This is the News in Brief, from the United Nations.
UN rights chief appeals for ‘immediate dialogue’ to end Chile crisis
Politicians and civil society in Chile are being urged to engage in “immediate dialogue” to help end deadly protests which have gripped the nation in recent days, prompting the President to declare a state of emergency.
Making the appeal is the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, who said she is “deeply disturbed and saddened” by the violence, destruction, death and injuries.
The protests began last week following a proposed hike in subway fares, which has now been suspended, and rising inequality.
So far, at least eight people have died though the number could be higher, according to information from the UN human rights office, OHCHR.
Ms. Bachelet called on the Government to work with all sectors of society in Chile “to find solutions that can help calm the situation and address the grievances of the population.”
She also urged people planning to take part in protests “to do so peacefully”.
Security Council visits South Sudan ahead of expected government formation
The UN Security Council was in South Sudan in a visit the 15 ambassadors described as an opportunity to secure lasting peace in the conflict-affected country.
The delegation arrived at a critical stage in the peace process as a unified transitional government is due to be formed in just three weeks.
South Sudan became independent in 2011 but has been wracked by six years of ongoing clashes between supporters of President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.
The two leaders signed a peace deal in September 2018 in efforts to end the fighting.
Council members acknowledged that progress has been made since then, including a reduction in political violence, increased food production and enhanced humanitarian access.
However, they urged leaders to expedite implementation of the peace deal and meet the 12 November deadline for forming the unified transitional government.
UNHCR chief praises Zambia’s generosity towards refugees
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has praised Zambia for demonstrating true solidarity with people who have been forced to flee their homelands due to conflict, war and persecution.
Filippo Grandi was recently in the southern African nation for a two-day visit where he saw first-hand the country’s progressive policies on refugee integration.
Mr. Grandi travelled to Mantapala, a refugee settlement located in northern Zambia, where he met local people who are working and living side-by-side with refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“We should never forget that when refugees come to a country like Zambia, the first impacted is the local community. They have to share meagre resources, land, wood and of course it is tough, but we have spoken to many people both from the community and refugees and they have told us that they live in harmony together.”
Zambia currently hosts more than 84,000 refugees, mainly from the DRC, Somalia, Rwanda and Burundi, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which Mr. Grandi heads.
Economic inclusion of refugees will be among topics discussed at the first Global Refugee Forum being held in Geneva in December, where countries and the private sector are expected to announce contributions to support nations and communities which welcome refugees.
Dianne Penn, UN News
