United Nations news in brief: 13 December 2016
Following are brief summaries of some of today’s news stories from around the UN system. Click on the links provided for more detailed coverage.
UN chief appoints new Special Representative for South Sudan
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of David Shearer of New Zealand as his new Special Representative for South Sudan and the head of the UN mission in the country (UNMISS). Mr. Shearer, a current Member of Parliament, replaces Ellen Margrethe Løj of Denmark. He will take up his new position in 2017.
Investigate alleged police brutality in Cameroon – UN rights office
Urging the Government of Cameroon to ensure prompt, effective and independent investigations into reports of excessive use of force during a protest in Bamenda town last week, reportedly resulting in the deaths of four people, OHCHR called on all stakeholders, including the authorities and demonstrators to maintain calm and avoid any violence.
UN expert hopes Fiji’s leadership will act against racism and xenophobia
Concluding his fact-finding visit to the Pacific island nation, UN independent rights expert Mutuma Ruteere called on Fiji’s political leadership to redouble efforts to eliminate institutionalised racism and xenophobia. He also hailed the work of all Fijians to ensure reconciliation and constructive dialogue in the society.
Security Council extends mission of UN mission Libya for nine months
In a unanimous action, the UN Security Council today extended the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for nine months, until September 2017, encouraging, inter alia, the Mission to continue working towards a phased return to a permanent presence in the country, as security conditions would allow.
Lack of action on ICC arrest warrants fostering impunity, Security Council told
Briefing the Security Council today, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court warned that as long as there was no direct Council action to induce Sudan and other countries to execute the Court’s arrest warrants against five suspects indicted for grave crimes committed, impunity would encourage new crimes.