This is the News in Brief from the United Nations.
CAR militia leader transferred to International Criminal Court
The leader of a mainly Christian militia faction in the Central African Republic, has been transferred to the International Criminal Court, or ICC, to face accusations of crimes against humanity and war crimes. In a statement, the Court detailed some of the alleged crimes committed by Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, including murder, torture, persecution and mutilation.
Mr Ngaïssona was arrested on the 12th of December in France, on a warrant for crimes allegedly committed in CAR during 2013 and 2014. In a press release, the ICC said that the date of his initial appearance before the court will be announced soon.
Speaking on Wednesday to UN News, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah outlined the next steps in the case.
"The Pre-Trial Chamber Two of the ICC found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Ngaïssona is liable for these charges. There will be a first appearance hearing, during which the Pre-Trial Chamber will confirm the identity of the suspect, ensures that he understands that charges and confirms the language in which the proceedings should be conducted for his understanding, as well as setting a date to begin what we call at the ICC the confirmation of charges hearing, which is a pre-trial hearing allowing the judges to decide whether or not the case should move to a trial."
UNICEF urges Sudan to protect children from violence
The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has called on the Sudanese government to make child protection a priority, following reports that children were killed and injured in ongoing protests against the authorities, that began last month.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said that authorities in the country must also safeguard children’s rights to education and health in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Mr. Cappelaere said that Sudan has seen an unprecedented hike in the cost of living, and increased poverty. According to reports received by UNICEF, more children now require health and nutrition care.
UN Chief calls on “bold, innovative ideas” from global digital tech leaders
UN Chief António Guterres has urged global decision-makers and influencers to come up with “bold, innovative ideas” for sustainable development and digital technology.
The call by Mr. Guterres was aimed at the members of the UN’s high-level panel on digital cooperation, which is led by philanthropist Melinda Gates and Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
Addressing the Geneva-based event via video-link, the Secretary-General said that new thinking is needed to harness the benefits and manage the risks of the digital age, such as the growing challenge of international cyber-attacks.
Conor Lennon, UN News.
