulnerability of informal employment, which is the main source of jobs in many countries and which offers less job security, social protection and access to healthcare. An egg vendor sits in her stall in Quiapo, Philippines.IMF/Lisa Marie David An egg vendor sits in her stall in Quiapo, Philippines. 3) Global trade recovery is strong, particularly in Asia Merchandise trade has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, buoyed by strong demand for electrical and electronic equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other manufactured goods. Trade in services remains constrained by restrictions on international travel. While exports from Asian economies have soared, exports from Africa, Western Asia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States has stalled. 4) The COVID-19 crisis has inflicted more harm on women and girls This crisis disproportionately affected women, who suffered significant job and income losses, contributing to the worsening of gender poverty gaps. Burdened by increased home care duties, many girls and women gave up on schools, and the workforce altogether. Returning to school and work might take longer or may not happen at all for many of them, further widening gender gaps in education, income and wealth. Women textile workers perform quality control tests at a factoy in Izmir, Turkey.ILO/Kivanc Ozvardar Women textile workers perform quality control tests at a factoy in Izmir, Turkey. 5) Countries need to do more to address the uneven impact of the COVID-19 crisis There is an urgent need for countries to formulate better targeted and gender-sensitive policies to drive a more resilient and inclusive recovery from the crisis. Though on the frontlines of the pandemic, women have been under-represented in pandemic related decision-making and economic policy responses. The severe and disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women and girls call for more targeted policy and support measures for women and girls, not only to accelerate the recovery but also to ensure that the recovery is inclusive and resilient. A rice mill worker fills a sack with rice in Ratchathani province, Thailand.UN Women/Piyavit Thongsa-Ard A rice mill worker fills a sack with rice in Ratchathani province, Thailand. Courtesy:UN News

Security council upholds role of multilateralism in a complex world.Courtesy:UN News

Security Council upholds role of multilateralism in a complex world UN peacekeepers patrol the Mopti region of eastern Mali. MINUSMA/Harandane Dicko UN peacekeepers patrol the Mopti region of eastern Mali. 7 May 2021 UN Affairs The President of the UN General Assembly on Friday urged countries to “do better” in making COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone, everywhere, warning that “good intentions are no match for vaccines in arms.” Briefing a high-level Security Council debate on upholding multilateralism, Volkan Bozkir equated fair distribution of vaccines with civilian protection. He commended recent developments on vaccine patent waivers which will help save lives, and lamented that low-income countries have so far received just 0.3 per cent of all doses. “We can do better. We must do better”, Mr Bozkir told the online meeting. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not a zero-sum game. Good intentions are no match for vaccines in arms.” Division and failure As the General Assembly President, Mr Bozkir was speaking on behalf of the UN’s 193 Member States. Earlier in his speech, he addressed the Council’s “special responsibility” in international peace and security. For millions worldwide, the 15-member chamber “is the face and embodiment of the United Nations”, and its successes or failures are seen as the success or failure of the UN. “On many occasions, the Council has been divided, and unable to rise to the challenge. For most of those cases, the reason for failure, is the differences between its members, in particular, its permanent members”, he said. Mr Bozkir highlighted the need for reform, and a more representative, accountable and transparent Council, stating “I am conveying this, as the President of the most democratic organ of our system.” Commit to cooperation The online debate was convened by China, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month. State Councillor and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, emphasized the importance of global cooperation and dialogue. “As the world goes through a raging pandemic and profound changes rarely seen in a century, we need to firmly commit to the path of cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win, and put real multilateralism into practice”, he said, speaking through an interpreter. Mr Yi also called for the UN to place greater emphasis on public health, counter-terrorism, climate change and other non-traditional security issues. “The ongoing pandemic has also amplified the unadaptable side of the global governance system,” he added. “The UN needs to keep pace with the times and should improve its efficiency, emergency response capability, and transparency of its work through reform. Earnestly increase the representation and voice of developing countries and make the global governance system more just and equitable.” Collaboration and push-back At a time of rising nationalism and repression, and deepening rivalries among nations, multilateralism remains “our best tool for tackling global challenges”, said Antony Blinken the United States Secretary of State. He affirmed US commitment to work with all countries, even adversaries, to combat “big complex problems” such as the pandemic and climate change. “At the same time, we will continue to push back forcefully when we see countries undermine the international order, pretend that the rules we’ve all agreed to don’t exist, or simply violate them at will”, he said. “Because for the system to deliver, all countries must abide by it and put in the work for its success.” Respect the UN Charter Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted the UN as the backbone of the modern world order. He called for countries to “unconditionally adhere” to the UN Charter when forming foreign policy, including respecting sovereignty and ensuring non-interference in internal affairs. “This is particularly important at the current stage in the complex formation of a multi-polar system of international relations”, he said, speaking through an interpreter. Mr. Lavrov also noted that more “narrow partnerships” are being created to discuss issues already on the UN agenda, such as security in cyberspace. “If we are all actually saying that we are in favour of multilateralism, then let’s honestly together try to find ways to establish it justly without attempts to prove anyone’s primacy or to undermine anyone’s rights.”

Remembering victims of second World War by UN

8 May 2021 Peace and Security The Second World War had a profound impact on the international community, and established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations. This weekend marks the official remembrance of the tens of millions of civilians and soldiers who died during the conflict. In total, about 40 million civilians, and some 20 million soldiers, lost their lives in the war between 1939 and 1945. On 8 and 9 May, the UN invites its 193 member countries, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, to pay tribute to the victims of the conflict. The date of 8 May was chosen because it is the day the Nazi forces in Germany surrendered in 1945 but, recognizing that UN member states may have their own memorable days associated with the victory over fascism, the General Assembly invited all countries, UN organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals to celebrate either 8 May, 9 May, or both of these days annually as a tribute to all victims of the Second World War. The General Assembly Resolution establishing this day, adopted in 2014, notes that this historic event laid down the conditions for the creation of the United Nations, which was founded to "save future generations from the scourge of war", according to its founding Charter. The Resolution calls on member states to unite their efforts to face new challenges and threats, with the United Nations playing a central role in resolving disputes by peaceful means. The UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) organized the sending of food products to countries devastated by the Second World War. UN Photo The UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) organized the sending of food products to countries devastated by the Second World War. Untold sorrow to humankind In this text, the General Assembly recalls that the Second World War "brought untold sorrow to humankind, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world", and underlines the progress made since, and the UN’s important role in overcoming this painful legacy, and promoting reconciliation. In a Tweet published on Saturday, the UN Chief António Guterres recalled that the UN was born following the victory over fascism and tyranny, and urged the world to "never forget the lessons of history, and continue working for a future of peace & dignity for all." Courtesy:UN News

New UN-led global immunization push aims to save more than 50 million lives A young boy is vaccinated against measles and rubella during a national vaccination campaign in Bangladesh.© UNICEF/Jannatul Mawa

26 April 2021 Health A UN-led global immunization strategy was unveiled on Monday to reach more than 50 million children who have missed lifesaving jabs against diseases such as measles, yellow fever and diptheria, in large part because of COVID-19 disruption. “Even before the pandemic, there were worrying signs that we were beginning to lose ground in the fight against preventable child illness, with 20 million children already missing out on critical vaccinations”, said Henrietta Fore, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director. According to UNICEF, disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 meant that vaccine deliveries fell from 2.29 billion in 2019, to just over two billion vaccine doses last year. Lost ground “The pandemic has made a bad situation worse, causing millions more children to go unimmunized”, Ms. Fore maintained. “Now that vaccines are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we must sustain this energy to help every child catch up on their measles, polio and other vaccines. We have no time to waste. Lost ground means lost lives.” Echoing that message, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus along with partner GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, urged universal access to immunization and far greater investment in primary health care to support mass jab drives. “Vaccines will help us end the COVID-19 pandemic but only if we ensure fair access for all countries, and build strong sy stems to deliver them”, he said. According to the UN health agency, immunization services have started to recover from the disruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. But a WHO survey indicated that more than one-third of respondent countries still report problems delivering routine jabs. 228 million at risk Today, 60 lifesaving mass vaccination campaigns have been postponed in 50 countries, putting around 228 million people - mostly children - at risk for diseases such as measles, yellow fever and polio, WHO warned. More than half of the 50 affected countries are in Africa, while measles campaigns have seen most disruption, accounting for 23 postponed vaccination drives, affecting an estimated 140 million people. “Many of these (measles) campaigns have been delayed for over a year”, WHO noted, warning that failure to protect against this highly contagious disease risks large outbreaks wherever people are unvaccinated. Serious measles outbreaks have already been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan and Yemen as a result of gaps in vaccination coverage, WHO said, at the start of World Immunization Week 2021. These outbreaks are happening in places already grappling with conflict situations as well as service disruptions due to ongoing response measures to COVID-19. Lifesaving resource The world has vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives – as is their right - according to the Immunization Agenda 2030 strategy to support recovery from COVID-19 disruptions. “Strong immunization systems will be needed to ensure that people everywhere are protected against COVID-19 and other diseases” over the next decade, the campaign’s website explained, underscoring the savings and economic returns made by investing in vaccination programmes for individuals, communities and countries. “Ensuring everyone receives the vaccines they need will provide exceptional return on investment and help keep the world safe from future pandemics.” Finding the ‘zero-dose’ children “Millions of children across the world are likely to miss out on basic vaccines as the current pandemic threatens to unravel two decades of progress in routine immunization”, said Dr Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. To support the recovery from COVID-19 and “to fight future pandemics”, Dr Berkley called for routine immunization to be prioritized – and “to focus on reaching children who do not receive any routine vaccines, or ‘zero-dose’ children”. The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) – uniting WHO, UNICEF, GAVI and other partners - focuses on vaccination throughout life, from infancy through to adolescence and older age. If fully implemented, it will avert an estimated 50 million deaths, according to WHO – 75 per cent of them in low and lower-middle income countries. Courtesy:UN News

DR Congo: ‘Relentless’ violence worsening plight of children in Ituri province

Two boys at the Loda camp for internally displaced people in Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo (file photo).UNICEF/Desjardins Two boys at the Loda camp for internally displaced people in Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo (file photo). 26 April 2021 Peace and Security A recent spike in inter-community violence in the eastern province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening the plight of children there, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said on Monday, urging greater international support. UNICEF and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned about the violence, which includes machete attacks and sexual assaults. A desperate humanitarian crisis Jean Metenier, UNICEF’s Senior Coordinator for Eastern DRC, said the agency will continue to raise the alarm to prevent the world from becoming numb to what he described as a desperate humanitarian crisis. “Every day, children and their rights are undermined through relentless violence and grave rights violations, displacement, rising food insecurity, and lack of access to pretty much every basic service, including schooling”, he stated. “We say it over and again: we need the international community to step up, as our work is barely scratching the surface of needs.” Violations and displacement UNICEF said nearly 175 grave violations have occurred across Ituri since January, such as recruitment of children into armed groups, killing and maiming of children, sexual violence and attacks on schools and hospitals. In most cases, humanitarians were denied full access to the areas most affected by violence in Djugu and Irumu territories. The attacks have displaced a large number of people, UNICEF said, and more than 275 children, including 118 girls, have been separated from their parents. Ituri has a total population of 5.7 million people. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million people across the province are displaced, and 2.8 million are in need of some form of emergency assistance. Step up support UNICEF shared data on the full extent of the crisis there. More than 100,000 children under five suffer severe acute malnutrition: a direct consequence of food insecurity that is affecting nearly 800,000 people, while attacks on schools have affected around 400,000 children aged six to Courtesy:UN News11. Although the UN agency has provided non-food and hygiene items to more than 8,000 people in South Irumu territory - and is mobilizing partners in areas such as child protection, water, sanitation, and health - these efforts will not be enough to meet the immense needs. UNICEF is calling for aid agencies and donors to continue supporting response in the DRC, noting that its 2021 humanitarian appeal for $384.4 million is less than 20 per cent funded.

Use COVID-19 recovery to make inclusion ‘a reality’, UN chief says on World Day

Use COVID-19 recovery to make inclusion ‘a reality’, UN chief says on World Day Mahmoud, who has autism, holding the letter P he was asked to find at his classroom in Egypt.UNICEF/Rehab El-Dalil Mahmoud, who has autism, holding the letter P he was asked to find at his classroom in Egypt. 2 April 2021 Health Building a more inclusive and accessible world that recognizes the contributions of all people, including persons with disabilities must be a “key goal” as countries work to recover from COVID-19 pandemic, United Nations Secretary-General said on Friday, commemorating World Autism Awareness Day. “The crisis has created new obstacles and challenges. But efforts to reignite the global economy offer an opportunity to reimagine the workplace to make diversity, inclusion and equity a reality”, Secretary-General António Guterres said. “Recovery is also a chance to rethink our systems of education and training to ensure that persons with autism are afforded opportunities for realizing their potential”, he added. Breaking ‘old habits’ crucial Mr. Guterres also emphasized that breaking old habits will be crucial. For persons with autism, he added, access to decent work on an equal basis requires creating an enabling environment, along with reasonable accommodations. “To truly leave no one behind in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, we must realize the rights of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism, ensuring their full participation in social, cultural and economic life”, he said. “Let us work together with all persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to find innovative solutions to recover better and build a better world for all.” Inequalities worsened by COVID-19 According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), one in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD begins in childhood and tends to persist into adolescence and adulthood. Intervention during early childhood is important to promote the optimal development and well-being of persons with an ASD, WHO added, emphasizing the importance of monitoring of child development as part of routine maternal and child health care. While some individuals with ASD are able to live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. Persons with an ASD are also often subject to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of health care, education, protection under law, and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities. The World Day The World Autism Awareness Day, to be commemorated annually on 2 April, was established in December 2007 by the UN General Assembly, which affirmed that “ensuring and promoting the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities is critical to achieving internationally agreed development goals”. The General Assembly also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate research and interventions for the growth and development of the individual, and called for efforts to raise awareness throughout society, including at the family level, regarding children with autism. courtesy:UN News